From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
The 'SS' starter motor, criticising its lack of reserve power compared to the existing reliable Phantom unit.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\T\November1928\ Scan009 | |
| Date | 3rd November 1928 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to BJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} ORIGINAL. 'SS{S. Smith}' STARTER MOTOR. X7625 X76522 X8620 One of the most anxious points we consider in connection with the 'SS{S. Smith}' is the Starter Motor. The present Phantom starter motor has proved itself to be a wonderfully reliable unit. We might even say that we have had less trouble with the starter on Silver Ghost and Phantoms than any other part of the car. Our experience so far with the SS.{S. Smith} type has shewn that considerable attention will have to be given to this unit before it will approach the standard of reliability which has been established on the present car. Briefly our criticisms, after using the starter motor, are :- There is no reserve of power. As a matter of fact the latest one we have fitted up has not sufficient power to start a really cold engine. We understand that the later ones will be an improvement in this respect. The point however we wish to make is that we think it is essential to have ample reserve on the starter motor. These cars are expected to operate in any part of the world, and if the starter motor fails, a car in these days is considered unuseable. On the present Phantom starter motor we have a 23/1 gear reduction and 6" motor, on the 'SS{S. Smith}' we have a 16/1 gear reduction and a 5" motor. contd :- | ||