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).
Response to Capt. A.G. Frazer Nash regarding issues with front axle lean, steering, and engine pinking.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 90\2\ scan0025 | |
| Date | 1st October 1936 | |
| W/K.{Mr Kilner} c.c. to H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} c.c. to GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} x261 h Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}8/KW.).10.36. B-102-GA. Capt. A.G. Frazer Nash. With reference to Mr. Frazer Nash's letter of the 30th Sept., the controversial points appear to be reduction in the front axle pivot lean, reduction in sponginess of the steering, and the elimination of pinking. (1) Reduction in Front Axle Pivot lean. The limiting factor in altering the pivot lean is the directional stability of the car, and the freedom from diving when braking. Both these points are likely to deteriorate if the pivot lean is reduced to less than 1° backwards. We suggest that you try reducing the backward pivot lean to 1°, and if no ill effects are apparent on the car after doing this, there is no reason why this should not be passed on to the customer. (2) Reduction in sponginess of the Steering. Sr. in Paris has been using steerings with the side steering tube springs cut down to the minimum. There is no objection to this so long as the spring loading is maintained on the ball end. A simple method is to arrange the stops so that the pendulum lever ball end has only about .010" spring control movement in either direction. (3) Elimination of Detonation & Pinking. Unless there is some fault in the cylinder head, which seems unlikely, the trouble is probably due to the ignition governor. We have had certain instances where governors have had too much internal friction in them, the result being that after running at high speeds they failed to retard the ignition and severe detonation therefore takes place when next the engine is opened up. We suggest that you contact with Hancock with regard to this matter, as we have told him that you are dealing with the job. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||