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).
Report regarding a 20-HP Make & Break Ignition Cam failure on a production test car and a customer's car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\4\ Scan085 | |
| Date | 19th January 1924 | |
| H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} Mr. Prior. Mr. Cox. c. EFC. X. 4158 EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}2/H19.1.24. re. 20-HP Make & Break Ignition Cam Failure. With reference to the failure on the 10,000 mile test production car, we have now had reported to us a similar failure on a new car in customer's hands, i.e. 83-K-O.{Mr Oldham} Mrs. Derbyshire. The engine was not running very satisfactorily, and on inspection it was found that the ignition timing was faulty, and our inspector reports that the fibre block was badly worn and the cam was on the soft side, which he polished up, and the 'scores' slightly stoned. The make and break arm was replaced with a spare one, and I attach the faulty arm referred to showing the wear taking place on the block. I shall be glad to know whether you propose to issue any instructions as to the action to be taken in connection with the cams on cars in service, especially in view of the fact that since the failure on the 10,000 mile test, all the cams on the cars on test were dismantled and I understand re-heat-treated. I do not wish to feel that in view of the above experience we should have a general trouble of faulty engine running owing to the failure of the battery ignition make and break mechanism. I consider in view of this trouble that wear and tear on the cam and block should be regularly inspected on the 10,000 mile test and reported on. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} | ||