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).
Resolving engine over-oiling issues, the implementation of special road tests, and procedures for handling customer cars and complaints.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 72\1\ scan0073 | |
| Date | 28th October 1925 | |
| 2. BJ9/H28.10.25 (Cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary}) CWB. mentioned that when a car had had new rings fitted and had then passed through the present special test on the road, there had been no case of the car being returned to us for over-oiling. The fitting of new rings, plus the special road test, has apparently settled the matter satisfactorily, at any rate for the present. N. will keep in close touch with W. to arrange for a representative to visit W. weekly, to ascertain what is the latest system of dealing with these over-oiling troubles. In the past N. have had insufficient information on this subject to keep them up-to-date. The special road test now being made by EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} before delivery to S. is considered to be as satisfactory as any test that can be made. All chassis now being made at the Works are not having the oil holes in the rocker arms plugged. This is only being done when it is found that the engine is over-oiling. All complete cars will again go through this special road test before delivery to customers. All new chassis which have not gone through the special road test at Derby, namely, those delivered before the special test was instituted, will receive a special road test in London, before the body is fitted if possible, as well as a special test as complete cars. It is unnecessary for over-oiling cars to go to Derby to be cured. This could be effected at N. It may sometimes be desirable to send an over-oiling car to Derby when Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} wishes to give it his personal attention in the Experimental Dept. but this will be extremely seldom. The number of complaints of over-oiling cars or chassis after delivery from W. to S. is 31. A large number of these were complete cars and the customers were greatly annoyed at the delay and having their new cars taken away from them just after delivery. Should we not deal with complete cars already delivered to customers, but about which we have received no complaints, as follows:- When a car comes to W. or N. it should be tested to ascertain whether the exhaust smokes, or if it is likely to give trouble, and if so, new piston rings etc. should be immediately fitted, | ||