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).
Cylinder bore wear on chassis B.181-EJ and the company's response.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 132\5\ scan0147 | |
| Date | 23th August 1940 | |
| N/Belper - Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/CTS{C. Trot Salt - Carburation} Experimental Dept. From Br.{T. E. Bellringer - Repair Manager} at N. [Handwritten] 1123 [Handwritten] CHASSIS CYLINDER BORE WEAR [Handwritten and struck-through] File Re: Chassis No. B.181-EJ - Dr. Beare. With reference to your Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/CTS.{C. Trot Salt - Carburation}3/ET.21.8.40., and Mr. Martin-Hurst's letter to you and your reply to him of the 21st inst., we have noted your remarks but there appear to be certain things for you to consider:- 1. It is a 3 1/2-litre chassis and not 4 1/4. 2. The engine had run 31,579 miles when the regrind took place and not 22,000 as mentioned by Mr. Martin-Hurst, therefore in view of the use to which the car is put by the owner (constant stopping and starting), his cylinder wear can hardly be regarded as abnormal. This morning Mr. Martin-Hurst 'phoned us on another matter, and we took the opportunity of talking to him about the above car, i.e. ascertaining the chassis number and owner's name etc. It transpired then that the owner appears to be quite satisfied, but on Mr. Martin-Hurst's suggestion, he was prepared to adopt a thermostat to assist him in getting the engine warm quickly. We ascertained from our discussion that Dr. Beare is very busy, and it would be difficult to get him to lay the car up at this period for the length of time that you would require for dealing with the cylinder blocks, also having regard to the use of the car, there was no suggestion of abnormal and early wear, thirdly that providing we did not object, Mr. Hurst proposed to fit up the thermostat himself, as he had the necessary parts. I finished up by stating, on behalf of the firm, that we should have no objection to his doing this work, and that the matter of chromium plating the cylinder bores should be dropped. With regard to car work generally, we think we ought to let you know that our policies have been somewhat altered for the present. The Administration have decided that this Department is to be fully occupied on War work to the greatest possible extent, and that car repairs were to be brought down to the Minimum, so that only essential P.T.O. | ||