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).
Investigation into a recurring engine popping issue on a 30 HP car, suspecting Ethyl petrol.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 130\2\ scan0204 | |
| Date | 21th October 1936 | |
| 81113 To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} c. to Td. Cricklewood, Oct. 21st, 1936. Complaints 30 HP. We are up against the 40-50 M.P.H. poping in the carburetter. We have come to the conclusion that it is ignition trouble due to the use of Ethyl Petrol. We had GUL.59 in once more (five times in all) for the same trouble. It has been dealt with as follows. 1st. time in. Plugs cleaned, poping cured. 2nd. " " Carburetter cleaned, plugs cleaned, poping cured. 3rd " " Plugs. New plugs fitted, cured. 4th " " Carburetter modifications and .064 jet fitted, cured. 5th " " I have obtained 12 K.L.G. plugs from Kingsbury and fitted 6 to the car, trouble cured. Total mileage of the car 2,407. the failure. The following facts have been noted, re This car runs in London Monday to Friday, and no trouble is apparent. On Saturday the Owner goes out for golf, and each time he starts to do speed, the popping occurs. It will run again for the following week after the plugs have been cleaned, no trouble until it is taken out for the golf run. It is apparent from these results that an insulation forms on the plug points by oxidization or some chemical action due to the use of Ethyl. | ||