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).
Significant issues and anxiety over the inspection, testing, and poor performance of various types of spark plugs.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 33\3\ Scan028 | |
| Date | 31th October 1919 | |
| Typed Text: To By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} - from Sft.{Mr Swift} The question of inspection, acceptance and rejection of Sparking Plugs is giving me considerable anxiety. The Test Department and Repair Department have complained of K.L.G. Plugs and Mr. Ellis carried out some experiments at the request of the Experimental Department on three Plugs, Bosch, H.S.C. and K.L.G. types. A list giving particulars of tests of these Plugs is attached hereto, with compression pressure made on Plugs which have been run for approximately 20 miles in an engine, and you will see that the Bosch Plug gives best results. The K.L.G. appears to be most unsatisfactory. Although all Plugs could undoubtedly be tested by us, it seems an unnecessary expense and I suggest that it be put up to the Experimental Department to make all the necessary tests and standardise a type of Plug. Probably you will consider this. In the meantime we are inspecting plugs and passing them into Stores just on appearance inspection only. Sft.{Mr Swift} Handwritten Text: Blu X18126 War agrees we must test all plugs & select who should talk matter over with Hm{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} & Mr Ellis. It appears that all types of plugs are faulty in our engines except prewar Bosch apparently 50% of plugs recd are unsatisfactory it is up to us to devise a scheme to eliminate these. We must have conference with above people & see if we can ease matters by preliminary qualifying test for each plug Ry 31-10-19 | ||