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).
Elusive engine knocks found in cars with the latest type of aluminium split pistons.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 77\3\ scan0128 | |
| Date | 2nd March 1920 | |
| Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} to Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} C.H. X 3451 EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}3/F2.3.20. X.3451 RE LATEST TYPE ALUMINIUM SPLIT PISTONS. The Demonstration car was given its weekly test by Mr. Maddocks yesterday, the car having run 3,700 miles. He reports that - "it has signs of elusive knocks. They are not apparent when engine is running throttled down, but can be heard quite distinctly immediately on closing throttle after running the engine fairly fast". I should also like to point out that a certain number of new cars on test are developing these slight elusive knocks after their routine of test, and just prior of delivery. These we are curing by dismantling and refitting the pistons so as to reduce the clearance, and which we find effectively cures this elusive knock. I trust that a definite cure for the above is receiving your urgent attention. I do not feel happy in sending the cars out in this condition, and if there is anything further I can do over and above that pointed out, I should be glad to have the information from you as quickly as ever possible. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} | ||