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).
Engine knock issue with Major Victor Walker's car, chassis 7-LF.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\2\ Scan040 | |
| Date | 10th December 1927 | |
| S/W. {Sales / Derby Works} Wor. {Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Copy to:- EP. {G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Hm. {Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} H. {Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} Re: 7-LF. Major Victor Walker. This car has been referred to previously in connection with the engine knock (galloping knock). It is a case in which the trouble as at present exists has undoubtedly grown since the car was delivered. One of the features of this car is that the extent of the trouble varies enormously from day to day, but in its worst manifestations there is no doubt that the owner is justified in making a complaint and in fact, at these times it is so bad that it is certainly against our interests for the car to be used at all. The car has been tested on many occasions, including one occasion last week by EP. {G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} when unfortunately the trouble was not very apparent, but as a result of all these tests it is strongly felt that the slight galloping knock which undoubtedly exists is greatly complicated by other troubles which it is possible for us to remedy pending the discovery of the true cure for the galloping knock. Under these circumstances BJ. has agreed that the car should be taken in hand immediately in order to make certain that any features of the engine which might cause these complications, such as the slipper drive, the bearings, the pistons, are as perfect as it is possible for us to make them, but that it shall not be kept for investigating the galloping knock as it is most urgently required by Major Walker for his own use and to carry out certain engagements which he has already made. The car will be driven to W. on Monday and it is hoped that it will be possible for you to take it in hand immediately and to carry out the work outlined above so that it may be possible for us to return the car to him within 10 days which is necessary if Major Walker is not to be seriously inconvenienced. After the car has been inspected and examined at W. would you please let me know what promises can be made in this respect. CWB. | ||