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).
Proposal for a series of experiments to investigate and resolve the issue of piston ring knocks.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 16\1\ Scan161 | |
| Date | 5th September 1923 | |
| C O P Y. To BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} HE. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} Hm{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs}4/W5.9.23. Re Piston Ring Knocks. Further to our Hm{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs}/NRC{N. R. Chandler}1/D4.9.23, we now propose to carry out the following experiments on a test bed kindly loaned by EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} (1) Run an engine with a set of pistons with reduced clearance on lands for 2,000 miles, with the object of proving whether the reduction (as shown on drawing No. R.1428 ground to R.804. but with reduced clearances above bottom ring) is too much or not, and try to find out whether knocks can still be obtained. (2) If these clearances are right to run a set of pistons with the combined experiments as described at (b) and (c) on the above mentioned memo, for 750 miles under varying loads. (3) If no trouble arises, transfer these cylinders and pistons to a car for a further run of approximately 200 miles to check the behaviour under road running conditions, over-oiling, blowing, gas, tightness etc. (4) If no trouble arises we propose to send a man to fit these cylinders and pistons on chassis 23-PB. Mr. Stanley Johnson's car. If you agree to this would you kindly let us know at once, as it is necessary to inform above owner what we are doing. We have another letter from him today complaining again. Would EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} please note that only a small percentage of cars are giving trouble. We should imagine the same proportion that gave trouble in pre-war days. As regards further experiments will Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} please advise what he considers is the best to do with aluminium pistons for pre-war cars. Hm.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} | ||