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 and rectification of a persistent valve gear noise in a customer's car, No. 10-MX.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 13\4\ 04-page188 | |
| Date | 1st December 1935 | |
| To C, From Hx/Sym C.C. MS Ry. Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} Br.{T. E. Bellringer - Repair Manager} H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} RG{Mr Rowledge}/L MS/a RDT.* Hx* H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints}* Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Sym.15/K.1.12.35. No. 10-MX.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} JOLL. Esq. The above car was collected by me from Grimsdyewood on 26.11.35. and brought to Derby for investigation of valve gear noise, this apparently being a persistent complaint of the customer. I was told by Mr. WM. Messervy that the noise complained of was very pronounced at 55 - 60 m.p.h. after the engine had warmed up, and gradually became worse as the engine became hotter. It was soon evident on my run to Derby that the trouble complained of was due to a sticking valve, and this was traced to No.11. The cyl. head was dismantled, new valves and guides fitted, and valve seats re-cut to suit the new guides and cyl. head refitted to car. The car was then tested on the road for approx. 75 miles and appeared perfectly O.K. I started to deliver the car to London on Saturday morning 28.11.35. but on reaching Nuneaton a violent tappet noise developed and I decided to return to Derby with the car for further investigation. We were able to reproduce the trouble again the next day and we found that No's 7, 10, and 11 tappets became very noisy after a prolonged run. There was no evidence whatever of sticking valves, and the clearances between rocker and valve were correct. We then fitted another cyl. head complete with valves, rockers and push rods, and tested the car at sustained high speeds for 250 miles, and no tappet noise developed. I delivered the car to London on Wednesday 28.11.35. and demonstrated same to Mr. Joll's driver who expressed complete satisfaction with the car. I also interviewed Mr. Joll at his house in Harley Street and tried to impress upon him the fact that although we thought we had overcome his trouble we would be very glad if after running the car he would | ||