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 overheating issues in Australia, requesting piston rings and discussing potential solutions.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 35\2\ scan 012 | |
| Date | 18th March 1916 | |
| For to EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}: " " Mr.Hives. AUSTRALIA. CP12/M3516. Overheating. ----- I have received a report from Peat, dated 18/3/16 which reads as follows:- "I beg to confirm herewith my cable to you of even date, 'Post thirty double piston rings-urgent. Peat.'" These are wanted for chassis 2570E the property of A.S.Austin Esq. of "Eilyer" Lake Bolac, Western Victoria. This car persistently overheats and I am intending to lift the cylinders to investigate the cause of the trouble. Mr. Austin tells me that this engine was once allowed to get very hot indeed owing to carelessness regarding the amount of water in the radiator so I think so it is just possible that the rings have lost their spring and elasticity and may need replacing. Complaints about overheating are becoming unpleasantly common out here and I should like to hear whether you have any suggestions to make as to treatment of such cases. It seems to me that larger radiators are an expensive and uncertain method of dealing with the trouble and I suggest that we try something in the way of an oil radiator which could be made easily to fit the standard connections on the oil pump and sump. Do you find that the engines with the new light type of piston are more prone to this fault or not? Considering the varying conditions under which our cars have to work in different parts of the world to say nothing of the variations locally in these different parts it certainly seems that there is some need for an automatic temperature control, all other methods being merely palliatives and makeshifts. Any remarks that the Test Dept. or Experimental Dept. may have to make re above would be much appreciated." Will you please let me have your remarks. WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} | ||