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).
Recurring tappet spring breakages and proposals for investigation.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 35\3\ scan 021 | |
| Date | 4th December 1920 | |
| BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} from EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} c. to HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to SFT.{Mr Swift} c. to Wd.{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} X 2764 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} RECEIVED DEC 4 1920 A.T. EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}19/F3.12.20. RE. TAPPET SPRING BREAKAGES. We are at present having trouble with the breakage of these springs. This is mostly happening on cars which have been in service for some time. We are sending to you a sample of a broken spring, as we consider this is a point which requires our investigation. The springs have the appearance of flaws, and it may be that we have struck a batch of faulty material, which seems likely from the experience we have had with valve springs in the past. Could the matter be taken up with the makers? At the same time, will Sft{Mr Swift} also arrange for careful inspection to be given to the springs before taking into Stores, and could not a few be run on our testing rig to see if the breakage can be reproduced? Although this point is receiving our inspection whilst the engines are going through their tests, we feel that the breakage is one which only takes place after a certain amount of running. It is important that these springs should not break as they affect the running of the engine. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} | ||