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).
Extract from a report detailing vehicle performance and issues over two days, including engine starting problems and piston rattles.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 35\5\ scan 097 | |
| Date | 4th March 1920 | |
| X.2894. Extract from - REPORT ON 2.EX. X 3443 X.3129. X.2894. X.1809. Monday, March 1st. This morning the engine refused to start owing to the tungsten points ebing fitted so badly. After cleaning and adjusting them the engine started immediately so I started off for Paris driving very steadily until I arrived at the Paris depot about 7-30 P.M. While crossing Paris the speedometer stopped registering and it was found that the driving cable had twisted off. Unable to get another one long enough. Wednesday, March 3rd. Started off this morning with a good load of luggage and three up. Piston rattles have been very bad to-day, when pulling hard either on the level or climbing, with water temperature over 80°C. These rattles seemed to be much worse during the heat of the day than in the evening when the air was much cooler though the water was still between 80° and 80°C. I had to continually be easing up on account of these rattles and on opening out they would return at first very slightly then gradually getting worse until the throttle had to be closed again. B.J. says he has noticed the same rattle on P.N's car. After making a stop to-day that battery ignition refused to work and it was found that the tungsten points had come off the balde, so I fitted the platinum blade an d screw. Arrived at Roanne about 8-30 P.M. | ||