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).
Letter detailing customer feedback on oil consumption, engine noise, and brake characteristics on Chassis No.B.172.FB.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 114\3\ scan0025 | |
| Date | 21th December 1938 | |
| K/W. GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} PK/KC/DPB/21.12.38. Dear George, Chassis No.B.172.FB. I received today a visit from Mr.Preston of North Curry, who you will remember is the gentleman who had trouble with his engine about 12 months ago, and who at the present moment, is carrying out some tests for you at his own expense on Wakefield's CW.oil. He has just come in today and has given me the attached typewritten sheet, which is self explanatory. You will notice (and also you must remember) that Mr.Preston, when he says a "fast run" is a very fast driver, although he does not in any way abuse his engine. He says, and it is remarkable by the figures given, that his consumption over 300 miles - North Curry to London and back - is only 1½ pints. Another interesting thing is that after 800 miles, he used 4 pints of oil. All these tests were taken after a clean fill up with Castrol CW. in his characteristically thorough manner - that is to say, to make absolutely certain that only CW. is present in the engine. A point of interest - Mr.Preston says that there are one or two things which he has noticed and which possibly you are aware of with regard to the use of thin oil:- (1) He considers that the engine is definitely noisier and if in the hands of a finicky owner, there would be complaints. [Handwritten note in margin next to point (1)] we agree. I have experienced this By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} (2) With a free engine there is a geater tendency for the idling/knock to shew up after a fast run, but it disappears as the engine oil cools down and normal viscosity is gained. So much for the engine. [Handwritten note in margin next to point (2)] not noticed on my car By Incidentally his EZ. liners are exhibiting a very peculiar characteristic in this very cold weather. On pulling up occasionally the brakes emit a most peculiar wheezing noise, or more accurately described by Mr.Preston as a "whistling" noise. He says there is nothing offensive about this noise, but it is something new to him as they have been anti-squeak proof ever since we fitted them 12 months ago - a very interesting point. -contd- | ||