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).
Investigating an engine detonation (pinking) issue on car WXA.1, concluding poor quality petrol was the cause.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 109\5\ scan0133 | |
| Date | 17th April 1939 | |
| 664 COPY FOR FILES. To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FD.{Frank Dodd - Bodies} 17.4.39. re WXA.1. LA.{L. A. Archer} and myself tried this car today for the detonation reported by Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Although it could be made to detonate slightly if full torque and throttle were applied, the pinking was not noticeable under normal driving conditions. The only conclusion we can arrive at is that a poor sample of petrol was being used at the time when it was noticed by Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FD.{Frank Dodd - Bodies} The engines are being changed over immediately and the cars are expected back in London Wed. evening. | ||