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).
Growing problem of 'piston ring clap' in cars and the urgent need for a permanent solution.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 48\1\ Scan160 | |
| Date | 11th December 1923 | |
| X4190 To BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} from Hm.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} To Wer. Hm{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs}/WW4/W11.12.23. Re Piston Ring Clap. We have a growing list of cars which have developed the piston ring trouble, and Cricklewood also have a similar list. We are repeatedly being worried by the owners for information as to when they can expect attention to be given to their cars for a permanent cure to be effected. It is becoming very difficult to deal with these people satisfactorily, and in order to keep them as quiet as possible we have to arrange to temporarily eliminate the ring clap by cleaning the pistons and rings free of charge. We feel sure we do not need to point out that the reputation of the Company is likely to suffer from owners and chauffeurs discussing with each other the apparent failure of R-R.{Sir Henry Royce} to overcome permanently the piston ring trouble in a reasonable time. We shall be glad, therefore, if you will let us know as early as possible the progress that is being made towards the manufacture of the new aluminium pistons which we understand are expected to eliminate the piston ring trouble on pre-war chassis, in order that we may have something tangible to give in reply to owners who are anxiously waiting for some definite information. Hm{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs}/WW. | ||