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).
Piston supply issues for the 4 1/2 Litre Bentley, including an engine seizure and reverting to original specifications.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 114\3\ scan0191 | |
| Date | 24th November 1937 | |
| COPY. To RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} From Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} c. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy}10/MW24.11.37. 4 1/2 Litre Bentley - Pistons. =========================== As a matter of interest to you: Sometime ago we received a request from GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} and Kingsbury not to supply any further pistons of the type that were originally fitted to the engine, as GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} said in future they were to fit the latest type increased diameter skirt pistons. In view of the fact that Hancock was instrumental in doing this and was at Kingsbury at the time, we altered all Kingsbury orders to the latest type as they requested. It appears, unfortunately, Hancock ran into trouble and they had an engine seizure. In view of them having an engine seizure GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} discussed the whole matter with BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} and the latter issued an instruction to me (although we had always done it) that in the event of it being necessary to fit new pistons the same type should be used as originally fitted. Copy of BY's. memo. attached, and you will see that this was dated 16.10.37. Upon receipt of this memo. (on 19.10.37) we immediately placed an order with the suppliers to revert back to the original pistons. Therefore a certain time will elapse until we can get the original type of piston, but one feels nothing further could have been done and that the whole responsibility of this job rests upon GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} The position at present is that we sent last night: 24 .010 O/S pistons out of a total order of 24. 6 .015 O/S pistons out of a total order of 36. and we are sending tonight: 12 .020 O/S pistons out of a total order of 12. So that although Kingsbury placed us into this difficulty, by taking these pistons from our stock we shall be able to keep them going satisfactorily until we receive a further supply from the makers. Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} | ||