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).
Cylinder and valve failures, including a punctured liner, restricted water passages, and a broken exhaust valve.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 108\1\ scan0176 | |
| Date | 6th September 1937 | |
| - 12 - HPS.{Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr}1/VS.{J. Vickers}6.9.37. Cylinders. Complete to LOP.EW.1219, incorporating EW.1011 Cylinder Head, previously removed from W.III No. 3 Unit. Cylinder Liner of No. 3 bore was punctured due to the aforementioned valve failure. Cylinder liners produced in cast iron by Messrs. Sheepbridge Stokes. All liner, excepting No. 3, in satisfactory condition. Good On sectionalising the Cylinder Head, it was observed that the water passages were restricted locally in such a position as to reduce the water flow around the guide of the failed valve. We are investigating the cause of this restriction of water passages. Valves and Fittings. Produced in accordance with LOP.EW.917, incorporating the following :- Inlet Valves to Ex.27760 in S.65 material. Valve Spring Washers to RS.{Sir Henry Royce's Secretary}400. 6 Valve Springs RS.{Sir Henry Royce's Secretary}540. Cast Iron Tappets chilled on working surfaces to Ex.27960. Exhaust Valve No. 3 broke at the neck; this has been forwarded to the Laboratory for examination, and they state that a series of cracks were observed in the neck adjacent to the fracture, these probably being caused by overloading. All Exhaust Valves show similar cracks in this position. Photographs of the valve in question are attached hereto. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} is investigating this failure, with regard to forging technique. The Exhaust Valves are produced in KE.965 Stellited on the seats. It should be noted that all Exhaust Valve Seats are in good condition. The Inlet Valves were examined and found to be free from cracks. A valve spring RS.{Sir Henry Royce's Secretary}540, fitted to No. 4 Cylinder Exhaust Valve, failed during test; with this exception the springs were in good condition, as were the washers and push rods. continued. | ||