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 seizure after decarbonisation and recommending service intervals for Bentley and B.V. models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 97\5\ scan0250 | |
| Date | 29th December 1940 | |
| W/N Br.{T. E. Bellringer - Repair Manager} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} file 8.B.V. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}2/ML.29.12.40. COO Attached is a report on the piston seizure we have had on one of our experimental cars. We should like to know whether you have any evidence that when Bentley cars are decarbonised without at the same time removing the pistons and freeing the rings, that piston seizure is likely to occur within a short mileage. We know that the trouble occurred on the 25/30, but we have not previously experienced it on the Bentley. On the B.V. we are inclined to recommend that decarbonisation should only be carried out at 25,000 miles, and when this is done the pistons should also be removed and rings dealt with. What would be your reaction to this procedure? Our own experience is that the pinking in a car does not increase after 15,000 miles running and therefore if decarbonisation is not dealt with until this point is reached, the actual mileage at which examination is carried out is dictated by mechanical considerations and not the aural sensibilities of the customer. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||