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).
Magneto performance issues, specifically the influence of Lodge spark plugs on misfiring and the capabilities of Watford magnetos at slow speeds.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 49\5\ Scan157 | |
| Date | 25th April 1921 | |
| To EFC. {E. Fowler Clarke - Electrical Engineer} from R. {Sir Henry Royce} c. to CJ. c. to Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to EP. {G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} c. to HM. {Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} S-4979 R15/G25.4.21. E.430. MAGNETOS. X.2375. X.1812. X.4181. X.4279. In PN {Mr Northey} 's report (PN {Mr Northey} 3/DN19.4.21) concerning Mr. Houdern, it will be noticed that the missing fire of the magneto was considerably influenced by changing the condition of the plugs. We know that the Lodge plugs we have been using are very bad for getting sooted up. These are causing at least some of the dissatisfaction with the magneto. We know that the Watford magnetos will not fire the engine at a very slow speed when retarded, but while the engine is running such a retarded position of the control should never be used. I am not convinced that there is much cause for complaint against the present Watford magnetos, and no doubt we shall be able to get these to fire at still slower speeds. We can also adopt their large pattern, or their sleeve type, if it is considered necessary. This matter I have in hand, but in the meantime do not conclude that the Watford magnetos are seriously defective. R. {Sir Henry Royce} | ||