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).
Investigation and rectification of a valve gear and tappet noise complaint on a customer's car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 13\4\ 04-page184 | |
| Date | 30th November 1933 | |
| To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 30.11.33. x2660 r6117 Re. 15-MY. JOLL ESQ. The above car was collected by me from Cricklewood on 20.11.33. and brought to Derby for investigation of valve gear noise, this apparently being a persistent complaint of the customer. I was told by Mr. a Messervy that the noise complained of was very pronounced at 35 - 40 m.p.h. after the engine had warmed up, and gradually became worse as the engine became hotter. It was soon evident on my run to Derby that the trouble complained of was due to a sticking valve, and this was traced to No.11. The cyl. head was dismantled, new valves and guides fitted, and valve seats re-cut to suit the new guides and cyl. head refitted to car. The car was then tested on the road for approx. 75 miles and appeared perfectly O.K. I started to deliver the car to London on Saturday morning 25.11.33. but on reaching Dunstable a violent tappet noise developed and I decided to return to Derby with the car for further investigation. We were able to reproduce the trouble again the next day and we found that No's 7, 10 & 12 tappets became very noisy after a prolonged run. There was no evidence whatever of sticking valves, and the clearances between rocker and valve were correct. We then fitted a brand new cyl. head complete with valves, rockers and push rods, and tested the car at sustained high speeds for 250 miles, and no tappet noise developed. I delivered the car to London on Wednesday 29.11.33. and demonstrated same to Mr.Joll's driver who expressed complete satisfaction with the car. I also interviewed Mr.Joll at his home in Harley Street and tried to impress upon him the fact that although we thought we had overcome his trouble we were always prepared to do our utmost at any future time to make him a happy R.R. customer. | ||