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).
Customer dissatisfaction with piston ring slap and proposing solutions for pre-war engines.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 48\1\ Scan162 | |
| Date | 17th December 1923 | |
| COPY. RE:- PISTON RING SLAP. Whilst at Derby I made some enquiries regarding this matter. In spite of R's recent ruling, I am afraid we are very far from being able to give our customers satisfaction, and I am afraid that some of them will reach a very unsatisfactory state of mind even if they do not sell their cars before the provisions of Mr. Royce's ruling can come into operation. It is for this reason that I feel that the matter should be brought forward again by me. By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} and Hm.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} have no doubt explained that the post-war aluminium piston is not applicable to the pre-war engine unless the connecting rods are changed, as well as the pistons, and that if this is considered impossible owing to the expense, it must be some months before new aluminium pistons which will be suitable to the pre-war engine can be designed, manufactured, and tested. There are now probably a dozen owners who are anxiously awaiting word that we can take some effective steps to cure this most irritating noise. Many of these owners have already sent their cars to us more than once and we have failed to effect a permanent cure. Mr. Stanley Johnson I believe has sent his car four times, Captain Philpott twice, and other owners the same. Every time one of these cars comes to us, it costs the Company money. Apart from this, there is no doubt that our failure to get over this difficulty is leaving a very bad impression in the minds of some owners, and I should like to suggest that it might be considered whether Mr. Royce could not be asked to give his approval of the scheme which the Repair Shops have proved to be effective pending the design and completion of the aluminium pistons which Mr. Royce wishes fitted in such cases. Alternatively, could approval be given for the changing of the connecting rods in the old engines affected, so that the present standard aluminium piston can be fitted. It would of course be understood that if either of these plans were adopted, they would be abandoned as soon as the new aluminium pistons were ready. Bt.{Capt. J. S. Burt - Engineer} | ||