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).
9,000-mile performance and condition report on engine unit 17-I-IV.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 5a\2\ 02-page130 | |
| Date | 29th June 1929 | |
| To To Es. R.{Sir Henry Royce} Sq. Wov E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} X5840d? Hôtel de France, Châteauroux, Indre. 29th. June 1929. REPORT ON 17-I-IV X5770 9,000 MILES ENGINE UNIT N° 908 C 1.- The power and performance of the engine has been very good throughout the mileage. No difficulties have been experienced when starting up and on no occasion has any pre-ignitions been noticed. There has been an absence of any distinct crankshaft period. At the beginning of the test there was a roughness and thuds. This was attributed to the slipper wheel. During the running of the mileage this feature has disappeared, the engine being now free from any thuds. There is a slight torque reaction at approx. 20 M.P.H. We have had no trouble with overoiling, and at the finish of the test after running for 15 mins. slow running a very small amount of smoke was observed when opening up. Acceleration from 20 M.P.H. to 40 M.P.H. is very noticeable and is a distinct improvement. There has not been very much difference in the maximum speed, 63 M.P.H. being the most obtained. Detonations gradually increased during the mileage, making it necessary towards the finish to retard the ignition when picking up after having slowed down. CYLINDERS LOP. E.55334.- Examination of the cylinders showed them to be in very good condition and well lubricated. VALVES & FITTINGS LOP. E.54406.- There has been no serious trouble with the valves. The valve clearances when examined at 5,000 miles, 4 were found to be on the point of opening, no clearance being left. The clearances were reset to .006" and at the end of the mileage were O.K. Lubrication of rocker shaft and rockers has been ample. ENGINE GEARS, IDLER GEAR LOP. E.54731.- Engine gears have improved with the running and only a slight sing is now heard. PISTONS LOP. E.55341 SCH. 1152.- There has been no trouble with pistons. No knocks have been heard either starting up from cold or when hot. IGNITION PLUGS.- No trouble has been experienced with the ignition plugs. When examined at 5,000 miles apart from a slight carbon deposit they were in very good condition. When examined again at 9,000 miles no deterioration had taken place. INLET PIPE LOP. E.54373.- The inlet pipe is in very good condition and we have not detected any faults. Distribution appears to be O.K. At no occasion have we had any signs of building up. | ||