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).
The standardisation of split pistons, production delays, and the investigation of an elusive engine knock.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 171\3\ img021 | |
| Date | 6th December 1919 | |
| To Bj. from Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Bn{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington}/W6.12.19. T.3732.-STANDARDISATION SHEET FOR SPLIT PISTONS. With reference to RJ2/DB{Donald Bastow - Suspensions}41219, the policy regarding pistons has been very clearly laid down by CJ. in his CJ3/E81119. We are carrying out these instructions, and the completion of the standardisation sheet is part of our organisation. You will see from the remarks by those who sign the standardisation sheets that it is only intended to carry on with these until we have something better, such as a perfected ram piston. In view of this position we are in fact proceeding with the manufacture at a rate not exceeding that which will prevent output being delayed. Of course the Moulders' Strike puts quite a definite limit on production which is far below this rate of production. The "illusive" knock which is now troubling us, is not not confined to split pistons. It has been found to occur also with the old non-split type of al minium pistons. We are not certain at the moment that it is a piston knock. The investigation of this trouble is exceedingly difficult as the knock is here today and gone tomorrow. It is quite definitely a different class of knock from the usual aluminium piston knock, and is not so pronounced or objectionable. It occurs, however, when the engine is hot, (and therefore under normal running conditions) and chiefly when running light. I want to make it clear that although we are only proceeding with the manufacture at a rate that will avoid output being held up, this is no reason why the Standardisation sheet should not be completed and if you will sign it subject to this restriction, this is all we require. Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} IBBETSON 1919 CSL SSS 41-450-C1-B | ||