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).
Engine misfiring caused by fluid contamination on high-tension electrical components.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 168\1\ img340 | |
| Date | 19th July 1941 | |
| R.C. To Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Wym.{G. Harold Whyman - Experimental Manager} c. to Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/RC.{R. Childs}4/JH.19.7.41. re 8.B.V. Misfiring on the above car was found to be due to a punctured main H.T. lead (Neoprene) This cable had completed 59,000 miles. We cannot blame the cable since it was soaked in oil. Oil, petrol, radiator coolant; if allowed to coat the insulating surfaces of the H.T. side of the electrical equipment will soon cause breakdown. Oil and dirt on the outside insulator of the plug will give elusive misfire. Radiator coolant spilt on the distributor head may start a track, which, once started, scraps the head. We had such a case in France. We know it is very difficult o keep our experimental engines clean, but we would be glad if extra care could be taken to keep oil etc. off cables and other electrical parts, since its presence leads to very conflicting results on endurance tests. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/RC.{R. Childs} | ||