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 misfire complaints, detailing tests with different spark plugs and petrols on Bentley cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 162\4\ img209 | |
| Date | 1st December 1936 | |
| To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Derby. WST. 60016 Levallois Sr/VAI/ET.1.12.36 Re: COMPLAINTS OF MISFIRES. Sr. has asked me to write to you concerning the conversation which he had with you on the telephone a few days ago concerning certain owners' complaints of engine misfires due to one or more of the K.L.G. plugs ceasing or partially ceasing to function. As you are aware, we sent you a report upon the matter as per our Sr/WHAI/Crn.20.11.36. Mr Banks of the Ethyl Petrol Corporation kindly paid us a visit a few days ago and we discussed with him the troubles which we are unfortunately experiencing. As far as it was possible, Mr. Banks went very thoroughly into the question. We fitted to Sr.'s car (B.8.GA) a set of the latest type K.L.G.850 plugs, which had previously been removed from Mr. D.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} Saint's 4 1/4 Bentley car and which had given trouble. Sr. then gave Mr. Banks a demonstration during which trouble developed due to misfire which caused loss of power. Mr. Banks then suggested that, providing it was convenient, we should carry out sparking plug and petrol tests on two separate Bentley 4 1/4 litre chassis and Sr. informed him that we would carry out the following tests which we and Mr. Banks think will be very interesting for both parties: A.{Mr Adams} A new set of K.L.G. type 850 plugs have been fitted to chassis B.8.GA and only "AZUR" petrol will be used in this car. We were given to understand that "AZUR" petrol has a percentage of alcohol but contains a smaller percentage of lead than "ESSO". Should trouble develop with the plugs, they will be removed and put on one side and mileage will be recorded etc.. and in their place we would fit a set of the earlier type of K.L.G. plug. & their performance noted. B. A new set of K.L.G. type 850 plugs have been fitted to chassis B.60.GA and only "ESSO" petrol will be used in this car. This petrol, as you are aware, now contains a quantity of lead. Should trouble develop with the plugs, they will be removed and records etc.. kept and in their place we should also fit a set of the earlier type K.L.G. plugs. Mr. Banks wishes us to let him know the results of our tests. For your information, we have had a repetition of the trouble on Mr. D.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} Saint's car B.53.GP. A comparatively short | ||