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).
5,000-mile report on engine 4 B IV, detailing performance and component wear.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 82\2\ scan0104 | |
| Date | 24th July 1934 | |
| 4553 a Hotel de France, Châteauroux, Indre. FRANCE. 24th July 1934. To SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} From G.W.H. c. WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} (struck through) H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} c. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} (struck through) PF. c. EX. (struck through) HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} REPORT ON 4 B IV. AT 5,000 MILES. ENGINE UNIT N°B7. The engine has been good for power, easy starting and acceleration. Periods noticeable at 2,000 and 3750 revolutions were due to insufficient load on the slipper wheel. The engine has remained fairly clean and the oil leaks have been from the rear of the engine, slight weep from the fan drive pulley and a temporary rivetted cap on the timing case. Water level one inch above the matrix has been maintained. Detonations which were pronounced with the use of standard petrol were reduced to practically nil with ESSO and AZURE petrol. PISTONS AEROLITE WITH SPECIAL GRINDING. These pistons have been free from knocks, hot or cold. A good average oil consumption has been maintained. There has been no sign of seizure. No sign of over lubrication at high or low speeds. VALVES AND FITTINGS LOP. EB.I4I. LEC. 3873 SUPPORT RING FOR VALVES. INLET VALVES S/SLV. EXHAUST VALVES KE.965. There has been no trouble with lost valve clearance. The exhaust valve in N°4 cylinder had increased the clearance by .002 after 5,000 miles running. The inner and outer valve springs of N°1 valve broke at the second coil from the bottom after 2,600 miles. The two bottom coils had been hitting together, i.e. choc-a-bloc. The remaining coils of the springs had not been touching. The valves have been passably quiet in operation. The tappets have been noisy at the bottom when starting up in the morning. WHEELCASE AND FITTINGS LOP. EB.I8I. Fabroil gears fitted to camshafts and distributor drives. The timing gears have been free from sing, there is a slight rattle when the engine is idling. Examination at 5,000 miles did not show any deterioration of the gear wheels. | ||