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).
Recurring failure of a Dixie magneto during a 75 HP engine endurance test.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 36\2\ scan 065 | |
| Date | 21th January 1916 | |
| R.R. 235 a (300 H) (S.C. 215. 21-1-16) G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 1475. Na{Mr Nadin} from EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}12/W27316. Re. DIXIE MAGNETO FAILING. With reference to the recent memo I have sent to you re. the failure of the above engine while on test, we have just completed a 10 hour official endurance test on the 75 H.P. engine, the only failure being the magneto which caused an involuntary stop. The trouble was due to the internal low tension wire connection to the make and break breaking. As per my previous memo, we have had this trouble before, and every attention has since been given by Mr. Ellis to see that as far as possible these were quite clear of the cam actuating the make and break, and unless something is done to alter this construction it is evident that we shall have similar breakdowns after the engines have been delivered. The matter is, I think, very important, and should receive attention immediately. I do not think we should rely on any further magnetos being fixed unless something is done to the existing magnetos to make sure that further failure in this respect is impossible. Mr. Ellis has already, I believe, suggested some methods for overcoming this trouble. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} | ||