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).
Meeting discussing modifications to induction pipes, pistons, and instrument board fittings to address customer complaints and conditions in the American market.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\F\February1921\ Scan17 | |
| Date | 10th December 1921 | |
| -2- to the distribution can be made by applying more heat to the induction pipe. It was agreed as a preliminary step that this should be fitted to all cars which show defective carburation in an endeavour to improve the running and please the customers. Mr. Hives agrees that the conditions over here warrant a change, and experiments based on Mr. Royce's cable and Mr. Hives' and Mr. Olley's recommendations are being put in hand at once, incorporating the following. (1) A hot spot on the induction pipe. (2) A smaller diameter induction pipe. (3) Cast iron pistons. The experiments will be made on 4-EX and whenwe are satisfied that we have solved the difficulty, we will return the car for further experiment and approval. Derby concurrently will initiate experiments in the same direction. Mr. Belnap pointed out that the urgency of this matter cannot be overestimated because we must not turn out cars which we know in their present condition, will be a source of continuous complaint from customers. This is already being experienced and will be a much more serious matter next Winter with cars more widely distributed in the United States. It is recognized that with an American Plant and organization our customers expect perfection and immediately condemn Rolls-Royce with turning out a product unsuitable for American conditions. PRIMING DEVICE ON INSTRUMENT BOARD. Mr. Hives agreed that it was desirable to fit the priming cock on the instrument board. Mr. Caswell pointed out, and Mr. Hives confirmed that we have authority from Derby to do this, adopting the most suitable scheme. THERMOMETER AND THERMOSTAT. Mr. Olley pointed out that both the above are desirable and necessary in this country. Mr. Hives agreed. It was agreed that we fit a Foxborough Thermometer on 4-EX as this was considered, from a service point of view, more desirable than a Cambridge. A number of failures of Cambridge have occurred and Foxboro' should avoid this. IDENTITY OF THE CAR. It was considered futile to endeavour to produce a car here identical with the Derby car if the results in so doing are inferior. Mr. Hives pointed out that we want identical results with a minimum deviation from the Derby car. This was agreed upon. Contd. | ||