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).
Broken piston head and engine damage on Lord Milton's Phantom III car, chassis 3.AZ.234.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 131\3\ scan0001 | |
| Date | 2nd November 1938 | |
| To By... from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} c. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 1113 Bile SWDC Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}14/N.2.11.38. ------------------- Re: Phan.III. 3.AZ.234 - Lord Milton. Mileage 28,370. ------------------- No.4B (main rod) piston head has broken away from the body at the position of the bottom land of scraper ring on the above car this weekend. It was brought into N; on Monday noon with a pronounced knock. The chauffeur's evidence is that the engine is thrashed on gears, but naturally does not want the owner to know his remarks. Examination of the con rods and pistons shows several of the master con bearings cracked, and broken up, but these would have run a good distance without serious trouble. The articulated rod bearings are all in a good condition. I have examined the remaining 11 pistons and cannot discern any flaws or cracks. There are several compression rings broken. The pistons are very free from carbon especially on the inner top surface. This may be due to the frequent changing of oil the engine has had of late, in January when decarbed, and again on the 8.10.38 at Works and 17.10.38 at N. The breakage of the piston head and rings would appear to be due to excessive vibration, and although we are blaming Lord Milton for abusing the engine the effect of the vibrations should not be over-looked. The twelve pistons and rods are being returned to the Works by N. who has been in communication with Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} | ||