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).
Piston failure, engine issues, and travel arrangements for a Bensport car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 82\1\ scan0071 | |
| Date | 30th March 1933 | |
| X HR53a To Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} From GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} Hotel de France Chateauroux Indre 30.3.33. B E N S P O R T We have received the memo giving the reason of the piston failure. The pistons taken out did not show any sign of cracks. We had of course fitted the copper asbestos joint, which reduced the compression ratio. The car has evidently had a run down to Calais for nothing. PN{Mr Northey} did not turn up as arranged and sent no word. Roberts therefore wasted yesterday waiting for him. He telephoned me from Paris this morning as to what he should do, and I instructed him to carry out the mileage on the Montlhery Track, however he found the track closed indefinately, there had been a smash of somesort, he therefore returned here. The engine was smothered in oil on the carburetter side, apparently coming from the breather, oil also pours out of the clutch pit. There is rather a bad blow past one piston into the crankcase, which we dont like, and if it appears to become any worse we shall dismantle the engine. It has not been stated whether you wanted the thin gasket fitted with the new pistons or not, we therefore fitted the copper asbestos. We have since received a memo from PN{Mr Northey} saying that his plans for running the car had been cancelled and concluded that you had let me know. This was not the case. Enclosed is a copy of memo received from PN.{Mr Northey} PN.{Mr Northey}2/WT24.3.33. I had a talk with Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} this morning and I have decided to leave for France on Wednesday next the 29th instant. I have two or three matters to attend to in Paris which will occupy a couple of days, and I am hoping that 18-G4 will be with you by the end of the week, and that I will take on the Bensport as soon as possible. I have asked Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} to arrange with you, if it is possible, for the Bensport to meet me as previously arranged at Calais at 2 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, and I shall hope to hear well in time before I leave on Wednesday whether this is possible, or whether I shall decided to take the train. I would sooner have the car which you, as in the previous case, could take back to Chateauroux. PN.{Mr Northey} G.W.H. | ||