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 ring performance and engine oiling problems in aeroplane engines, particularly at high altitudes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 77\2\ scan0155 | |
| Date | 15th June 1917 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from EH. X. 2359 EH2/AT15.6.17. c. to J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} " to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} " " E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} & Cy. X.2209. X.2369. RE PISTONS X.2809. X.2749 We have not found that the narrow rings have any virtue in preventing oiling up after a nose drive. As it hapens the X.2209. Experimental engine which is at the Aircraft Mfg. Co has pistons fitted with 6 narrow rings and one scraper we know that these pistons have actually oiled up; These pistons were run at one time with 2 rings removed, but before the engine went away a complete set of rings were fitted. We think that a lot of trouble with oiling up on engines in aeroplanes is due to the fact that at high altitudes, with the compression being lower, the oil does not get burnt off. We might also add that since fitting the Lodge Plugs to the Experimental engine at Hendon there has been no further trouble with the oiling up. X. 601. EH. | ||