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).
Engine issues including spark gap, ignition, engine harshness, and piston knock on cold starts.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 78\1\ scan0281 | |
| Date | 16th April 1919 | |
| -2- delivering or have delivered. Reducing the spark gap on the distributor to a minimum, keeping the ignition plugs clean, and reducing the spark gap to .025" hasnow been standardised. We are also altering the direction of the primary current in the coil. Action is also being taken by the Experimental Dept. as regards the location of the high tension wire and the position of the coil, and improved insulation of the coil. The question of a better plug is also one which is receiving their attention. I do not fear that we shall have trouble as regards the ignition, etc. on the cars on which I am now making demonstrations, as this can be carefully looked after. My complaint is however that at present the ignition doesnot remain satisfactory unless it does have careful and continual attention. I think that as regards the question of engine harshness this can soon be settled, and if the Sales Dept. will not accept the standard low compression car it appears that it will be necessary for us to fit liners under the cylinders. As regards the noise however, this is purely a question of piston knocks when starting up when cold, which Mr.Johnson will not tolerate and is very definite that all the cars will have to be cured in this respect sooner or later, and has definitely instructed that the Trials Cars for the Exhibition should have split type pistons fitted at once. It would appear therefore that the fitting of a piston which does not knock when cold is a point on which we must concentrate, and I again put forward the suggestion that we should temporarily fit the split type of piston until we can obtain something better, since, as Mr.Wormald points out, before we are in a position to get any further improved pistons on productive lines we shall have produced and delivered another 300 or 400 cars. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} [Footer text, upside down] R.R. 225A 100 T 68 P. 575. 16.4.19. G 2354 | ||