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).
Wear on valve stems and guides for the 40/50 model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 74\3\ scan0332 | |
| Date | 9th May 1924 | |
| RV c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} X4432 X2764 EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}14/H9.5.24. re. 40/50 Wear on Valve Stems & Guides. Although we feel we are in a better state than we were some time ago as regards the wear which takes place on the valve stems and guides, we still find that recent cars, even with the latest modifications are suffering in this respect. Sales Dept. have reported to us cases of customers cars which have given trouble in this respect after 1,000 miles running. They specially draw attention to the two recent Riviera cars which were run under the Company's control. The wear was so bad after 1,000 miles running as to cause exhaust spitting noises and these were only cured by fitting oversize valves. These two cars were fitted with valves with reduced clearances and also detachable valves guides, and valve spring washers and springs as per our latest practice. It is also reported that on the last 10,000 miles production test car some of the valve stems and guides had worn badly, although the car was also fitted with the latest modifications in this respect. In making careful inspection of cars in service as far as we have been able, it is surprising to find the variations which exist between the different cars, but we have accounted for this variation by the way in which the car is used, and we consider the wear on the valve stems is considerably effected by the presence of raw petrol which gets on to the valve stems, and grit and sand which also gets on to the stems.. We try as far as possible to educate drivers to use the starting carburetter as little as possible, also to use the best quality petrol and to maintain the engine at a good high working temperature. This we do with the idea of avoiding as far as possible the raw petrol trouble. We suggest, therefore, that in view of the trouble which exists these two features should be seriously considered to see if improvement can be effected in this respect. Our experience in comparing the Springfield car with the Derby car is that the fixing of the Vaporiser CONT'D.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} | ||