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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).
No. 6 piston failure and stiff N.S.F. brake control during a run from Chateauroux.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 82\1\  scan0044
Date  18th March 1933
  
XU 153 a

Hotel de France
Chateauroux
Indre

To Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}
From ABR{A. B. Roberts}

18.3.33.

B E N S P O R T

During this morning's run the head of N°6 piston failed while the car was doing about 83-85 MPH. As soon as the car came to a rest I tried the engine with the starting handle & found it to be quite free and there is no sign of seizure on the piston which came out quite freely when we dismantled the engine. The cylinder bore is in good condition and I have examined the other pistons and bores and these appear to be all right. I am enclosing a sketch of the piston the red line indicating the breakage. The break occured about 10 Miles out of Chateauroux but we were able to get towed in by a passing lorry shortly after it happened. After dismantling the engine we sent you the following telegram:
HIVES ROYCAR DERBY NUMBER SIX PISTON HEAD BROKEN AWAY AT HORIZONTAL EXPANSION SLOT STOP BORE CONROD AND CYLINDER OKAY ROBERTS.

BRAKES The N.S.F. brake control became very stiff & upon dismantling it we found the toggle lever shaft tight in the oil less bush which had picked up. This has been eased. Oil is leaking from the plate at the bottom pivot and getting on to the shoes.

12 / 300
25-

A.B.R.
ABRobotham

We received your wire;
TWO SPARE PISTONS DESPATCHED TODAY ROBOTHAM
ABR{A. B. Roberts}
  
  


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