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).
Comparing the poor performance of 'Wellworthy' piston rings with the superior 'Brico' rings, and recommending a change in supply.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 16\1\ Scan176 | |
| Date | 21th October 1925 | |
| X741 Wa.{Mr Wallis} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} LSy. [Strikethrough] SFt.{Mr Swift} [Strikethrough] Sft{Mr Swift}/Mr.Cox. C. Hos. [Strikethrough] CHASSIS - PISTON RINGS. Apparently from the information which is now available it would appear that "Wellworthy" rings are, for some reason or other, not as good, as scrapers, as those we receive from the "Brico". The point at issue is, of course, oiling up of plugs. A test has been instituted by the experimental for checking the effectiveness of each type of ring as an oil scraper, and from the information to hand, we understand they do not consider the "Wellworthy" ring to be anything like as good as the "Brico". In fact, from their figures it would appear that approximately 90% of them are wrong from an oil-scraping point of view. None of these rings are being lapped into position, in the works, all rings are being fitted in the "as-received" condition to pistons. The facts being as they are, we should at once stop further deliveries of "Wellworthys", boost up "Bricos", and when Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} returns I would like to get the "Wellworthy" people over here and demonstrate to them the fault which their ring exhibits. The point in writing this memo is to impress upon the Order Office the need for concentrating on "Brico" rings, it being necessary to obtain at the moment all our requirements from that Company, as apparently wherever "Wellworthy" rings are fitted the engine has to be dismantled and refitted with "Bricos". In view of this, further orders should be placed with the "Brico" Company to ensure this Company not being held up on output for want of rings. It is most important that the Inspection Dept. should check whether "Wellworthy" Rings and "Brico" rings are kept separate in the stores. If not, a man should be put on at once to separate the two types. They are easily distinguishable. The "Wellworthy" has a smooth lapped finish on the edges; the "Brico" has practically a ground finish which is very noticeable on the wide ground side. Two rings are in my office which I can show to Mr.Cox at any time. If sufficient "Brico" rings are available, not another engine should be built-up with "Wellworthy". If sufficient "Brico" are not available, each engine that has Con. | ||