Vulture petrol system failure caused by water contamination leading to the formation of Alum. Hydroxide.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 123\3\ scan0157 | |
| Date | 16th March 1934 | |
| To DG. c. to HS. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Vulture(Experimental 6 CYL OHV LONG STROKE / Aero Engine) Petrol System Failure. With reference to the above trouble which you experienced recently. On inspection we found that the Filter and Pumps were heavily coated with a white jelly substance and also that there were signs of water in the system. We have had this substance analysed and find that it is Alum. Hydroxide, a corrosion set up by the effects of water on alum. The petrol tank was then drained and found to contain about 100 c.c's. of water. We are at present carrying out some tests to ascertain whether water and petrol has greater effect on the metal than water alone. Will you please let us know whether any make of petrol other than Ethyl was used whilst you had the car. This is the first case we have had where corrosion has set up, and we may find it necessary to dope the alum. parts of the petrol system. However, as soon as we have some results from our tests we will write you again. HS {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} /J.Bowering. | ||
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).