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).
Petrol tank modifications for the '4 EX' model, discussing materials and design improvements.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\G\June1921\ Scan36 | |
| Date | 24th June 1921 | |
| ORIGINAL RECEIVED JUN 24 1921 FC R2/321/6/21. X. 3764. REPORT ON 4 EX. JUST RETURNED FROM AMERICA (CONTD.) PETROL TANK. With reference to the petrol tank, we have examined the modifications you have made, but we think there is still much to be desired. We have the impression that brass castings are prohibited on account of weight. Those that have been produced for you, we think have a crude, rough, and heavy appearance, so that it makes one extremely anxious to avoid brass castings altogether. Regarding the filler, with the exception that it is naturally a heavy casting, which will grow heavier in production, it appears to be of a suitable size and shape. The ventilation, however, between the upper part of the tank and this fitting is quite inadequate and ineffective. We are re-arranging this so as to use a pipe of about ½" outside diameter, and a sleeve, and so allow the air in the upper part of the tank to escape more certainly and quickly. The cap in which you have adopted the same design as that we sent needs adjustment in dimensions and weight. We have found that for making a joint in this position that leather is preferable to vulcanised fibre. We are endeavouring to make a sheet metal filler fitting as soon as possible, to the sizes and shape that you have suggested. We had also decided that it would be expedient to cancel the filter in this fitting, especially now, as we have adopted the scheme of two filters on (Contd.) | ||