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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).
Practice and implications of screwing drain plugs directly into an aluminium base.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 14\1\  Scan018
Date  1st August 1930
  
X7000

By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer}
c. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}
c. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}

E1/1426.8.30.

X.7000
X.7190.

OIL SUMP AND FILTER SLUDGE DRAIN
PLUGS SCREWED DIRECT INTO ALUMINIUM.

It is not desired to unduly prolong the
correspondence with regard to this question but the contents
of your memo. By8/G22.8.30 are most surprising.

We know of one instance in particular when a
steel drain plug of large diameter with fibre washer is
used direct in the aluminium base with perfect
satisfaction on a car which has been produced in thousands.

It is also a fact that all RR. chassis and
aero engines up to L.H. P.2 have had drain plugs screwed
direct in the aluminium, and we have never heard of any
trouble in connection with this practice.

We would suggest that the duralumin main bearing
cap thread is a special case in which excessive temperature,
stress, vibration, and the effect of the oil feed pipe
hanging on the screw supply a different set of conditions.

If you suspect that the difference in expansion
may give rise to trouble both plugs could be in bronze,
to avoid having to use the inserts with additional parts
for locking.

E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer}
  
  


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