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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).
Overheating problems experienced with 40/50's models, particularly during climbs and in hot weather.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 131\1\  scan0019
Date  1st September 1931
  
Copy

To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}
c. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}
c. Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} PN.{Mr Northey}

X766

Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}17/El.9.31.

X.766
X.7250

RE : OVERHEATING TROUBLE ON 40/50's.

It will doubtless be remembered that, when I came back from my holiday on the Continent two years ago, I complained very definitely that our margin of safety in regard to overheating was quite insufficient.

In hot weather that year I experienced trouble even when running on the flat.

My complaint at that date merely resulted unfortunately in comparative tests being made with others makes of cars with a view to proving that we were at least as good as other cars.

This point of view never really interested me as we all know that to maintain our reputation we have got to be better than all other makes of cars and better on all points.

This year I did a fair amount of running in Switzerland over some of the well known passes and I found that our margin of safety on cooling was, totally inadequate - in fact almost ridiculous.

On the Simplon Pass going up from Brig, the climb to the summit continues for 14 miles. I travelled up there on a day which was not by any means hot. Nevertheless even driving on gears to obtain the best results, the red light was showing at 97° within the first 4 miles of the climb and the water was boiling in about another mile.

On another occasion when out for an afternoon's drive on quite a cold day I encountered a long climb which necessitated a certain amount of second gear, and boiled within a very short period.

A man who pays anything like £2,000 or £3,000 for a car does not expect this.

I know perfectly well and have appreciated for many years that, so far as the running of the engine is concerned, there is no harm in boiling. The only real disadvantage is the result, i.e. that one loses a certain amount of water.
  
  


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