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).
Letter discussing the principles of lubrication, comparing the merits of different oils and greases, and methods of application.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\R\October1927-December1927\ Scan057 | |
| Date | 24th October 1927 | |
| ORIGINAL Copy to - WOR{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} (struck through) HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} HH. (struck through) "ELMSTEADHenry Royce's home in West Wittering" WEST WITTERINGHenry Royce's home town. CHICHESTER. Messrs Bentley & Coley at Royce Ltd. MANCHESTER. 24th. Oct. 1927. X3806 Dear Mr. Bentley, Coley, LUBRICATION. X726 (struck through) V1588 I think you are weak on this point. You must give the user every facility for lubricating every moving part. If he does harm by excessive oiling you have some defence, and the points are not many where harm can be done, whereas if you give inadequate facility you can be blamed. Every moving part should have oil where it rubs. In my opinion the following is the order of merit: (1) Thin oil. (2) Thick oil (fluid.) (3) Grease (jelly.) (4) Nothing. Grease is better than nothing but I know very few cases where it is satisfactory, because when rubbed off it does not return by capillary action, or any similar action. Oils in quality vary very much. I did not favour mineral oils as a real lubricator for exacting duty, but undoubtedly some are good, said to be of a paraffin base, (not asphaltum). But generally I like a compound oil, i.e. about 90% mineral plus about 10% fatty oils, like Price's, Motorine, Wakefield's X.L. etc. At present Wakefield's and Price's are both supplying some good oils. We have lately proved Price's Amber Gear oil, which I think would be good all round your work if motor has ball bearings: it is too thick for ring lubricators. What are the means of applying lubricant? It will be remembered that practically all important machines are lubricated with oil, not grease; I mean a fluid lubricator, not a jelly. (1) Oil can. (2) Syringe. (3) Screw or pressure plunger (grease gun.) (4) Pump. (1) | ||