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).
The effect of thermostat removal on 40/50 HP engine overheating.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 38\2\ Scan257 | |
| Date | 21th November 1924 | |
| R.R. 405A (50M) (D.A. 652 20-5-24) J.B.D. X32456 X.766 Expl. No. X.3456 REF: Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}5/LG21.11.24. EXPERIMENTAL REPORT. To B.J. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to SY. c. to Eg. 40/50 HP. OVERHEATING. With reference to BJB/H14.11.24. We have carefully considered the possible affect of the thermostat on overheating troubles. In a mountainous country where steep ascents may be immediately preceded by long declivities, we should expect a possible benefit to be derived from the removal of the thermostat. The reason for this is that the radiator would be more efficient when coasting down a hill without the thermostat fitted compared with what it would be with the thermostat operating, so that when the car started to climb the next hill, the mean water temperature without the thermostat would be lower than with the thermostat. The advantage would be that when climbing the next hill - without the thermostat - boiling would be delayed a certain time, which in some cases might be sufficient to top the hill. From tests we have carried out, we should not anticipate that the removal of the thermostat would give us any appreciable advantage in our boiling troubles, it certainly cannot alleviate boiling when the car is travelling at high speeds on the level. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||