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).
Failure of petrol supply under high-temperature continental conditions, requiring a petrol pump redesign for the Phantom III and also referencing the 20/25 model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 91\1\ scan0363 | |
| Date | 30th June 1936 | |
| X300 100 To E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to MX.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}1/KW.30.6.36. Attached are copies of three notes from Hamilton on the failure of the petrol supply on 32-EX. under high temperature Continental conditions. We have also discussed these results with Hamilton. These figures were obtained on the level, as they have not had an opportunity to go to the mountains since the warm weather arrived. They indicate that for Continental conditions it is imperative that we move the petrol pumps. Unfortunately this means a re-design of the pump to deal with the greater head necessitated by it being put low down on the frame. We have tackled Skinner of the S.U. Company, and he has promised us a suitable pump in a fortnight's time. It is rather unfortunate that we shall be delivering Continental Phantom III's just at the worst possible moment for vapour lock. As far as we can ascertain, the big bore 20/25 is in much the same position with regard to petrol pumps, but we are getting further information. The Phantom III radiator and cooling system generally seems to be just about adequate at high speeds in hot weather on the level. The improved fan which we are developing should deal with hill climbing conditions. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||