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).
Inter-office letter discussing the performance of induction pipes with and without collector rings, focusing on cold starting issues.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 75\2\ scan0275 | |
| Date | 21th December 1921 | |
| R.R.A. 25 24m. 12-20-20 40848 X2758 INTER-OFFICE CORRESPONDENCE ROLLS-ROYCE OF AMERICA, INC. SPRINGFIELD, MASS. CC Mr. Belnap Mr. Nadin Oy5 - G 211221 RECEIVED STAMP: J.S. JAN 6 1922 December 21, 1921 Dear Hives: (E) Re: Induction Pipes (Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/LG5.12.21) We shall be very pleased to try out the exhaust heated throttle which you promise us. We are getting excellent results with the present induction pipe fitted with collectors, as already described to you, and with a gas return pipe from the top of each boiler leading to the ends of the induction pipe. We are not using collector rings because we found that with these fitted, the collection was so efficient that it was impossible to start the cars, even with a pilot jet passing 70 imperial pints per hour under a 7 ft. head. Also, with collector rings fitted the smoking of the car after a cold start was very objectionable. We find that without collector rings the smoking is not so objectionable and the starting is very much easier; in fact, it can be guaranteed down to freezing temperature with one of your pilot jets on the induction pipe having a jet passing from 60 to 70 imperial pints per hour under a 7 ft. head. (We have just started the experimental car after standing out all night at zero. The car was filled with warm water and the pilot jet body wrapped with about ten turns of 16s gauge resistance wire to warm it up. It started in 40 seconds by using starter and hand crank together. It was impossible, however, to move the car because the gears could not be engaged due to thick oil in gear box.) At the same time, even without collector rings, loading up is impossible when the gas return is used. And the cylinder is free from wet gasoline when opened up after several cold starts. I have already sent you blue print XA-1400 showing our arrangement of the induction pipe with gas return. (over) | ||