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).
Alternative water pump bearings and seals for B.60 and B.80 models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 149a\1\ scan0328 | |
| Date | 5th December 1938 | |
| 1269 also 10HH To By/Ald.{F. Allwood - Experimental Design} from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Std. c. Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. Da{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/McS. WATER PUMP BEARINGS AND SEALS - B.60 & B.80. As you are aware, B.60 and B.80 water pumps are fitted with a Skefco ball bearing unit and a gland seal of the non-adjustable Vauxhall type, the same bearings and seal as those fitted to the special Wraith water pump which you schemed for us some time ago (SCD.234). Experience with these units in the Wraith pump and on the first two B.60 units indicates that while the gland seal is entirely satisfactory, the bearing is not - the trouble being loss of lubricant and corrosion. Although Messrs. Skefco claim that their latest seal, which we have under test, is entirely satisfactory, we are dubious about this and wish, therefore, to have an alternative available. Tests which we have made with a water pump fitted with Tufnol water lubricated bearings (SCD.584) indicate that, provided certain points are observed in designing it, this type of bearing can be entirely satisfactory. The points in question, namely copious supply of water to bearing, preferably under pressure, suitable lubricating grooves, adequate clearance in bearing etc., have been incorporated in the alterations which you have made for us at various times to this pump. We would like you to let us have as soon as possible a design and details for a water lubricated Tufnol bearing and Vauxhall type gland seal on the lines of SCD.584 applied to a B.60 water pump. It should be borne in mind that the pieces for B.60 and B.80 water pumps must be as far as possible interchangeable. By transferring our testing on this type of pump from Wraith to B.60 it will mean that if this scheme is successful, it will be able to be adopted on B.60 from the outset of production. | ||