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 corrosive effects of a product named 'Discol' on various metals.
Identifier | ExFiles\Box 150\1\ scan0090 | |
Date | 14th October 1935 | |
COPY H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} FDR6/MD14.10.35 Re 'Discol.' Mr.Agnew has sent his B.42.CR{Mr Cra???ster / Mr Chichester} to the Clyde Auto Co. for decarbonisation, and we were asked to note if any deleterious action from the use of Discol was noticeable. I don't know how long it had been used, but beyond thinking that the exhaust valve seatings were slightly more pitted than might have been expected, nothing was noted. I have been asked several times as to the use of Discol and should be glad to know if there is any reason for discouraging its use. A Sunbeam customer of the Clyde Co. had a lot of trouble, I believe, and had to have the whole system cleaned out due to corrosion evidence. I have been shown samples of various metals which had been submitted to tests of 21 days duration in the laboratories of one of the Clyde Shipbuilding Cos. steel, and what was described as tin plate from a petrol tank were badly corroded. Aluminium was lightly but definitely etched on the exposed face and brass was slightly coated, in places, with verdigris. Similar test pieces in petrol were unaffected. The tests were carried out at the instance of one of the principals of the firm who was using Discol in his cars and has now discontinued it. FDR | ||