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).
Fitting and road testing a new thermostat for a Goshawk 11, with suggestions for design improvements.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 77\4\ scan0317 | |
| Date | 24th February 1923 | |
| X.4240 Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} E1/M24.2.23. GOSHAWK 11. THERMOSTAT X.4240. We have fitted the new Thermostat to 5-Goshawk-11. The old one was very difficult to get out, being apparently tight on the spigot. We had to destroy the flange to withdraw the thermostat. It might be a good idea to employ a thicker flange for this unit, embodying at the same time Mr. Royce's suggestion for clamping the metal of the bellows to prevent it coming unstuck, and not depend on the solder except for making a joint. We will look into this when there is time. We have had a preliminary road test on a run to Portsmouth and back. The temperature went up at first to 95° as if the controls had stuck, although we did ascertain that these were perfectly free. When the car was stopped and the shutters inspected, these latter had opened. The temperature was afterwards maintained from 60° to 70°, and the device continued to function at this figure. It was necessary to run with the mixture lever 2 notches stronger, apparently indicating that there was insufficient heat for good carburation. We are returning you the original thermostat. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} | ||