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).
Extract from a report concerning a mechanical petrol pump's susceptibility to vapour lock.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 149\4\ scan0394 | |
| Date | 28th August 1937 | |
| Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} 1263 Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}11/AP.28.8.37 MECHANICAL PETROL PUMP We give below an extract of a Report received from Waller on the Wraith, which indicates that the mechanical pump on the engine is definitely more susceptible to vapour lock than the electrical pump in the frame, as recently standardised on the Ph.III. This does not mean that the mechanical pump is completely condemned and work will continue on it. "We took advantage of a hot day for a rush visit to the Pic du Midi. It is necessary to stop three miles from the top as the road is controlled from there on and a toll is imposed. On getting away again, the car proceeded about 20 yards and then failed completely due to the A.C. pump being unable to deal with the vapour. There was no freak testing of any kind and we were doing exactly what every other tourist on the hill was having to do. It was only by changing the pipes over to the S.U. dash pump that we could get away at all and this was not giving a full delivery. A Ford V.8. was unable to proceed further owing to the same trouble with its A.C. pump. Dixon is sending a full report. We feel very strongly that the benefits which have accrued from the development of the high pressure pump should be included in the 25/30 specification as well as the Phantom." Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||