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).
Lubrication issues, component wear, and proposed material changes for various parts.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 81\2\ scan0202 | |
| Date | 28th November 1924 | |
| Oy4-E-112824 -2- November 28, 1924. This makes it very unlikely that anyone will have special adapters made for fitting alemites, and this thread is not used on any other American car. Furthermore nothing heavier than 800 W (steam cylinder oil) can be conveniently used in the syringe so that grease cannot very well be introduced, whereas the use of engine oil in these three parts in winter time (which might occur) will be desirable, as 800 W is really too heavy for our coldest weather. Engine Coupling. The means for lubricating the engine coupling with the clutch trunnion is covered in proposal sheet No.42. Universal Joint and Sphere. The leather boot on this was covered under proposal sheet No.40. The existing oil-retaining trumpets in the sphere as already submitted and adopted by England are still used, and we have since fitted England's oil-retaining trumpet at the rear end of the sphere. We found however that in the first 5000 miles on CX{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} the bronze bushings of the universal joint were worn even though lubrication was regular and sufficient. At 5000 miles therefore we fitted bushes made of Ackermite (exactly similar to sumet). Through an error the sphere was replaced upside down so that the gap in the forward trumpet came at the top instead of the bottom. As a result the oil emptied rapidly out of the sphere. In spite of this the bushes were in perfect condition (though dry) at the end of the test. We are therefore calling for lead-copper alloy (either Sumet or Ackermite) of "hard" grade, 52-58 Brinell, on these bushes G-480, G-507 for our next supplies. Rear Axle. The use of a felt oil sealing ring in the rear hubs was covered under proposal sheet No.40. This, and also the diaphragms in the axle tubes, tend to prevent leakage of oil on the brake mechanism. Furthermore in connection with axle box cover A-2035 we show in the instruction book that this should have attention monthly. Generally oil escapes from here when the plug is removed due to accumulation of oil from the sphere and torque tube, but occasionally, as at the start of the winter when the oil has ceased to "foam" as it | ||