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).
Test report on a 500 c.c. Rudge engine covering performance, mechanical issues, and running time.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 133\2\ scan0148 | |
| Date | 14th June 1935 | |
| Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Wd.{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead}1/GB.14.6.35. 500 c.c. RUDGE ENGINE. PERIOD COVERED BY THIS REPORT - 28th July 1934 to 1st April 1935. The total running time of this unit (included in the above period) is 16 hours 40 minutes. During this time ten power curves and one detonation test were carried out. The running time includes a fair amount of light running for the benefit of new pistons. SUMMARY. This engine gives a high B.M.E.P. at the peak of the curve (i.e. 161.0 lbs/sq.in. at 4500 R.P.M.) but the curve falls away very rapidly as the engine speed falls and fairly rapidly as the engine speed is increased. The power output is very susceptible to changes in the length of the induction and exhaust systems. The power curve is still rising at 6000 R.P.M. (Maximum speed). Detonation is absent on this engine in the speed range tested (3500 - 6000 R.P.M.) when run on Shell No.1 fuel (C.R. = 7.3). Considerable mechanical trouble has been experienced on the unit in the form of piston seizures, worn gudgeon pin, scored cylinder (through gudgeon pads wearing out and thus allowing pin to come in contact with cylinder walls). Trouble has also been encountered due to the flexibility of the engine mounting on the test bed; causing flooding of carburetter, loosening of cylinder holding down nuts, etc. | ||