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).
Comparison report on the performance of Rimtco and Alemite lubricators and their components.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 76\4\ scan0289 | |
| Date | 3rd June 1921 | |
| X4337 Extract from OY1/G3.6.21. X.3764. (aO) RIMTCO LUBRICATORS. X.3898 X.4337. These are supplied complete with gun. They are better than the Alemite in being easier to handle and the nipples not liable to unscrew in attempting to detach the gun. They also last longer than the Alemite before developing leakage at the hose connection where it fits the nipple. We have had both Rimtcos and Alemites running on the Liberty and Hup. shop cars for close on a year, and it is found that the Rimtcos give no trouble while the Alemites develop leaks at the hose connection, and the hose is difficult to detach. For greasing new chassis the Test Dept. is using Rimtco guns with Rimtco nipples screwed internally to fit our grease cups. On these it has been found that when one nipple is used continually forty or fifty times a day in this manner, the taper nozzle in the hose connection enlarges the hole in the nipple after a time, causing leakage. This defect has been taken up with the makers who have stated that on future production the head of the nipple will be increased in thickness at least 100% to prevent this trouble of the hole becoming enlarged. We think this trouble will not occur for a long time on 4.EX where the nipples are all used in rotation, each nipple only being used say once a week. We do not recommend the use of Rimtcos on such parts as axle control sphere, or brake equalizing shafts, where fine mechanism has to be lubricated, because grit is liable to lodge on the nipples and be driven in, also grease is liable to be used wherever Rimtcos are fitted. The tendency for dirt to get in is far less than with the grease cups. The great advantage of Rimtcos is that oil or grease can be driven right through a spring shackle bushing, all the old dirty grease being forced out. The Rimtcos on the water pump are a special type with double check valve designed to stop water leakage. We are having repeated demands from customers for these fittings, which are now used in one form or another by practically every American manufacturer. The makers of Alemite are starting service stations contd:- | ||