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).
On modifying the hinged petrol tank filler cap to prevent fuel spillage.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 17\5\ Scan130 | |
| Date | 1st June 1932 | |
| x7460 xS460 E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Lid.{A. J. Lidsey} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to Ey. c. to F.H. at S. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Lid.{A. J. Lidsey}3/MA.1.6.32. HINGED TYPE OF PETROL TANK FILLER CAP. (P.II & 20/25). Complaints have been received that the latest hinged type of petrol filler cap is less effective than the previous one in preventing petrol spilling. We have not noticed that this feature is bad on any of our experimental cars so fitted, but have made comparative tests between the two different types and find that the complaint is correct. The type of breather incorporated in the hinged filler is slightly different from the previous one and allows more petrol to spill over. We have altered a filler as shown on the attached print and find it effective; the spilling in this case is slightly less than with the original screw cap type of filler. The hole in the leather washer is deleted and the central fixing of the washer is modified so as to form a petrol tight joint (this was where the majority of the leakage took place). An air vent is provided, in the same manner as on the screw cap, by drilling two holes, .125 diam. through the filler tube above the air vent pipe connection. These holes should be drilled in the polished portion of the filler, as high up as possible, so that there is no danger of coachbuilders painting them up. The inner sleeve is modified, only two holes, of the six previously issued, are retained, and these are situated immediately opposite to the air vent pipe. This gives ample air release, (the tank can be filled up as fast as the petrol pump can be worked, without any air trapping), and in addition reduces petrol spilling. We recommend this modification should be fitted to cars as soon as possible will E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} instruct Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Lid.{A. J. Lidsey} | ||