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).
Fault with Wraith HP petrol pumps causing fuel siphoning and a potential fire risk.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 10\2\ 02-page61 | |
| Date | 20th November 1940 | |
| N/W - Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from Br.{T. E. Bellringer - Repair Manager} or to S-O.{Mr Oldham} Petrol Pumps Br2/H.20.11.40. 65 Re: Wraith H.P. Petrol Pumps. ------------------------------ In dealing with petrol pump jobs on Wraiths recently, we have come across what, in our opinion, is a trouble which requires consideration. We have recently received a complaint from Messrs. Cockshoots on behalf of a customer who has had failures of no fewer than 3 petrol pumps in as many months, and where they have had to rescue their client from the road by changing the pump and forwarding the removed one to us for attention. They point out that every time they have disconnected the petrol delivery pipe, which is attached to the pump, petrol has started to flow freely from this, as if syphoning. The only way they have been able to stop the flow of petrol whilst the pipe has been so disconnected, is to remove the top from the petrol filter, and of course it is obvious that this is very difficult, as it means removing the rear floorboards, carpets, etc. This could also be regarded as a potential danger of fire, owing to the live wires to the petrol pump, and the possibility of the man fumbling about with a spanner around the pump and causing a spark. Upon receiving this complaint, we checked such Wraith cars as were at our disposal, and we found that what they point out is correct, more especially if the petrol tank is fairly well filled. With the pump in its low position in the chassis (it is 2" or 3" lower than the bottom of the petrol tank) it would appear that the only way out would be to introduce a tap somewhere in the delivery pipe near to the pump itself. Perhaps you will be good enough to give this matter your consideration and let us know if anything can be done if and when we come across this trouble. Br.{T. E. Bellringer - Repair Manager} | ||