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).
The Rushmore scheme, a new method for cooling automotive engines using steam condensation.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 24\4\ Scan065 | |
| Date | 18th June 1923 | |
| M66 X1751 c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. EY. c. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}5/H12.1.23. re. New Method of Cooling Automotive Engines. --------------------------------------- One of the most discussed features at present in America is the Rushmore scheme of engine cooling, particulars of which are given in the attached pamphlet. Only the bottom tank of the radiator is filled with water, which water is not circulated through the radiator but only through the engine at a fairly high speed, with a specially geared pump. The water system is "closed" with a relief valve so that about 5 lbs. pressure is maintained and the radiator is used as a means of condensing the steam generated only. It is claimed that the increased heat of the engine improves the carburation and creates "turbulence" also the engine temperature is more constant and is very quickly warmed up after stops. They also claim that alcohol can be used. Cy. reports that he tried it out on a Crane-Simplex car, and the scheme seemed to work very satisfactorily. Under normal conditions of running the top part of the radiator was quite cold, but as the engine was given some hard work to do this part of the radiator became hotter. There always appeared to be a distinct line, however, between the top and bottom part of the radiator, which line was raised or lowered according to the work done by the engine. There appears to be no standard type of car that has adopted this scheme, but it appears that several makers are testing it out experimentally with a view to adopting it as standard in case they are satisfied with their experiments. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} RECEIVED JUN 18 1923 | ||