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).
Technical report on vapour lock and petrol pump troubles, detailing the problem's evolution and future testing plans.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 149\4\ scan0289 | |
| Date | 22th May 1937 | |
| Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Hm.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. C. c. Ox. 1263 Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}1/R.22.5.37. P.III - VAPOUR TROUBLES. Replying to Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}18/E20.5.37., it is seldom that we have cause to be satisfied with our efforts in the Experimental Department - the job never goes as fast as we could wish. This vapour lock and petrol pump trouble has been particularly annoying. Although we are possibly still going to have trouble under extreme conditions, the progress so far made on the problem is as follows:- ORIGINAL POSITION. Starvation of fuel supply limiting maximum speed in hot weather. Unable to re-start for 15 mins. under max. temperature conditions; particularly at altitude. Petrol pumps noisy when hot. PRESENT POSITION. Slight starvation for two or three miles after standing in max. temps. following a fast run. Petrol pumps noisy when hot. FUTURE POSITION. 13,000 miles run on 34-EX under desert conditions, complete absence of vapour lock with pump in the frame. Pump inaudible hot or cold. Mechanically, at the completion of the run, the pump showed a defect which is being rectified. We shall be disappointed if we do not have a pump ready for standardisation by the completion of the next 15,000 miles' test on 32-EX. This should be finished before the hottest time of the year. Although we may not wish to rush into production with this pump without more experience, it should at least be available in cases of complaint. Hm.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} | ||