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).
Engine over-heating issues on Phantom models and a proposed solution involving a pressure system.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 24\5\ Scan127 | |
| Date | 26th August 1926 | |
| X766 PN{Mr Northey}12/DN26.8.26. TO Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to BJ FROM P.N. Engine cooling on Phantoms. I have received your Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}1/LG25.8.26. I quite agree that the complaints from owners in respect of over-heating with our bigger model, are altogether less this summer than might have been the case where the Silver Ghost was concerned. The situation, in fact, is considerably easier. What, of course, concerns me very much, as I indicated in my previous memo, is that whilst supplying people with a powerful car capable of putting up a fine performance on the level, directly hilly conditions are met with, especially in the summer, then a very large proportion of the power available has to be discounted and the performance becomes relatively poor, simply because we are afraid of losing water. I am surprised in your reference to the steam or vaporised system, that you do not appear to be more encouraging. Also, there does not appear to be taken into account any advantage of the latent heat of the steam. However, I am in entire sympathy with the point of view that with this method, a considerable modification of cylinder head design would be necessary. I am very glad that we have arranged to fit the pressure system of cooling to the Phantom which I shall be taking to France next week, as I think undoubtedly here does lie an inexpensive and simple method of greatly improving our cooling system. P.N.A | ||