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).
Test report on the Master Primer, detailing its starting procedure and highlighting difficulties with engine warm-up in cold weather.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 77\1\ scan0088 | |
| Date | 12th January 1921 | |
| X4318 To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/TMW. c. to CJ. c. to Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} c. to EWT. for R.R. Inc. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/TMW/LG12.1.21. X.4318. RE MASTER PRIMER. We have carried out careful tests with the above Primer and find that it functions well when instructions issued with it are carefully followed. This is to say, to start engine the operation is as follows:- See that carburetter throttle is closed. Pull Primer button and keep hold of it. Wait about 10 secs. for warming up - switch on ignition. Operate starter motor keeping engine turning a few revolutions. Then, open throttle to a slow running position and as soon as engine starts, release Primer button. We find, after this somewhat elaborate procedure, that the engine will invariably start; but this is not our difficulty at present our own primer does practically the same thing more simply. Our trouble lies in the fact that in very cold weather, after the car has been standing exposed, the engine cannot be relied upon to continue to run after starting up from priming and a considerable amount of warming up is necessary before it is possible to drive off with the Car. If the Master Primer were also used as a low-speed auxiliary Carburetter as well as a Primer, it would be nearer what is wanted, but there is no... Contd. | ||