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).
Use of Ethyl petrol, its effects on spark plugs, and when to recommend its use for different chassis, including Bentley.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 150\1\ scan0128 | |
| Date | 1st July 1936 | |
| S/W Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} C20/C1.7.36 ETHYL PETROL. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}20/KW29.6.36. ----- I have duly noted contents of your memo. and Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} has explained the situation to me. We had not really realised that Ethyl was such an advance on the ordinary No.1.fuel, and must therefore, agree that we ought to take advantage of what the Petrol Companies are able to supply, in view of the fact that you have now been able to render the engine parts immune from the effects of this fuel. As you know, we have had complaints of fading of power, due to the deposit of lead on the points of the sparking plugs used in the 3½-litre, after a time, but we understand this has been overcome by the use of different plugs. I think, therefore, it becomes a question as to when we should go so far as definitely to advise the use of Ethyl as the first petrol - that is to say, what chassis have your various treatments which will render the fuel innocuous? On the chassis after that we can recommend that Ethyl shall be used in any case. On the chassis before that we could recommend Ethyl when there have been persistent complaints of pinking, etc. Do you not think this is the best way of dealing with the matter? We should like to know also, when this will come in on the other chassis; but for the time being presumably the important matter is the Bentley. We will also arrange to stock supplies at the various depots. [Handwritten] V.W. Please write C. Attached is a note to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} and depot sheet circulated which I think covers C20/C1.7.36. c. | ||