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).
Design flaws and suggestions for the petrol tank and related components.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 72\2\ scan0126 | |
| Date | 9th July 1925 guessed | |
| -7- 15. Petrol tank. We find that if the petrol tank is filled wi up to the top, which can easily happen, a flood of petrol comes out of the vent and spills over the tank. We think this may be considered dangerous. When luggage is fitted, the level indicator comes under the luggage grid. We suggest it could go closer to the rear cross member so that it can be seen between the luggage grid and the body. This is considered unsatisfactory for the following reasons, which are put forth to with a view to obtaining more information and not for the purpose of criticism, as we have little or no knowledge in London of the reasons of the developments of design on these lines. 1. The desirability of the filler being placed truly vertically is obvious, for convenience and rapidity in filling from cans and appearance. Is there any objection to this that is perhaps unknown to us? 2. No means of filtering the petrol, as it is poured in, are provided. This appears to be desirable, for the reasons mentioned on previous occasions. 3. There is no sump of sufficient volume to collect dirt and water which may be admitted, and which could be drained off without passing into petrol system. 4. The air vent tube from top of tank appears to have been suppressed. It is suggested that possibly the tube would seem preferable arrangement, as it will prevent overflow over tank and new vent would appear to be liable to admit further dirt and water. 5. The petrol gauge is of inferior appearance to the former model. 6. We consider the petrol gauge should show the quantity of petrol contained in the main tank only, and should not include that in reserve. 7. The switch overtap is too accessible for mischievous or meddlesome persons. It is suggested that it might be covered over completely by a screwed-on cap, or | ||