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).
Experiments with different lubricating oils and their qualities.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 76\4\ scan0165 | |
| Date | 21th August 1919 | |
| To EH ) from R.{Sir Henry Royce} " WD{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} ) c. to CJ. c. to BN.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} c. to EFC R4/G21.8.19. RE LUBRICATING OILS X.1434. I would like you to experiment with different qualities of lubricating oil, taking the quality of oil that would be most likely to prevent piston knocks as being Castrol, and the worst, a thin mineral oil such as we should not recommend on account of its poor lubricating qualities not giving good life to the various wearing surfaces of the engine. You will remember that I have always been very suspicious that the lubricating qualities of a pure mineral oil are insufficient for any mechanical purposes, and especially for high speed work at high temperatures. I have had a slight domestic experience which has confirmed this view to an enormous extent. The comparison was between some light mineral oil of unknown origin or quality, and another light oil which appeared afterwards to be undoubtedly Sperm oil. I should be glad if Mr. Whitehead would arrange to send me one gallon from your stock of the following various oils:- (1) Sperm oil - for lubricating light machinery and instruments, and plate clutches which are intended to have their plates lubricated. (2) Lard oil - for lubricating medium machinery and cutting tools. (3) Caster Oil or Castrol - for lubricating heavy machinery. | ||