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).
Investigation into the oiling system of a Kestrel engine for a 'Day & Night Fighter' from a cold start.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 179\3\ img067 | |
| Date | 3rd March 1932 | |
| S. From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Bib. C. to Mr. H.Y. C. to Mr. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} C. to Mr. E.V. C. to Mr. Lr.{Mr Ellor} C. to Mr. Jaques. X2965. KESTREL ENGINES. OPENING THROTTLE TO FULL FROM COLD. The specification for the new class of aircraft termed the 'Day & Night Fighter' requires that the aircraft should be off the ground within 3 1/2 mins of starting the engine whether hot or cold. In consequence of this we have been opening up a Kestrel engine to full throttle immediately the oil pressure has reached its normal figure this being on an average 45 secs after starting. These tests were carried out in the early morning, the engine having stood in the open overnight and the average air temp being + 4.5C for the 16 starts made. With the exception of raising the oil tank from below the level of the oil pump no preparation or investigation has been carried out and the engine does not appear to have suffered any ill effects from running at full throttle with cold oil. TEST INSTALLATION. Fuselage hangar tilted nose up 15° Kestrel II.S engine having 7/1 comp pistons, new carbs in the vee, not sealed. Standard Evaporative Cooling system. 6 1/2 galls of water. Divided oil tank 4 galls of P.4 oil Standard 1" dia pipes 7ft. long. No cooler in circuit. First part of test made with tank 6" below pump level. Second " " " " " " " " 16" above " ". TEST RESULTS. After the engine has been running at full throttle for approx 30 secs the oil pressure drops 10 or 15 lbs/sq.in. when the oil tank is below the level of the pump and 5 lbs/sq.in. when above. The drop in pressure and its return to normal is gradual and occupies about 3 1/2 mins. | ||