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).
Properties of lubricating oils, clarifying that chassis and gearbox oils are mineral, not compound.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 144\1\ scan0103 | |
| Date | 17th October 1924 | |
| To B.J. from He. c. to CHB. c. to EF. c. to HY.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} LUBRICATING OILS. Replying to CHB11/LH{Mr Haworth}29.9.24. We should like to point out that the oils which we recommend for chassis, gearbox and axle lubrication namely - Prices Amber Gear Oil A.{Mr Adams} and B. are pure mineral oils. They are not compound oils as stated in the above memo. We have had a Laboratory test taken since receiving your memo. to confirm this, and Amber A.{Mr Adams} was found to be a pure mineral oil - Amber B. was found to contain 99.171% mineral. It follows therefore that the complaints you put forward with regard to steering pivots and gearboxes cannot in any way be attributed to a compound oil. We have realised the trouble with steering pivots and experiments are being carried out which we anticipate will affect considerable improvement. With reference to the statement of rusty ball bearings in the gearbox. We only know of this occurring when a car has been sent over-seas and this would most probably be caused by the atmospheric conditions. Precautions have been taken for some time so that this cannot occur. The oil we recommend for engines is a compound oil. We are not at all convinced however that the complaints made can be attributed to the fact that we are using a compound oil. We have used a compound oil ever since the first R.R. car. contd :- | ||