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).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) style document summarising the facts about Ethyl Petrol and its effect on engines.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 150\1\ scan0302 | |
| Date | 12th April 1930 guessed | |
| ETHYL—THE FACTS SUMMARISED 32. How does Ethyl Petrol affect rubber, such as hose lines and tyres? It has no more effect than any other petrol. 33. Will Ethyl Petrol make the engine start more easily? “ETHYL” Fluid has nothing whatever to do with the starting qualities of the petrol with which it is mixed. 34. Does Ethyl Petrol interfere with fuel-air pre-heating devices? Not at all. 35. With the “knock” eliminated how can you tell when the engine needs attention? Motorists heretofore have relied upon the “knock” as a warning signal that the engine or the cooling system needs attention. Since a car using Ethyl Petrol does not “knock” its owner should make sure that he always has plenty of oil and water and should have his car inspected by a reliable mechanic at reasonable intervals. Ethyl Petrol is a “knockless” fuel—not a cure-all. 36. Does Ethyl Petrol harm the engine or any of its parts in any way? No. Previous questions and answers deal with this question specifically. 10 ETHYL—THE FACTS SUMMARISED 5. What are the effects of that “knock”? Your engine was designed to deliver a certain number of revolutions per minute, but this is on the basis of a new and clean engine. As carbon forms and the “knock” becomes pronounced, the r.p.m.’s drop, and you notice it in the form of a sluggish engine, loss of power on hills and in picking up. The energy not usefully employed is dissipated as heat and mechanical shock, both of which are injurious to the engine. Vibration and excessive wear and tear of the engine result. 6. Why does Ethyl Petrol eliminate that “knock”? “ETHYL” Fluid controls the combustion rate of petrol. It keeps it from burning too quickly in the presence of carbon and at high temperatures, and each explosion produces a powerful, even push, instead of a hammerlike blow. 7. What may the user expect from Ethyl Petrol? In all types of cars (new and old) the user will find that Ethyl Petrol: 1. Causes the engine to run more smoothly. 2. Delivers more power, particularly on hills and heavy roads. 3. Causes the engine to accelerate more quickly, and makes the car easier to handle in traffic. 4. Reduces Gear changing. 5. Eliminates “knocking” without retarding the spark. 3 | ||