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).
Letter from Shell-Mex and B.P. Limited regarding grease nomenclature and lubrication recommendations.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 145\3\ scan0288 | |
| Date | 5th May 1938 | |
| CONTINUATION SHEET NO. 1. FROM SHELL-MEX AND B.P. LIMITED TO Rolls-Royce Ltd. DATE 5th May 1938 the steering box, we would suggest that this particular grade would admirably suit both the gear box and the steering box and if so, you will agree that it would be an advantage to your owners, to recommend the one oil for two purposes, as by so doing, you will reduce the number of grades required for the lubrication of your production. Referring to your second paragraph, we appreciate the point which you make regarding nomenclature of certain greases which are necessary for chassis lubrication and so far as we are concerned, we have endeavoured to indicate by our grade name for grease, the purpose for which that particular grease should be used:- Shell Joint Grease for Universal Joints.(old type) Shell R.B. Grease, i.e. Roller Bearing Grease, for wheel bearings. Shell H.P. Grease i.e., Heat Proof Grease, where a high melting point grease is required. Shell W.P. Grease i.e., Waterproof grease for water pumps. The only exception to this is Shell Retinax as this is used for various purposes, including chassis, certain universal joints, certain gear boxes of motor cycles, etc. etc. and we felt that it was impossible to standardise a name which could indicate, generally speaking, the varied purposes for which this type of grease was required and it is therefore the only exception, which does not indicate the purpose for which it is used. In the circumstances, you will appreciate that our views on this point, are in uniformity and that if such uniformity as you suggest, is to be obtained in nomenclature of greases generally, our method at the moment, is certainly sounder than the names which certain competitive greases have and which in no way indicate the purpose for which they are required. This, of course, is speaking generally. | ||