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).
Issues with lubrication, comparing the present scheme with a proposed continuous lubrication system.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 16\1\ Scan093 | |
| Date | 30th November 1923 guessed | |
| Oyg/H-R-7:R22 -2- Very few chauffeurs take the trouble to clean these nipples before attaching the gun, and if dust covers are rovided they are immediately lost the first time the car is lubricated. The nozzle of the gun soon accumulates a mass of grease and dust. (S) - In winter weather it requires considerable effort to use the gun, even without any back pressure to pump against, unless engine oil or a free-flowing grease is used. To discharge a whole gunful of 600-W in zero weather would take about half an hour. Present Springfield scheme We find that with trumpet oil collectors in the sphere and lubrication from the gearbox, it is possible to run 2000 miles and gain oil in the sphere in ordinary running conditions, not in traffic where second speed is used frequently, and we therefore believe that this will be sufficient in most cases, but are still calling for hand lubrication once a month as a safeguard. Proposed continuous lubrication This scheme has been submitted to Mr. Royce in report of July 25 entitled "Contemplated Alterations". We are rather afraid of this scheme for one reason, namely, that the universal joint acting as a blower will suck air in through the front end of the sphere and discharge it through the vent pipe, leaving a certain amount of dust in the gearbox oil. Otherwise, it appears to work well. We submit to Mr. Royce that if the speedometer could be driven from spiral gears inside the gearbox, the front end of the bronze sphere could be attached to the ball bearing housing at the rear of the gearbox by a leather boot or other flexible means to exclude the dust. Oy. | ||