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).
Engine modifications, fuel pump performance, and issues with damaged pistons.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 82\1\ scan0221 | |
| Date | 24th August 1933 | |
| Hotel de France. Chateauroux. Indre. To Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} From G.W.H. 24.8.33. I. B. IV. F.{Mr Friese} Dodd arrived Wednesday mid-day with the two sets of pistons, two S.U. electric pumps, two pipes for water supply to the throttle and the three connecting rods. We have fitted the pistons with larger dia. bands, the two petrol pumps the water pipe with no break, and the three connecting rods. We got the engine running last night and after further light running in this morning, the car went on the road for medium speeds only. It will during the afternoons run be gradually brought up to maximum speed. In the morning it will have to stand full maximum speed and power. The two electric pumps sent over, deliver at the carburetter junction an average of 120 pts. per hr. The output ~~will~~ [handwritten: should] increase with use. The two which I had altered the setting of the diaphragm and set of the contact spring delivered an average of 137.4 pts. per hr. We appreciate your remarks re. the spring being responsible for the delivery and as we have [handwritten: not] short [handwritten: BEEN] of petrol, we shall not increase the strength of same. We have found it important not to have any restriction on the suction side, and as stated the ports in the tap have been opened up to a full .250". Our system is working perfectly, is easy of access, cannot be heard whilst running on the road. The reserve tap is at the moment fitted in a recess at the bottom of the O.S. rear door. If the tap is wanted on the facia board, it could easily be arranged with controls. One had to be a contortionist to operate it on the dash. The whole unit can be taken out of the car in less than five minutes. A steel guard protects it from stones etc. We hope to continue our mileage without further delay for some time. F.{Mr Friese} Dodd informs me that one of the pistons was broken when it reached you. We are sorry this happened. It was cracked three quarters of the way down the skirt when we dispatched it. We are asking Dodd to take back the two remaining pistons, one that broke and another cracked one along with the three connecting rods. | ||