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).
Unsatisfactory oil level arrangement on the 40/50 HP model and the development of a new indicator.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 75\2\ scan0003 | |
| Date | 12th December 1922 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to CJ. c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to DY.{F R Danby} X3527 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}6/LGS.12.22. 40/50 OIL TANK. X3527. When we fitted the 20 HP. parts to 6.EX Car, we tried to fit in the oil level indicator as used on the 20 HP. We consider the present arrangement on the 40/50 is crude and unsatisfactory. We found, however, that we could not fit the 20 HP. type conveniently but we have since made another one which shows the level of oil in the crankchamber. The disadvantage with the present 40/50 is that in order to know whether the level of oil is correct it is necessary to run oil out on the floor. This is wasteful and messy. Another fault which we think is worse - it is possible for a Driver to run the car until all the oil is used in the crankchamber and the oil pressure commences to vary. If this is done, then all the mud and dirt is circulated round the engine because the oil suction on the 40/50 drains the whole crankcase. The fact of us fitting a tank to carry a spare supply of oil rather condones the act of neglecting to level the crank-chamber with oil. There is no doubt, to get the best results from the bearings, fresh clean oil should be added frequently. The engine should never be run until the oil is practically all used. We are sending to R.{Sir Henry Royce} a scheme of the level indicator we are using. It can be applied to existing cars - it is very convenient to read. As soon as we can fit a satisfactory oil level indicator on the 40/50, we can do away with the side. contd; | ||