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).
Petrol pump failures, their causes, and repair procedures.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 149\3\ scan0059 | |
| Date | 26th April 1939 | |
| 12637 W/S - C. c. - Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} BY/SB.{Mr Bull/Mr Bannister}3/MG.26.4.39 PETROL PUMP FAILURES C14/C24.4.39. We agree that troubles with petrol pumps are not prevented by use of the switch, but we certainly feel that we ought not to have complete breakdowns on the road when use of the switch would give ample warning that one half of the pump is defective. However, in view of what you say regarding a leaflet, we will not pursue this any further, but it might be useful to issue an internal reminder to our own people - Inspecting Engineers for instance - who come into contact with customers, so that attention could be drawn to the advisability of using the switch periodically. As regards petrol pump troubles generally, we cannot make an electrically operated diaphragm pump absolutely infallible, particularly with high under-bonnet temperatures, but we try to provide the best margin of safety by means of a dual pump in conjunction with means for giving warning of any impending breakdown. With the high pressure petrol pumps in the frame, we have had extraordinarily little trouble. Many troubles with the Bentley and 25/30 HP. pumps on the dashboard have been traced to incorrect assembly of the armature and diaphragms, and a distinct improvement has resulted from a general tightening up on these inaccuracies by dismantling, inspecting, and correct re-assembling of all new pumps at Derby. As a further step, all service pumps are in future to be repaired at Derby so as to bring them in line with current Production practice. BY/S | ||