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).
Notice to car owners regarding engine operation with low-grade petrol and benzol.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 1\2\ B001_X 53-page47 | |
| Date | 15th February 1919 | |
| 15th February, 1919. TO OWNERS OF R.{Sir Henry Royce}-R.{Sir Henry Royce} CARS. Re LOW GRADE PETROL, BENZOL, ETC. OWING to the present supply of motor spirit being less volatile than formerly, the following points are of value to obtain regular, consistent, and economical running. Many years ago our cars were fitted with larger radiators to suit them for climbing long hills in hot countries, and for use in such tropical climates as in India. It will, therefore, be seen that such radiators are too large for ordinary work during cold weather, and since the fuel is now of such quality that only part of it is sufficiently volatile, it is imperative to keep the whole of the engine at a much higher temperature than formerly. This applies to the carburetter, induction pipes, cylinders, and every part meeting the petrol vapour until it has been burnt. This is best obtained by keeping the cooling water at a temperature just under boiling, and at least 80°C = 176°F.{Mr Friese}, when more regular running and better fuel economy will be obtained. To do this, it is best to blank off part of the radiator, for which parts can be obtained from us, or at a local garage, or coachbuilder. The following are methods which are suitable:— 1. A piece of plywood (painted dead black) is cut to cover from one-third to two-thirds of the face of the radiator and secured by long pieces of screwed wire (like cycle spokes) and nuts passing through the holes in the radiator. Different sized pieces should be used for different times of the year. 2. For very cold climates a complete hood covering the whole radiator and bonnet will be found necessary. The front of such a hood has a loose section which can be rolled up to expose sufficient of the radiator to maintain the cooling water at the required temperature. 3. A roller blind (spring) can be fitted to the front of the radiator by making the blind slightly narrower than the face of the radiator, and securing the bearing and catches for the blind by long pieces of screwed wire and nuts passing through the radiator, taking care to spread the base so as to avoid crushing the delicate radiator tubes. 4. Arrangements are being made to fit a set of louvres to the radiators so that they can be adjusted quickly and conveniently, according to the state of the weather and the work to be done. Much benefit can be obtained by even the simplest and most easily obtained of the above devices, like (1). Thermometer. It is advisable to have a thermometer always registering the temperature, preferably one which can be seen from the driver's seat. We hope a supply will soon be available. WARNING. Drivers should take care to avoid excessive boiling, which may damage the radiators, and also to watch for loss of water, which may cause damage to the engine. Benzol. It is to be hoped that a supply of suitable Benzol will be available for all users of Rolls-Royce cars. We recommend this being mixed with petrol in the proportion of from 20 to 30 per cent. It will be found that this mixture makes the engine run more smoothly (because it burns more slowly) and will increase the miles per gallon of fuel. There is no fear of a mixture of this proportion freezing at any English ground temperatures. ROLLS-ROYCE LIMITED. | ||