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).
Causes and potential solutions for radiator water loss on the Phantom II model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 15\1\ Scan340 | |
| Date | 31th August 1930 | |
| X7250. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} } From R.{Sir Henry Royce} Ey. } C. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} R1/M31.8.30. R.7770 X.7250 *.7260 PHANTOM II. LOSS OF RADIATOR WATER After asking Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} to compare the capacities of the old and new radiator tanks we have come to the conclusion that it would not be wise to attempt to artificially increase the capacity of the tank. I have also asked Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} to make an estimate of the water lost by expansion and this does not account for the large loss which is pointed out by Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}'s test to be largely due to the motion of the car on the road and stated to be principally due to pitching. It is obvious that we ought not to lose our water from this cause if it can possible be avoided. I have suggested that instead of a standpipe we use an inner tube of large diameter in the radiator filler somewhat in the same way as we have been using on the present petrol tank. This will give a small annulus all round rather higher up than at present and could be made less liable to waste water by surging, but it occurs to me to be preferable to cover the large inner hole with a leather or rubber faced disc pressed down from the radiator cap by a spring, so that no water can escape unless the pressure is 1 or 2 lbs. above the atmosphere. This should make a remarkable difference in the loss of water because the actual boiling temperature will rise slightly above the 100°C. and no water will be lost by splashing only. There are many modifications of this idea. One is to form a small leak and a cavity so that the water can run back into the radiator somewhat in the same way as acid is reserved in the acc umulator vent. The next idea is that it may be necessary to fit a valve sothat on cooling the tank is not subject to the 15 lbs. per sq. in. atmospheric pressure (vacuum). We are trying at the same time to permit of a good view of the matrix when the radiator cap is removed. | ||