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).
Breakdown of Maconrite high tension wires on test bed units due to heat, and a proposed fix.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 168\1\ img194 | |
| Date | 18th April 1935 | |
| To HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Wat. (611) HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Swdl.{Len H. Swindell}1/KW.18.4.35. SpectreCodename for Phantom III High Tension Wires. On all the test bed units fitted with Maconite high tension wires, the leads from the coils to the distributors have broken down. In each case, this has happened when the engine is thoroughly hot, sparking taking place through the insulation to any metal in close contact with the lead. By replacing this wire with a rubber covered wire which has a cellulosed cambric covering, this trouble is cured. No.5 unit which is now on test is fitted with Maconite wiring and other than the leads between the coils and the distributors breaking down, the plug leads from the distributors are also giving the same trouble. HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/L.H.Swindall. | ||