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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).
Various component failures and investigations, including coils, petrol pumps, dynamos, and sparking plugs.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 135\2\  scan0209
Date  14th August 1940
  
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Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Wym.{G. Harold Whyman - Experimental Manager}1/SW.14.8.40.

A Lucas Sports coil is now fitted to 1-B-50, and a Lucas R.{Sir Henry Royce} coil (cheaper type) fitted to 9-B-V.{VIENNA}

9-B-V car is wired up with the positive earth system instead of a negative earth. This scheme is recommended by Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/RC{R. Childs} for production.

Petrol Pumps.

Petrol pump failed on 1-B-50 after 13,531 miles also failed on 10-B-V after 7,400 miles. In both cases the rollers had seized up and dug into the diaphragms. The contacts were very sooty and the pitting was bad.

Lucas starter motors have failed on 9-B-V after 3,860 miles, and on Lappins old 4 1/2 litre Bentley after 2 years service. The trouble in both cases was due to the rubber drive coupling slipping. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/RC{R. Childs} is investigating this matter in conjunction with Mr.Birkbeck of the British Tyre & Rubber Co., BURTON.

Dynamo.

The dynamo fitted to 3-B-50 has on four occasions failed to charge, the trouble is due to a gummy deposit which oozes through the miconite commutator segment insulators. This cheap form of insulator was introduced by Production, without Experimental Dept., knowledge. Production have now reverted to the recommended Mica insulators.

The mounting bracket for the dynamo on 3-B-50, has worked loose twice, and finally broken. This matter is being taken up with Design by Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/RC.{R. Childs}

Sparking Plug.

Our tests on various makes and types of sparking plugs including Champion N.8, LB.8, AC,plugs, KLG/FLB.30X and KLG/FE.30X. emphasise that the Champion N.8 plug is the best we know of for B.60 and B.80 engines. A separate report should be issued by Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/RC.{R. Childs}

Petrol Reserve Unit.

On 10-B-V and 4-B-50 cars the Lucas petrol reserve unit has been fitted. The units are operated by a solnoid, and have failed in service because parts have become corroded and fouled with foreign matter. This unit will always do this, because it has no filter fitted between the tank and the unit itself.

On 10-B-V car the pipes in the tank were choked up and completely stopped the petrol supply, these pipes are only 1/4" in outside diameter, and are definitely small.
  
  


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