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).
Thermostat and radiator shutter modifications, and the results of a piston examination after 5000 miles.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 82\1\ scan0294 | |
| Date | 4th December 1933 guessed | |
| - 2 - To Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} querie the results, allthough so far it is very good for keeping down the half crankshaft period. RADIATOR We fitted before leaving Derby a Thermostat made by the Packless Gland Co., handed over to us by Leslie. We found in the first place that the movement of the thermostat was restricted. The leverage to open the shutters was greater that the movement of the thermostat. We had to reduce the bearing length by 1/16" to allow the full movement of the radiator shutters. Before doing this we set the shutters full open when hot, then the shutters would not close and we were running with a water temperature of 65°C, no higher. If you will measure the movement of the thermostat barrel and the arc of the shutters leverage, you will find it is not sufficient. We had the same trouble on Brooklands, also we reported that the radiator shutters on 18.G.IV. had the same trouble at speed. We have been reporting for some time this trouble. We will endeavour to fit our small balance and obtain the amount of pull necessary to fully maintain the shutters open. We have dismantled the engine and chalk tested the pistons. No sign of any cracks could be observed. We have sent you the following telegram: PISTONS EXAMINED 5000 ALL O.K. We are erecting the engine for continuation of the mileage. G.W.H. Hancock. G.W.H. | ||