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).
Letter outlining objections to a new oil level indicator design proposed for use in America.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 75\2\ scan0022 | |
| Date | 14th August 1925 | |
| Oy3-W-S142S August 14, 1925. Mr. Claude Johnson, Rolls-Royce, Limited, London, England. (Copy for attention of Mr. Royce) Mr. Platford) Mr. Hives) Dear Sir: Re Oil level and drain cocks Oil level We have received unsigned standardisation sheet for the oil level indicator. We do not know whether this refers to the direct reading indicator with float in the oil, and vertical projecting wire. We have made one indicator of this type to the arrangement drawing received from England and have to admit that, although in the past we have advocated this type, with the increased experience of this and other types, we think it is not desirable to use this indicator in America. Our objections to it are: (1) Because of the shape of our lower half the oil level varies very little between "High" and "Low" as compared with other cars which have a narrow base chamber. The level is therefore liable to change a lot with slope of the car, and the needle is not easy to read accurately because of the short stroke. (2) It is necessary to open the bonnet to read the oil level, whereas the present cock can be operated from outside the bonnet. (3) The level indicator does not show the quality of the oil in the engine. This is very important in this country where the oil thins out rapidly if engine is run cold. (4) As compared with our present arrangement, the level indicator we feel leaves too much to the discretion of the driver. Our present level cock admits of no mistake since engine must be filled until overflow occurs. | ||