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).
Correcting oil leaks from a joint and exploring alternative lubrication methods.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\N\2October1925-December1925\ Scan84 | |
| Date | 12th June 1925 | |
| R.R. 493A (50 H) (D.D. 31, 12-6-25) J.H.D. EXPERIMENTAL REPORT. -2- Expl. No. REF: Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/TMWL/LG201025 This has now been corrected. Assuming that there are no [text crossed out] leaks from these two places, the amount of oil recommended in Instruction Book while erring on the right side, is far more than necessary; in fact the amount - half a gun every 500 miles - is far more than the joint could possibly consume without leaking. R.{Sir Henry Royce} suggested a good method of dealing with this over-oiling viz :- Fixing the oil retainer in a position so as not to touch the cover and thus allow surplus oil to drain out. It was found however that such a large gap was needed to effect this, that dirt could get into the joint and even then oil would drip out after a run, so much being held up by attraction when cold. Other experiments were tried on these lines, such as fitting a levelling tube as in the rear axle, which were only partially successful if the oil recommended for general use in the grease-gun be used, which is desirable. With the introduction of the super-greasegun containing an intensifier chamber however, an opportunity arises of giving the joint a definite measured supply of oil, which is ample for all lubricating purposes, and if instructions are followed, will at any rate reduce the leaking to a very slight amount, if not positively curing it. Assuming that the working parts of the joint are oiled when being assembled and the cover not filled up contd :- | ||