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).
Suitability of different anti-freezing compounds, recommending ethylene or trimethylene glycol over glycerine.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 179\3\ img037 | |
| Date | 5th March 1932 | |
| R.{Sir Henry Royce} From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Lid.{A. J. Lidsey} c. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Mor. c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} N435. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Lid.{A. J. Lidsey}1/4.5. 3. 32. ANTI FREEZING COMPOUNDS. We have up to the present recommended the use of commercially pure glycerine, ethylene-glycol or trimethylene glycol as suitable anti freezing compounds when used in their correct proportions. Experience we have had with pure glycerine however has shown us that this is not suitable because it tends to form a hard encrustation in the lower cylinder water passages eventually cutting off the circulation. Glycerine apparently tends to act upon grease or other similar lubricants which are unavoidably present in an engine water system and possibly in conjunction with lime (present in all tap water in varying degrees) it produces a deposit which gradually fills up the water ways. In America a compound known as Prestone has been used very extensively on our cars with no deleterious results; this has been analysed and found to be pure ethylene glycol. We do not know of any English anti freezing compound similar to Prestone; we have analysed 'Zero' and 'Stop-it' and found these to be commercially pure glycerine. Tri-methylene glycol is as good as ethylene glycol. It appears that our only safe course is to recommend ethylene glycol or trimethylene glycol and add a note that any proprietary compounds which are nothing more than commercially pure glycerine are not to be used. In addition, before filling up with anti freezing compound the system should be well washed out to remove any scale etc. as all anti freezing compounds will loosen some of the rust from the water jackets. Lastly it is important that clean soft water only be used. Prestone is easily obtainable in this country, we should not however like to recommend it because it is and American product. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/A.J.Lidsey. | ||