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).
Engine modifications required to run successfully on low-grade motor fuels.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 50\3\ Scan010 | |
| Date | 13th January 1921 | |
| X4305 R7/G13.1.21. To CJ. from R. {Sir Henry Royce} c. to EAC. c. to LHS. {Lord Herbert Scott} c. to Sir. E. {Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Goulding. c. to BJ. c. to WOr. {Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to EP. {G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} c. to PN. {Mr Northey} c. to H. {Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} c. to R.R. of America Inc. (For the attention of OY). X.4305. RE LOW GRADE MOTOR FUELS. As I stated at a recent Board Meeting, our chassis engine, like many others, requires some modifications to run successfully on the lowest class of fuels commonly obtained in American and elsewhere. For ideal results the following conditions have to be aimed for :- Type of engine. (1) The Cylinder shape should be such that the risk of detonation (chirping)(pinking) should be the minimum. (2) The position of the ignition plugs should be best to avoid detonations. (3) The temperature of the cylinders should be maintained high by keeping the cooling water at or near boiling point. (This we are doing with thermostatic control of water circulation.) (4) The engine house (air under bonnet) should be kept very warm as achieved by fitting automatically operated louvres to radiators (at present we trust to chauffeur using blanking plates behind radiator) or (4a) Warm air should be supplied to carburetter intakes, throttle, and induction pipes, heated by exhaust and water. (5) Carburetter system should have sufficient heat to ensure vaporisation of the liquid fuel which, if once thoroughly made into vapour, will only condense into fog, but if only sprayed into induction system spray will condense back to liquid. contd. | ||