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).
Technical report discussing issues with petrol pumps, engine overheating at low speeds, and transmission clunks on starting.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 161a\2\ scan0006 | |
| Date | 26th May 1937 guessed | |
| - 3 - 3. Petrol Pumps. These were discussed at length, especially having regard to the probable effect of hot weather on the efficiency of the pumps. It was decided that the type of pump which was recently used on the car that crossed the Sahara to Kenya should complete further tests in France. Meanwhile, as it had proved successful in conditions of great heat a small number will be built at W. to be used in case of need for the rescue of any customer who has a breakdown in hot weather conditions. Future production will depend on the tests in France. 4. Overheating of Cooling Water at Low Speeds in Traffic. Mr. anticipated that this trouble, which has already been experienced in cool weather, will become serious during the Summer months. He feared the circulation of water was inadequate when the engine was idling in traffic, and pointed out that the lead-off for the thermometer was at the after end of the cylinder jackets, and probably therefore gave drivers a false impression of the rear temperature of the cooling water as this rose rapidly to 100° and the red light showed. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} was not prepared to agree that the circulation was inadequate at slow speeds, or that there was any necessity for two pumps as mostly fitted on American 12-cylinder cars. He was in favour of a higher speed fan but admitted it would be more noisy. Experimental Department will investigate this matter further. 5. Clonk in Transmission on Starting. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} reported that this was thought to be due to the picking up of the splines of the propeller shaft telescopic joint. The remedy was to clean up the splines carefully and look into the matter of lubrication, which is by grease at the present time. A further slight improvement will be effected by a stay to the gearbox, and some of these will be sent to N. for use in complaint cases. CONTD. [Handwritten note on left margin] Dixon are schemes available for 25/309 Bentley Do not urge | ||