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).
Experiments and modifications to address engine water boiling on long mountain passes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 24\4\ Scan134 | |
| Date | 8th August 1924 | |
| To HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from R.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to CJ. BJ. PN.{Mr Northey} C O P Y. 1766 R2/M8.8.24. RE. COMPLAINT OF BOILING WATER ON LONG MOUNTAIN PASSES. We believe you have made the necessary experiments shewing the difference in the time of boiling of the water due to various modifications to the radiator, fan, louvres, and under-shield, exhaust heated throttle, speed of fan, and any other modifications that can be imagined. In addition there are (1) the difference in the same amount of work done by the overhead valve engine compared with the standard 40/50! (2) the two engines at full throttle climbing fast through the air (i.e. not stationary). (3) the disadvantage of number plate or lamps in front of the radiator when passing through fairly worm air at the natural speed that the car would travel (20 to 30 m.p.h.), (4) the disadvantage of shutters, and (5) the value of keeping the engine house as cool as possible by louvres in the (roof of?) bonnet, (6) the difference betweem a deep and shallow matrix of the dimensions within the bounds of possibility, namely, from 3" to 5" tubes. In addition to these tabulated results, what progress we have made in connection with the loss of water or the space required in the upper part of the tank before steam only is expelled, the formation of steam bubbles or cavities in the engine cylinders, so expelling a quantity of water through displacement, and whether this occurs worse in the overhead valve engine than in the side valve engine. I believe that we should have no trouble or complaints if we could ensure the radiators only being filled contd:- | ||