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).
Extract from a letter by G. Summers suggesting improvements to the ignition system for wet weather performance.
Identifier | ExFiles\Box 20\9\ Scan139 | |
Date | 3rd April 1936 | |
Extract from letter dated 3.4.36 from G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} Summers, Esq. "When I sent my car recently to have it decarbonised and the brakes re-lined, I suggested that something might be done to make the car usable in wet or snowy weather, but my request was ignored. I have fitted an elaborate rubber tube system to the ignition wires on the distributor, and have made a waterproof "tea-cosy" affair for the coil, but I cannot say that what I have done has effected much improvement. Both water and snow are splashed up by the front wheels through the louvred engine undershield, and a certain amount comes in through the radiator. Even the plugs themselves, due to the terminals being so close in some cases to pipes and control rods, would seem liable to short-circuit. I was looking at one of your aero engines in your showroom windows in London the other day. I noticed that the ignition wires and plugs were completely protected by metal casing, either flexible or otherwise, and I would suggest that this is the proper cure for the trouble, coupled with an efficient waterproof cover to the distributor, and the removal of the coil to a less vulnerable position." | ||