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).
Test report on lead separation from the centre main bearing of a Kestrel six-cylinder unit.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 54\4\ Scan098 | |
| Date | 5th August 1933 | |
| γ 4659. To Rg. {Mr Rowledge} From Ha/Ryco. c. to Wcr. c. to By. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to Lr. {Mr Ellor} c. to KP. c. to lp. {Mr Lappin} c. to Fl. c. to Mr. Jaques. Ha/Ryco.2/W.J.5.8.33. KESTREL SIX CYLINDER UNIT. LEAD BRONZE BEARINGS. Separation of lead has occurred on this unit from the centre main bearing during endurance running in connection with the Ethylene Glycol contract. Running Carried Out. Running with a soft Kestrel crankshaft. Total running time - 36 1/2 hrs. This running time was composed as follows :- Miscellaneous 2600 RPM. and under - 24 1/2 hrs. Detonating 2600 RPM. + 2 lbs. boost oil 80°C. in. 3 1/2 hrs. and a final endurance of 8 1/2 hrs. as follows R.P.M. 2600. + 1/2 lb. boost, oil 88°C. in. Glycol 150°C. out. Oil P.4. Belmoro treated M.P.P. 96. Results. A small amount of the usual thin lead shaving was found in each filter. No damage was done to the journal and there was no discolouring. The symptoms of the failure were of the usual characteristic we have experienced on the full size engine i.e. a sudden simultaneous drop in oil pressure and load accompanied by a sudden rise in oil temp. The drop in oil pressure was from 57 to 45 lbs/sq.in. and the rise in temp. was 3°C. We are convinced that the fall in oil pressure followed the bearing failure as even the minimum pressure reached on this test (45 lbs/sq.in.) is higher than obtained on some of the production Goshawks now on test. The engine was immediately shut down on the fall in oil pressure. Ha/E.S.Royce. | ||