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).
Letter from F.H. Royce discussing the practicalities of lubricating ball and plain bearings.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 180\M6\ img050 | |
| Date | 19th January 1928 | |
| COPY. 19th January, 1928. La{L. A. Archer} Villa mimosa, Le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence, Par Le Lavandou, V A R . FRANCE. Dear Mr. Bentley, Regarding the lubrication of ball bearings. Hoffman's advice seems the practical, they say. Use oil or grease. - mineral only free from acid or alkli. We could mark all machines and cranes. only. Ball Bearings. use / acid free mineral oil or grease. small quantity monthly (3 monthly) or yearly. This is my judgement. Thick gear oil preferred. We could provide either (1) Stauffers, (2) grease gun nipples, or (3) screwed plug for shringe, according to circumstances. (but we must provide means of replenishing). 1. only suitable for grease. 2. " " " " and thick oil(preferable). 3. only " " " oil preferably thick. Compile an instruction book for designers and draughtsmen, let this be one of the sheets. R.R. use Prices Amber Gear Oil which naturally has all conditions to meet from transmission line at 3000 revs to road wheels, like your armatures. R.R. brakes have to be kept free from oil by oil catchers and drainage you could do the same. The same lubricant and system would do for plain bearings but this would read. Unless self lubricating plain bearing should be oiled daily. I have no faith in sight feed lubricators much prefer wicks, which must be cleaned or renewed every 3 months or they may get clogged with dirt and jelly, otherwise most reliable and give clean lubrication, and though old fashioned are again gaining favour by real worth. F.H. Royce. Kindly get this typed and send a copy to W.W. Thank Messrs. Hoffman in my name as confirming my experience. tactfully thank the other two. Acid free mineral oil ought not to hurt your armatures and commutators, naturally one would keep it off carbon brushes. I mean otherwise. | ||