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 to The S.U. Co. Ltd. concerning failures and potential improvements for the Bentley petrol pump.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 149\1\ scan0078 | |
| Date | 8th January 1935 | |
| x2677 Exptl: Dept. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}21/KW. 8th January, 1935. C.T. Skinner, Esq., The S.U. Co.Ltd., East Works, Bordesley Green Road, Birmingham 8. Dear Mr. Skinner, BENTLEY PETROL PUMP. I am getting concerned about the Bentley petrol pump. Unless this is improved I feel certain that shortly there will be a considerable number of complaints, to our mutual disadvantage. Quite recently three of these pumps have failed on experimental cars, one when in the hands of our Managing Director. As far as I can ascertain at present this is mainly due to the points oxidising, when this happens the pressure between them is not sufficient to pass adequate current to make the pumps start. This afternoon, however, Bowering should have discussed an actual sample of failed pump with you. So far our inspection of these pumps in the Works has not been very severe. If it was I feel that a great many would be returned to you on the score of the points not being lined up properly. We have clearly got to do something to deal with the situation. I would very much like to have your point of view, is it that you cannot make a better job of the pump without making a loss, or would you welcome the return of a large percentage of the pumps to you by our inspection, so that you could tighten up your manufacturing operations? If you think design enters into it as much as manufacture, then what do you propose should be incorporated in the pump? | ||