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).
Issues and design evolution of thermostats and radiator shutters for engines, considering practices in the U.S.A.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\F\February1921\ Scan35 | |
| Date | 16th February 1921 | |
| To R.R. of America Inc. } From R.{Sir Henry Royce} (For attention of C.F.) Copy to G.L. EDC. ✓ RG{Mr Rowledge}/G15/2/21. WN ORIGINAL. RECEIVED FC FEB 16 1921 X.3563 RE THERMOSTATS. X.3456. X.3499 The combination of thermostat with byepass has much to be desired, and you will see in my earlier memos I pointed out the defects of this arrangement, but concluded it was the quickest thing to do to enable the cylinders of the engine to be maintained at a proper working temperature. I foresaw the risk of the radiator freezing. I was not, however, aware at the time this was introduced of the general use of alcohol in the cooling water of cars used in U.S.A. We were also not aware of the very serious deterioration of the gasoline available. The last two points mentioned modify one's view as to the advisability of using such a fitting, but as it appeared to be the practice of several of the leading people in U.S.A. we concluded that it was far better than trusting to a thermometer with hand operated shutters. We did not think that the Packard and Cadillac, and people with the experience of America, would make so serious a mistake as fitting something which could be considered unsatisfactory. You will remember that our original idea was to use a thermostat operating a relay valve, which would cause the shutters to follow the thermostat, by the aid of the oil pressure in the engine. We next came to the conclusion that the thermostat (Contd.) | ||