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).
Complaints and failures of S.U. Petrol Pumps, focusing on diaphragm issues.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 149\1\ scan0297 | |
| Date | 10th September 1936 | |
| X1263 To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}21/KW.10.9.36. S.U. PETROL PUMPS. In view of the numerous complaints with the S.U. Petrol Pumps, we went over to Birmingham and had an interview with Mr. Skinner and Mr. Kent. The following features were discussed - (1) Diaphragms. The failures of diaphragms have been numerous from the following causes - (a) Becoming loose on the armature spindle, causing a petrol leak. (b) Shrinking in thickness, result petrol leak at joint of valve body. (c) Shrinking causing tightness of diaphragm, result rapid action of pump but no petrol delivered. (d) Tightening up of diaphragm with heat, causing total failure of pump to work. (e) Affected by water, causing a jelly to form which stops up passages and prevents valves from working. (f) Excessive noise. S.U's pointed out that the diaphragm we are using was agreed upon by R.R. twelve months ago. They agreed with us that points raised with regard to the diaphragm were liable to occur using the present material for the diaphragm. They do not use it for their standard production, having gained considerable experience with a later type material G.11. | ||