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).
Differences between English and American oils and proposing lubrication tests for the L.H.Phantom II chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\3\ Scan299 | |
| Date | 15th April 1930 | |
| x7772. To Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} from Oy. c. Srn. Oy5/DM.{D. Munro}15.4.30. Re. Oils. I wonder whether we are considering sufficiently the difference in oils which occurs when the L.H.P.II chassis leaves Derby and has to operate in the States with pure mineral oils, and extreme temperature changes. Changing to the English standard oils on 404 MR a month ago certainly improved it, and, with the extra oil, has caused no trouble when starting even on really cold mornings after being out all night. The car is designed around the use of certain lubricants. If we in the States use lubricants of different characteristics, and particularly of inferior oiliness (as shown by aero engine tests) can we expect to get proper results? I would like to suggest therefore that the running of the first experimental car should be done on American lubricants, namely Vacuum CW in the gearbox, Vacuum A in the C.C.L. system, and a choice of Vacuum A and B.B. in the engine. If the CW in the gearbox is obviously too thin when hot, would suggest changing to Vacuum C. The Whitmores' compound in the rear axle is more available in U.S. than here. Therefore, we should like to continue using it. When the L.H.P.II cars come on test, I should suggest "running in" with English oils since these are undoubtedly better until bearing surfaces are perfectly bedded. American oils might be used for final test. At the same time I am asking R.R.A.I. to try to get special R.R. oils for marketing at our depots in the States which shall be close approximations to the English oils. I do not think we shall succeed in this as there is practically nothing but pure mineral lubricant sold in the U.S. at the present time. Oy. | ||