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).
Examination of using heavy motor spirit as a substitute for petrol and the negative effects on engine performance.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 77\2\ scan0131 | |
| Date | 3rd August 1916 | |
| To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} c. to EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} for Hvy. c. to Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} c. to J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} for distribution to the Repair Depts. Re - Substitute for Petrol. R3/W11116. RECEIVED 3 VIII 16. (1). I have again examined the question of using a substitute of heavy motor spirit and have confirmed the results previously obtained, viz., with the heavy spirit or part paraffin there is risk of considerable portions of the heavy part of the fuel getting into the crankchamber and probably would cause excessive wear and perhaps running out of the bearings unless the crankchamber oil were frequently changed. (2). It appears quite evident with our engine that although the carburettor probably gives a right quantity of fuel as in the case of lighter fuels, but it is quite evident that it does not get distributed equally among the cylinders, especially does this apply at full throttle and slow engine revs. This results in sooting up certain cylinders and altogether the engine running unevenly, pulling badly, and resulting in bad consumption, so much so, that I believe it pays to use the lightest spirit that can be obtained. Although the difference between the usual No. 2 Pratt or Shell and the light spirit, is not very marked it can be detected, and I believe it would be advantageous and economical to use the lightest spirit obtainable. (3). I have not tested the use of the light petroleum spirit with a certain quantity of solid napthaline dissolved in it. I should be glad if Mr. Haldenby or Mr. Hives would test this on a car. | ||