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).
Extract from a newspaper article by the Earl of March detailing the benefits of fitting an adjustable thermostat to a car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 156\1\ scan0011 | |
| Date | 10th February 1929 | |
| Extract from Article by Earl of March. Reprinted from “Sunday Referee,” Feb. 10th, 1929 Recently I was bemoaning the behaviour of my own car in the cold weather. I was growing tired of perpetual uneven-running—to say nothing of spitting back and other carburation troubles. It occurred to me that the carburettor-induction pipe joint was no place for a washer of heat-resisting material. I scrapped the washer and fitted a plain copper joint. The induction system kept a trifle warmer, but so did the weather—results were not brilliant by any means. I imagined the engine was running better, just for a while, but imagination will play these tricks from time to time. The question of fitting a Thermostat crossed my mind, but I lacked enthusiasm. There is not much room under my bonnet and “ you never know what some of those thermostats are up to,” I mused. Then a brilliant idea struck me, I had seen or heard of an adjustable thermostat, one that boasted of a hot and cold adjustment. This rang in my mind, and a rapid glance through the advertisement pages of one of our leading motoring journals revealed the R.P. Adjustable Thermostat distributed by The Houdaille Hydraulic Suspension Co., 69, Drayton-gardens, S.W.10. I was attracted by its design and simplicity. The valve itself is of the large butterfly type. The cylinder in which it functions fits in the top radiator hose joint. A neat external screw permits adjustment up to 95 degrees cent., or alternatively full opening of the valve, which throws the instrument out of action. A tubular extension provides a convenient connection for a radiator thermometer. The advertisement bristled with lovely promises, such as “ Never too cold in winter ” and “ Warm up in two or three minutes.” The picture pleased me, also the price at 28s. 6d., so I rang up the Houdaille people, a sympathetic band and business-like, too! They fitted the gadget for me that day and a most obliging foreman accompanied me on test long after “ knocking-off time.” He refused to go till then, saying, “ You might just as well have things right while we’re at it! ” Other foremen, please note. It was bitterly cold then, but in four minutes my thermometer showed 70 degrees. A long run on the next day earned many marks for this Thermostat. The weather was as usual, but my car was not. The unevenness had gone, the acceleration improved, and we were all smiling. What a host of worries and grumbles would have been prevented if the makers had fitted one of these things as standard. I shall specify a thermostat on my next car, and not for want of experience. There can be no doubt that correct engine temperature is essential to pleasant motoring. | ||