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).
Investigation into failing insulation on the Bentley petrol indicator wire caused by oil saturation.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 165\7\ img011 | |
| Date | 21th June 1937 | |
| Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Wst. d.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Kingsbury. June 21st, 1937. Bentley Petrol Indicator. Wire Insulation. The insulation of the 3 wire lead to the petrol indicator requires serious investigation. This cable runs in a conduit on the dashboard underneath the chassis lubricating tank. We can tell owners not to over-fill, but cannot prevent them over-filling the tank with oil. The oil runs down the dash into the conduit, the wires become saturated and the petrol indicator cable will not withstand it. The insulation deteriorates and in a short time short circuits. This means a new cable from the dash to rear of car, which means a costly job. Cable can be obtained which will not deteriorate soaked in oil, and a slightly higher initial cost would prevent later troubles. I am sending a sample of a failed cable to let you see the condition it gets in. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} | ||