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).
Visit to Messrs. Lucas regarding distributor components and oscillograph equipment.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 165\1\ img018 | |
| Date | 15th March 1937 | |
| 15.3.37. new file Visit to Messrs. Lucas. (1) Distributors. The wear on the rotor blade, making contact with the H.T. brush was taken up with Lucas, who state that they have experienced the same trouble, but has been overcome by using a brass blade, a sample of which has been promised for our test. With regard to the lubrication of the cam, it is stated that an initial smear of Mobiloil "D" grease, has always been satisfactory, but it was pointed out that we prefer a positive lubrication. They have a new design entailing this modification in the experimental stage, which is to be speeded up for us. This design has a small well approx. 3/8" deep which will be included in the bakelite moulded base, the scheme is to fill the well with oil every 2,500 miles, the oil drains through two small holes, whilst this is taking place it is hoped the cam lubrication pad will become soaked enough too keep a thin film of oil on the cam. A test is to be taken on the governor in the refrigerator to check the advance speed characteristics when the vercority of the oil is high, the test will be repeated with the oil hot for comparison, the results of the test have been promised. [Diagram with labels: Well, Pad, DRAIN HOLE] With regard to the accessibility of the main shaft and bearing it was stated that the shaft was a force fit in the ball bearing and sliding fit in the bush bearing. The synchronism of the contact levers was assured by jig drilling and if this can be maintained without our limits, a good deal of mis-understanding will be saved, in regard to the setting of the contacts and tuning of the engine. As there is a chance that the lubricator cap will foul the engine, we have been assured that it can be moved anywhere to suit our convenience. There is no knowledge of any distinct feature between a black and brown distributor head, the black head we received being some sort of oddment. (2) Oscillograph. The oscillograph they have is very large and unweildy for test on sparking plugs etc. we should require a portable instrument. We are advised to write to "Standard Telephones" or "Cossor" who sell a range of portable oscillographs but | ||