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 report on a petrol pump from chassis GMO.20, discussing potential valve and diaphragm issues.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 107\3\ scan0156 | |
| Date | 7th January 1939 | |
| 561? To Hd{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy}/SB.{Mr Bull/Mr Bannister} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/JBD.{John B. Dixon - Fuel Systems}6/JH.7.1.39. Chassis GMO.20. We have examined the petrol pump off chassis GMO.20 as requested. The only evidence of failure was apparent on the inlet valves which though they were free when examined, showed signs of having been stuck on their seats. Apart from this there was no other evidence to show that the pumps had ever failed. If the pump refused to work after standing we can say that the trouble was caused by the valves, but if the failure took place on the road we would be less inclined to suspect the valves and would suggest that the needle seat in the carburetter was the cause of the trouble. With regard to Discol this is certainly inclined to cause gumming up especially when first used owing to its strong solvent action, and it also has the effect of making these diaphragms porous. We suggest that where ever possible drivers should not use discol owing to this trouble though we expect a longer life than in this case. The porosity of this diaphragm could cause the slight explosion complained of, but only if the pump was working. We are returning the pump to you to be forwarded to S.U. for a new diaphragm through the usual channels. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/JBD.{John B. Dixon - Fuel Systems} | ||