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).
Tests for fire risk and misfiring on a Stromberg carburettor for the Big Bore 20/25 HP model.
Identifier | ExFiles\Box 20\9\ Scan137 | |
Date | 8th April 1936 | |
X1033 To E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to WpF. c. to Hx. c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to Sft.{Mr Swift} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}12/KW.8.4.36. Stromberg Carburetter for the Big Bore 20/25 HP. The attached report shows the tests we have been carrying out to find out what drain pipe is required to ensure that full bore flooding condition shall be dealt with by the standard pipe developed by Hancock to overcome vapour lock. We are now carrying out tests to see whether it is possible to start a fire under the bonnet due to vapour ejected from the float chamber under extreme conditions of heat. So far, with ordinary petrol, we have completely failed to start a fire, in spite of the fact that we have had two plug wires on the nuts holding down the rocker cover, the spark in this case being considerably closer to the carburetter than would be possible with the existing plug position. We think that if we put water-proof terminals on the plugs as in the SpectreCodename for Phantom III, we shall be perfectly safe. We think these terminals might also with advantage be incorporated on the Bentley. We have had several complaints from customers that the car misfires under wet conditions, and attach a copy of one such letter. I think that our distributor is unnecessarily exposed. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Since dictating the above we have carried out tests on Swan petrol, obtaining the maximum under-bonnet temperature, and have completely failed to start a fire. We therefore think we can now go right ahead for production. Att: Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/FP.{F. Potts}11/KW.8.4.36 with sketch. Copy of letter dated 3.4.36 from G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} Summers, Esq. | ||