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).
Issues with anti-freeze solutions choking radiator cores and the lubrication of the water pump gland.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\2\ Scan116 | |
| Date | 30th April 1929 | |
| To Hw. From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} XL117 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}2/LG30.4.29. 78250 As you are probably aware, the whole of this question is dealt with in Depot Sheet No.67. We should like to point out that neither the gap between the radiator tubes nor the lubrication of the water pump gland have been altered since the Phantom was first introduced. In our experience it is hardly feasible for sufficient lubricant to pass the water pump gland in the first few miles running to choke the radiator core. It occurs to us that a great many owners must have tried non-freezing solutions during the recent cold weather. Most of these solutions, such as glycerine and glucose have a high viscosity and therefore would definitely impair the circulation. We think that owners should be warned against using high viscosity anti-freezing solution promiscuously as we feel that they are most liable to cause trouble. Without carrying out exhaustive tests, we believe denatured alcohol is perhaps the most practical fluid. In view of the fact that the water pump gland can undoubtedly cause trouble if over-lubricated, we shall endeavour to cut down the quantity of oil which it requires. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||