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).
Letter from C.C. Wakefield & Co. Limited regarding the analysis of Castrol 'XL' oil and engine deposits from a special test engine.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 145\2\ scan0002 | |
| Date | 19th January 1932 | |
| R 81583. RESEARCH DEPARTMENT. TELEPHONES: CENTRAL 3089 (10 LINES.) C. C. Wakefield & Co., Limited. MANUFACTURERS OF HIGH CLASS LUBRICANTS. GOVERNING DIRECTOR, LORD WAKEFIELD. MANAGING DIRECTOR, W.R.GRAHAM. DIRECTOR & SECRETARY, J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} BROWNE. LABORATORY: Wakefield House, 30&32, Cheapside, London E.C.2. EAE/MRS 19th January, 1932. Messrs. Rolls-Royce Ltd., DERBY. Dear Sirs, We have been through a considerable amount of trouble in investigating the deposits which the writer removed from various parts of the engine on 27th November, 1931. This engine had just returned from France after having been run as a special test. The oil used was Castrol "XL". You will no doubt remember that the average temperature of the oil was 90°C which you felt might be higher than was prudent for the safety of the oil. The oil after having run 1,000 miles was examined. We realise that the oil was changed every 2,000 miles and the consumption started at 12,000 miles to the gallon and after 10,000 miles it was 940 miles to the gallon. We believe that the sample we examined was taken practically at the end of the 10,000 miles. Specific Gravity @ 60°F .909 Viscosity @ 140°F 188" Acidity 33.6 mgs.KOH/100 grs. oil. Insol. in pet. ether 1.02% B.P. under 400° Petrol 6.0% Mineral Matter 0.25% The mineral matter consisted mainly of iron oxide. | ||