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).
Alternative materials for Bentley fuel pump diaphragms and valves, comparing 'German Material' and Bakelite to the standard Horse Gut and brass.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 149\1\ scan0131 | |
| Date | 13th May 1935 | |
| x1263 To By: Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Dwg.2/KW.13.5.35. Bentley Fuel Pumps. We have for some time past used "German Material" diaphragms and Bakelite disc valves in the fuel pumps of our Experimental cars in place of the standard "Horse Gut" and brass valves. 5-B-IV is now running in France fitted with this modification. The "G.M." diaphragms have proved very satisfactory generally. They do not shrink or harden to the extent of the present standard, and we have not had a case of failure. Present standard diaphragms consist of - 1 layer of American Cloth 1 layer of Cellophane 1 layer of Horse Gut. The "G.M." diaphragms consist of two layers of the same material, which as far as we can ascertain is made of linen treated with a seaweed named "Aga-Aga" which is not affected by petrol or dopes. The Bakelite valves have a more highly finished surface than the brass, and bed down on their seatings more evenly. The S.U. Co. are in a position to supply these modifications, and we should like them on production in the immediate future. Will you please arrange this. We should like a record of the first chassis on which a modified pump is fitted. We are circulating a Standardisation Sheet. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/J.Bowering. | ||