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).
Visit to Allison's in Indianapolis concerning the testing of lead bronze bearings and related engine components.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 173\1\ img188 | |
| Date | 20th January 1934 guessed | |
| -4- ALLISON'S. I arrived Indianapolis Wednesday night, January 17th, and saw Mr. Gilman, Pres. of Allison's next day. Allison's are doing an enormous business in lead bronze production, and anticipate this year's output to range 5,000,000 bearings of various types. It is further expected that lead bronze will be introduced as standard on all cars next year. Contrary to what we had been told, lead bronze has not yet been standardised on any cars, although most manufacturers have a number of cars fitted with lead bronze, which are being tested out with view to standardization. Reports Mr. Gilman has received on lead bronze bearings are so satisfactory that it is anticipated that lead bronze will entirely replace white metal within next twelve months. I gathered during my conversation that he did not feel too confident with regard to our R.R. bearings. He severely criticised oil grooves and low oil pressure, and emphasised importance of correct lubrication. Unsuitable oil causes lead to disintegrate, Castrol oil being quite satisfactory. Mineral oil, however, is considered to be unsatisfactory. Oil pressure is important, minimum pressure being 100 pounds/sq.in. Normal pressures in use 100 lbs/sq.in. Bearings at 60C inlet temperature with grooveless bearings for centre bearing in particular, it may be considered worthwhile to be testing out bearings of this type having 6-8 oil feed holes (see sketch). Allison's state that with increased oil pressure it is possible to reduce bearing clearances, but they were non-committal regarding what revised bearing clearances should be. This, however, can be determined at Derby by test. Progress of tests is rather disappointing, owing to labour restrictions imposed by government. The working week has been reduced to 48 hours, with an embargo on overtime with a further contemplated reduction to thirty-two hours. I will, however, report when test commences. Allison's are very secretive and have placed a rigid guard on me for the moment. They have arranged for the test in connection with lead bronze to be carried out at the Stutz factory in Indianapolis (Allison's factory is situated at the Speedway, some distance out of the city). The Stutz factory, which is now vacant, is being used, the reason that test facilities are available which will not interfere with their normal work. The equipment available at the Stutz factory is quite good. There is a 300 H.P. dynamometer complete with clutch. However, during my visit to their offices I saw a wooden model of their new engine. | ||