On high power engines, discussing the test results of the B.60 engine and its departures from the existing 4-litre engine.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 123\5\ scan0277 | |
| Date | 9th February 1939 | |
| 10AH also 129a To By. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} from hm. {Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} c. Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. Ds. c. RHC. {R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} c. HPS. {Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr} c. DA {Bernard Day - Chassis Design} /Jnr. {Charles L. Jenner} c. DA {Bernard Day - Chassis Design} /MOS. hm. {Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} 1/MH. {M. Huckerby} 9.2.39. HIGH POWER ENGINES. In reading the attached report it must be remembered that we have had a B.60 on test for just over four months. Half of this was largely occupied in rectifying installation, fitting and other minor errors. The departures from the existing 4-litre engine practice may be divided into two sections (1) A novel combustion chamber and valve arrangement. (2) A number of other modifications all of which were primarily undertaken to save money. Regarding Section (1). Without any major alteration to the cylinder head pattern, we have by a number of minor modifications so improved the combustion chamber that we have successfully completed 50 hours endurance running under severe conditions at powers equal to the standard Bentley at high speeds, and up to 5% better at intermediate speeds. Admittedly sodium cooled exhaust valves were fitted but they are likely to cost less than the rocker and push rod which they replace on the conventional engine. Also with the improved valve guide cooling which will shortly be on test they may be unnecessary. Therefore it would be difficult to justify proceeding with the conventional engine as a result of the work done so far. It can only be justified by the fact that the 8-cyl. is required very urgently and the conventional is an insurance policy against unknown troubles. | ||
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).