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).
Test report on the 8.B.V. Bentley III, detailing temperature readings, speedometer accuracy, buffer clearances, and propeller shaft judder.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 97\4\ scan0095 | |
| Date | 30th October 1938 | |
| 400b To. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} CHATEAUROUX. I/.30.10.38. 8.B.V.- BENTLEY III. Thank you for your memo Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Std.IO/JH.27.10.38. The average and maximum temperatures recorded at 20 mile intervals over 6,000 miles were as follows. Air Top Water Bottom Water Car Ther-mometer. Engine Oil Average... 10°c 75.6°c 70.0°c 80.5°c 75.5°c Maximum... 22°c 88.0°c 80.0°c 92.0°c 99.0°c The average temperatures were not affected by the change of radiator matrix. We have at present, got two of the thermometers fitted up in the gearbox and rear axle, and are awaiting dry roads to obtain the ultimate temperatures reached. We will at the same time, remove the thermostat and obtain the ultimate water temperature reached with the new matrix. We have received and fitted the new speedometer and 48 watt headlamp bulbs, for which we thank you. The speedometer error is now within the production limits. We have investigated the question of buffer clearance. With five people and 240 lbs. of ballast in the luggage boot, the car hits the rear buffers considerably less than a standard Bentley with four people. It is in fact a thoroughly reasonable and comfortable car loaded to this capacity. We therefore conclude that a reduction of 1/2" in the buffer clearance would not be detrimental under any ordinary conditions. In the course of this test, we found that on acceleration in bottom gear, the propellor shaft juddered very badly, presumably due to the maximum allowed angularity being exceeded. This may be the cause of the failure of the universal joint. The actual buffer clearances are as follows:- To Buffer To Frame N.S. O.S. N.S. O.S. With five people and) 2.6" 2.0" 3.8" 3.2" 240 lbs. ballast ) Car empty........... 4.7" 4.1" 5.9" 5.3" Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMW.{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux} Ivon M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} Waller. | ||