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).
Analysis of the potential causes for a central journal bearing failure.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 124\2\ scan0310 | |
| Date | 19th May 1941 | |
| 1046 To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from Jnr.{Charles L. Jenner} Jnr.{Charles L. Jenner}12/ET.19.5.41. B.80 FAILURE OF CENTRAL JOURNAL BEARING. We can detect from the deformation of the crankcase that the misalignment has taken place at the weakest part of the central web structure, that is the component is in the direction of the crankshaft hole. The Works should chalk test the case for cracks and oil pressure test the drilled oil ways for casting blow holes. Also careful examination of the bearing studs is worth while. The crankshaft, if it started life straight, would become bent when the first bearing failure occurred, and remain so afterwards. Another thought, it is a remote possibility that this shaft has not been properly heat-treated (owing to the transition period of the Department) and, in consequence, it now has released its internal stress. Generally, my suspicions are a cracked or faulty central bearing web; it is, as we know, weakened by the oil pump drive and we must remember that this web takes the end load from the clutch pressure withdrawal. Jnr.{Charles L. Jenner} | ||