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).
Big end bearing failures on a 3 1/2 Litre Bentley and the decision to upgrade materials and oil pumps for cars used on the Continent.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 146\1\ scan0288 | |
| Date | 21th June 1938 | |
| 1245 Files BY.20/G.21.6.38. c. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Swdl.{Len H. Swindell} 3 1/2 LITRE BENTLEY - RE: BIG END BEARINGS. Referring to Sr/VA.1/ET.8.6.38. dealing with chassis B.135.BL., which ran perfectly satisfactorily in the hands of its original owner Mr. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} La{L. A. Archer} Montagne up to 40,000 Kms. and at a regular maximum speed of 115 K.P.H., but when sold to Mr. Boegner, who was accustomed to driving at 135 K.P.H., the big end failed, and after replacing all of the rods with white metal the bearings were going to pieces in a further 10,000 Kms. In view of all the facts, it is evident that for Continental work we should fit Hall's metal to the big end bearings on all 3 1/2 litres that come in for overhaul to Paris. In addition, it is agreed that we should fit the large oil pump, as this is a necessity to ensure ample oil being supplied to the big ends. This is particularly necessary with Hall's aluminium bearing material, as shortage of oil is very much more serious with this material than with white metal. I have confirmed with D/BP. that the half dozen large oil pumps should be supplied and sent by transport as suggested, two or three by return by air mail, the balance in the ordinary way. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} | ||