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 engine failure in a Bentley, its potential causes, and preventative measures.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 88\1\ scan0292 | |
| Date | 27th November 1936 | |
| W/S. C. from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} has passed us H's note re B-127-CW - Mrs. Meyer, which had a big end failure. Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} emphasizes the cost of improving the lubrication in Hd{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy}/SB{Mr Bull/Mr Bannister}16/HR.26.11.36. It is difficult to disassociate this failure from engine revs, because the 3 1/4-litre Bentley power unit is identical with the 20/25, and we believe we are correct in saying that the latter chassis is almost immune from the trouble. The only case we have been able to investigate personally is that of Mr. Mignett's car, and in this particular instance there was not the slightest doubt that the engine had been running at speeds far exceeding the maximum permissible. We should like it to be arranged, if possible, that the next time one of these failures occurs the Exptl. Dept. should be notified so that they can have the opportunity of examining the pieces. Hancock is usually available in London. We have recently standardised a larger oil pump which might be fitted as an added safeguard where a customer has once suffered from the very demoralizing experience of a big end failure. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||