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).
Engine condition report detailing wear and damage to various components including bearings, tappets, and pistons.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 146\5\ scan0104 | |
| Date | 21th February 1939 | |
| Sr/VAI/ET.21.2.39 - 2 - a special big-end bearing having a smaller bore to suit the crank-pin. We have written to the driver and asked him to let us know how far the car was driven after he first heard the knock in the engine. Judging by the condition of the crankpin, we should think that the car must have been driven a considerable distance. MAIN BEARINGS A fairly large chunk of metal is missing from the upper half of N°6 (intermediate bearing), which is also cracked in one place. A small chunk of metal is missing from the upper half of N°3 (intermediate bearing). The remaining main bearings are in good condition, except that the bearing surface is a little rough owing to small particles of white metal from N°3 big-end bearing having got embeddedin the metal. The bearings, however, can be cleaned up by light scraping. BOTTOM TAPPETS The faces are not in good condition and new tappets should therefore be fitted. About 5 cams are worn, but not excessively so. As mentioned in our memo to Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} (reference Sr/VAS/ET. 20.2.39), we think that it will be policy to convert the tappet mechanism to the solid type now that the engine is dismantled. We have the necessary parts in stock. INTERMEDIATE (engine) GEAR FABROIL The teeth are fairly badly worn and it will be necessary to fit a new gear. CYLINDER BORES Please refer to attached sheets showing condition of cylinder bores, from which it will be observed that they are in good condition for the mileage run. On removing the pistons, we found the top ring on the majority of the pistons broken. We have noticed this on other Phantom III engines, when we have had to remove the pistons. We shall be interested to know what you consider to be the cause of this. All necessary parts have been ordered and we now await a decision concerning the crankshaft. We have received a set of new rods etc.. from the Works. | ||