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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).
Broken valve spring on a new Bentley, leading to a proposal to use double valve springs for prevention.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 88\4\  scan0054
Date  30th April 1934
  
To E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} from Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}
Copy to W.Or.Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}

Handwritten: Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}, X254

I understand that a new Bentley car, which was being returned to the Works the other day for attention to the brakes, broke a valve spring with the result that the valve dropped, causing rather extensive damage and making it necessary to fit a new cylinder block.

You will remember that, arising out of the similar trouble which Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} had in America you were arranging to take some action to prevent this, and I should be glad if you would tell me to-morrow how it stands.

You will also remember I mentioned that Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} told me that on their cars they used to fit double valve springs which saved many a smash, especially on the racing cars on which after a race they frequently found one valve broken without of course any damage having been caused.

Even if the second valve spring was doing practically no work, it seems that it would prevent an expensive smash.

Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}
  
  


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