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).
Bentley running issues, specifically low ground clearance in snow and valve spring failures.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 173\1\ img214 | |
| Date | 18th November 1934 | |
| SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} WOR{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} E BY A H DY{F R Danby} B / K5/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 18/xi/34 W.T. 2 EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} MX{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} 34 VII Running of Bentley I have been held up several times recently. (1) Ground Clearance. This being about 2-3" less than the average American, in deep snow the tracks made by other vehicles leave a pressed ridge of snow which lifts the Bentley in the air on the bottom half, further progress being impossible. For American conditions the springs should have 1 1/2" more initial Camber and the wheels should be either 19" or fitted with larger tyres to give .5" more axle clearance. This will necessitate a lower axle ratio to keep engine speeds the same. (2) Valve Springs. Have had a distressing epedimic of valve spring failures, three in the last two days. Having no more spares have wired you for a set. The spring are broken in two or three places, all inlets. Have not been running motor above 4000 R.P.M. except in short bursts. The new set will show | ||