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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).
Failure of whitemetal big end bearings on a 3½ Litre Bentley and recommending upgrades to the 4¼ litre specification.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 115\3\  scan0239
Date  15th June 1938
  
1020

To By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer}
c. to Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy}

Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Swdl.{Len H. Swindell}8/JH.15.6.38.

3½ Litre Bentley Bearings.

We are in receipt of the memo. Sr/VA.1/ET.8.6.38. regarding the failure of new whitemetal big end bearings on the chassis B.135.BL. (3½ litre) after approximately 6,500 miles.

It seems a retrograde step not to take advantage of the experience on the 4¼ litre when a 3½ litre comes in for overhaul and requires new bearings etc. and that new whitemetal big ends are fitted when we have something better, namely Hall's metal.

This applies particularly to cars on the continent which we know are subject to more severe conditions in respect of bearings than in this country.

We consider that when a car is overhauled for resale and there is an opportunity to recover the money expended that in the cases where the bearings need attention the up to date 4¼ litre specification of bearings and lubrication including the large oil pump should be fitted.

In considering the treatment that has been given to the car by the Paris Depot, namely that the crank having been previously drilled and the intermediate main bearings grooved, the fitting of Hall's metal big ends with the large oil pump is correct procedure.

On the other hand however we consider that it was wrong policy when the crank was drilled and the intermediate mains grooved at the time the new whitemetal big end were fitted, not to have fitted a large pump, as the latter becomes more necessary when grooving and extra drilling is carried out due to the increased oil leakage factor. From this memo. it will be noted that our recommendation is to bring up to date the 3½ litre in line with the 4¼ litre whenever the opportunity occurs and when the expenditure can be recovered.

We should like you to give this your consideration and if agreeable the necessary rulings to be made.

Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Swdl.{Len H. Swindell}
  
  


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