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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).
The condition of Wraith bearings after endurance testing, discussing main bearings and oil seal performance.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 115\3\  scan0148
Date  10th December 1937
  
Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}
c. By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer}
c. RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer}
1020
Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}3/AP.10.12.37.

BEARINGS

The attached photographs indicate the state of the Wraith bearings after 1,700 miles on the road and 122 1/2 hours on the test bed, 22 hours of which were run under Bentley endurance conditions.

The condition of the main bearings leads us to suppose that we shall have no difficulty in completing 15,000 miles test without failure on either Bentley or the 25/30. with whitemetal main bearings. In view of this fact, we think that the bearing area provided in the new engine we are designing will be adequate.

The oil seal to prevent leakage from the rear main bearing was so effective that the thrust face ran dry, with the result shown in the photograph. we have run cars on the road with this oil seal and the thrust face has not given trouble, so this may be a condition which occurs on the test bench only. In any case, it is possible to reduce the effectiveness of this seal until we are sure the thrust face does get some oil.

Several alternative schemes are being tried out. we are, however, certain this particular seal is completely effective with regard to preventing leaks.

F.H.
  
  


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