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).
Main and big end bearing issues across three different Bentley chassis, detailing modifications and customer liability.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 146\1\ scan0311 | |
| Date | 8th July 1938 | |
| 1245 SWDC Files Sr. [Strikethrough] c. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} a.{Mr Adams} RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} [Strikethrough] BY.3/G.8.7.38. BENTLEY - MAIN AND BIG END BEARINGS. Referring to the three following memos :- (a). Sr/VA.1/ET.30.6.38. dealing with chassis B.101-EJ. Mr. Cloteaux. It is evident that in this case the customer not having grooved bearings and a large oil pump he would undoubtedly be liable to run into trouble when you fitted Hall's big ends, as HL's metal is undoubtedly much more sensitive to absence of lubrication than white metal. We confirm that in every case in the future the full modification should be made to any 3½ litre Bentleys you have to handle in France, including large oil pump, under which circumstances HL's metal big ends should be fitted but white metal main bearings. (b). Sr/VA.13/GM.4.7.38. Chassis B.64-KT. Mr. Faye. We are at a loss to give an explanation for this, as the car was fitted with increased nip and the material should have been A.C.7. The phenomena appear to indicate AC.2 material. We would like to have a bearing from this car, as explained by Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} verbally for analysis. (c). Sr/VA.18/GM.4.7.38. Chassis B.5.AE. Mr. MAME. The customer should in our opinion be compelled to pay. It is just plain misuse of the car. Anybody can, of course, wreck the best car in the world by inconsiderate handling. When this occurs it is absurd to imagine that the firm will put it right under the guarantee, particularly as this car is outside of same, the car being one of the first 3½ litre Bentleys, and I should certainly make him pay. By BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} | ||