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).
Endurance testing of new parts for a Bentley, including die-cast bearings, crank casts, and clutch improvements.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 97\1\ scan0056 | |
| Date | 2nd July 1937 | |
| SECRET. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}5/R.2.7.37. 15,000 Miles' Test Bentley. In the ordinary course of development a number of parts on the Bentley have reached the stage where they would be ready to do endurance running on a car. In view, however, of the fact that the material for the Bentleys likely to be made is now ordered up, the question arises as to whether it is worth subjecting these improvements to an endurance run. We attach a list of the features in question, and have marked with an asterisk those which will be directly applicable to B.III. Even if it is decided not to send the complete car, we consider that the engine unit should be run 15,000 miles. It represents our final specification for bearings. The die cast bearings represent a saving of several shillings per car, and if they behave very well, we should certainly consider them for B.III, as they are much cheaper than white metal. The hykro crank casts no more than present standard, and may be very much better for wear. We must have more experience on by-pass filtration. Experience is, of course, badly needed on the latest American type clutch, with a view to overcoming prevalent complaints of clutch judders. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||