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).
Engine failure in a Bentley B.118.GK, detailing a fractured No.2 piston.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 100\3\ scan0142 | |
| Date | 15th August 1938 | |
| To By..... from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}6/N.15.8.38. Bentley B.118.GK. Mileage 20885. Owner P.M. Stewart Esq., This car had to be towed in due to engine failure. Upon dismantling it was found to be due to No.2. piston head having parted with the skirt, just above the gudgeon pin boss in line with the parallel slots cut through the piston. There was no indication of piston seizure to cause the fracture. I took particular note of the head as it was withdrawn from the bore. There was practically no carbon on the top land, and the rings were free. The rod is not harmed in any shape and is being used again. The broken top must have jammed to cause the fracture of the cylinder bore. It would appear that there has been a faulty construction in the metal and high speed has caused the fracture. K.{Mr Kilner} are sending the piston and cylinder block for your examination. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} | ||