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).
Customer complaints and faults regarding engine detonations, bearings, clutch, brakes, and water leaks.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 130\2\ scan0196 | |
| Date | 16th October 1936 | |
| -2- Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}30/KW.16.10.36. complaints. In England there are few outstanding complaints. There have been super-critical owners who have criticised the clutch, detonations, and directional stability of the steering. The engine has, for some reason, been more prone to detonations than the 3½ litre. The detonations can be kept down by not over-advancing the ignition and the use of fuels advocated. The Delco-Remy ignition governor which was fitted to the Bentley running tests in France was an asset in decreasing detonations. (1) Bearings. In France, with the long sustained high speed runs, trouble is being experienced with bearings. The complaint is not coming from the owners but is a Depot complaint during a complete overhaul of the engine. The chief trouble is with connecting rods. The experimental department hope that very shortly they will be in a position to supply bearing material which will give a satisfactory mileage wear. (2) Clutch. The complaints of clutch jaggers on the Bentley have practically died out since the corrected units have been fitted. In other cases the engagement has corrected itself. (3) Brake Squeaks. The main complaint is after heavy use of the brake, resulting in overheating the fabrics. This fault will remain until the introduction of the light alloy drums. (4) Water Leaks from Joint of No.2 Cylinder Plate. This complaint has not been cured with the altered design made some time ago. The joint washer still collapses. Experiments are to be made in conjunction with the Design office, using a harder rubber that has proved satisfactory in the Aero engine. | ||