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).
Owner's complaint report detailing extensive engine and axle repairs for a Bentley Saloon owned by Raymond Mays.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 90\4\ scan0114 | |
| Date | 13th August 1937 | |
| COPY. 13th August 1937. OWNER'S COMPLAINT REPORT SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} C. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} RM.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} MX.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} BENTLEY 3 1/2 (crossed out) 4 1/4 Chassis No. B.24-GA. Delivery Date 21.3.36. Owner: Raymond Mays. Type of Body: Park Ward Saloon. Mileage: 40,412. Report No. W.26. Date at W. 26.7.37. Owner's Complaint: Roughness in engine. Cause: Slack in main bearings. Three pistons cracked. Work done: The engine was dismantled primarily to drill extra oil holes in crankshaft, but additional work was found to be necessary. The Hall's metal facing had broken away from Nos. 3, 5 and 7 main bearing shims, necessitating a set of new shims. The crankshaft was worn .005" oval on main journals, and the bearings had hammered badly in crankcase. They were backed in and re-topped to take up slack, but they will not stand re-fitting again next time, and it will mean a set of new main bearings. Three pistons were found to be cracked down the skirt on the thrust side. These have been sent to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} for examination. Cylinders had to be re-bored .010" oversize and new pistons fitted. Also on examination the front axle was found to be twisted .027", and the offside of the axle was bent backwards .062". The axle beam has had to be replaced. Incidentally, this car had the brake anti-judder device fitted last October. Remarks: Most of the foregoing work has had to be done unknown to the Owner, who is only paying for bottom de-carbonisation and taking up slack in main bearings. Car re-delivered 6.8.37. Approx. Cost £35. Chargeable or Company expense. Recommended by Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} Approved by......... Letter has been sent to Customer by | ||