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).
Bentley valve spring failures and a request for stronger replacements.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 82\2\ scan0122 | |
| Date | 26th July 1934 | |
| V4539 Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Hotel de France, Chateauroux, Indre. FRANCE. To HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} From G.W.H. 26th July 1934. The two men arrived here at noon to-day. They will start work in the morning. We have sent you a telegram requesting spare valve springs for the Bentley, and stronger springs for ZI & IV. Numbers 1, 2 and 8 valve springs broke during the mornings run on the Bentley, i.e. two coils from the bottom. It would appear that the springs are surging and becoming over stressed. The reason being that there is too much clearance between the coils when the valve is full open. There is still a full 1/8" free movement of the valve springs under these conditions. We have fitted a temporary 25 H.P. spring and two single Bentley springs. ZI & IV. The valve springs are bouncing at 78 M.P.H. and at 60 in Third. Can you let us have stronger springs. G.W.H. GWHancock | ||