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).
Cracked central bearing, proposed solutions, and a condition assessment of the main bearings.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 146\3\ scan0290 | |
| Date | 31th December 1936 | |
| VA5/ET.31.12.36 - 2 - We confirm having telephoned to you this morning and informed you that we had now completely dismantled the engine and that we found the upper half of the central bearing to be in a cracked condition. We also confirm that, as the car is urgently needed we proposed the following: 1. To fit the complete set of new Hall's metal bearings which were previously fitted to the engine of this car and which were subsequently removed without having been in service, in order to fit the white metal bearings which we have just removed. The above mentioned Hall's metal bearings have already been reamered and are therefore ready for the job. 2. To retain the existing rear white metal bearing and fit the above mentioned Hall's metal bearings in Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Before fitting the Hall's metal intermediate bearings, to modify the oil grooves as per Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}244. We note that, providing we have time, you agree that we should drill an extra hole in each of the main journals of the crankshaft. During our conversation with you on the telephone this morning, we noted that, providing there was time, you would prefer us again to fit white metal bearings or replace those that were considered unfit for further service by ones of the same material. We have carefully looked into this matter and find that we have only just sufficient time to carry out propositions 1 and 2. We are therefore putting in hand proposition N°2 and will, as now agreed by you, drill the crankshaft if there is time. We will dispatch the dismantled bearings to you for examination. The following is our report upon them: CONDITION OF SURFACE IN THE MAIN BEARINGS N°1 (Front) Upper half - Cracked in 4 places, but no loss of metal. Fit for further service. Lower half - In very good condition. N°2 Upper half - Cracked in a number of places but no loss of metal. Surface a little rough. Lower half - Signs of cracks and very slight loss of metal. N°3 Upper half - Signs of cracks and surface in rather rough condition. Lower half - Chunks of metal missing and metal has spread. Unfit for further service. | ||