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).
Summary of observations on American car manufacturer's engine components and balancing techniques.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 158\5\ scan0066 | |
| Date | 25th April 1940 | |
| Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} - 2. Serial No.102. OY.3/D/Apr.25.40. by Cadillac for several years, It was introduced to get rid of thrashing and breakage in the event of severe torsional periods. Breakage of such a chain (Gordon of Cadillac thinks) must denote severe torsionals. Stroboscopic observation would probably show the cause and suggest the cure. Cadillac propose to go from Morse to Link Belt chain of exactly similar no-back-bend characteristics, because of slight preference for Link Belt pin joints. The Cadillac crankshaft gear is case hardened 4615. The camshaft gear is gray iron. There has been some wear of the latter. Cadillac are proposing to follow Pontiac present practice of cyaniding the gray iron gear. This has been satisfactory and actual life is increased to the full life of the car. The castings have to be thoroughly normalized, and the gears cut an amount under size indicated by trial. The gray iron gear has a Brinell of 180. After cyaniding this will be Vickers 480-500. Malleable. An alternative on the camshaft gear is to use malleable iron gears flame hardened on the teeth. This is being done by Saginaw Malleable (a G.M. division), but Cadillac thinks it is "not ready yet". It will compete with the other for cost. Pontiac are also trying malleable conn. rods made by these people. Buick, ever since 1939 models, have used Saginaw Malleable valve rockers, flame hardened in bore and on rocker face. They have had no breakage. Buick Engine Balancing. Buick do not work as close as Cadillac in balancing components. (1 inch oz. against 1/2) Therefore, find it necessary to do Alex. Taub's flywheel balancing stunt after final assembly, and instead of doing it apologetically by fiddling around with a couple of extra long clutch housing bolts till the engine idles smoother, they tool up for it, use a VanDegrift indicator and do this final balancing methodically. The advertising department makes a virtue out of this and announces it to the world as a great Buick advance. (Wait till I get to Buick. They may have a few comments on this summary.) | ||