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).
Engine gear rattle issues in the 4¼ Litre Bentley production and potential solutions.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 82\4\ scan0279 | |
| Date | 12th March 1936 | |
| Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} (crossed out) Hdy{William Hardy} EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}13/MH.{M. Huckerby}12.3.36 re 4¼ LITRE BENTLEY PRODUCTION --------------------------- Further to our EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}20/MH.{M. Huckerby}25.2.36. Now that we have handled further of the above on our acceptance tests, we certainly do not seem to be free from engine gear troubles. The engine gear rattle on pick-up between 20-23 m.p.h. is fairly consistent and a definite feature on all chassis. We have also had one or two cases where, in spite of everything possible having been done, there is an occasional slight engine gear rattle under idling conditions. Although it is pointed out that in the former case this will not be an objectionable feature when the proper body is fixed and the damping scheme carried out, we do not feel that this can apply to the latter item, which is at its worst when pulling up after a hard run. Our experience in dealing with repairs and customers has been that the rattles referred to, develop worse by running, and it would appear that customers' complaints and our quarterly service complaints will therefore be increased and not reduced. Apart from the above, considerable time yet appears to be spent in obtaining reasonable quietness, even as the above, and we are tolerating a certain amount of whine and sing, and even unevenness, as long as it is considered not definitely objectionable in regard to the improvements which should be obtained when the finished body is fixed. We shall be glad, therefore, if some consideration can be given to this feature, as one which requires further development; and possibly the question of using fabroid gears may be again considered, as these certainly, in our | ||