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 failure due to a broken exhaust valve spring on Chassis No. B-54-AH.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 88\4\ scan0053 | |
| Date | 26th April 1934 | |
| from Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} Mx{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer}5/T26.4.34. X257 Chassis No. B-54-AH. During the final testing of this car at the Coachbuilders, a complaint was made that the brakes were inefficient. As we wished to investigate this matter, arrangements were made to return the car to the Works. On the way here yesterday, about 50 miles from London, an Exhaust Valve Spring broke and the valve dropped into the Cylinder and the car was consequently undriveable. We collected the car with the Leyland Lorry and we now have it in the Test Dept. and have commenced dismantling the engine. I am sending you for your examination the broken valve spring and the damaged valve. The valve guide in the cylinder head is broken and the cylinder head is scrap. The cylinder bore is damaged. We have not yet dismantled the connecting rod. As the car is urgently required, we are proceeding at once to replace the damaged parts and we are taking the necessary tested parts from a chassis on test - will Sft.{Mr Swift} please make arrangements to have these replaced as quickly as possible. P.S. This is the first case of a broken valve spring on Bentley Chassis that has come to our notice, either on test or in actual service. | ||