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).
Letter discussing issues with Bentley crankshaft bearings, chassis testing, and recent sales.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 146\3\ scan0172 | |
| Date | 12th February 1936 | |
| Bentley Motors (1931) Ltd., DERBY....................Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Bentley bearings. 1245 Further to the conversation we had on the 'phone the day before yesterday, I am glad that you will shortly be sending us details on how to carry out the tightening up of the Halls crankshaft bearings, and I trust that we shall be successful and get over this difficulty. Would it be possible for you to let us have this information immediately as B. I CW, our ex 3 1/2 litre demonstrator, is in our shops, and we are actually tightening up the mains, which were Halls metal on this chassis. Incidentally the big ends are lead bronze, and are in a magnificent condition. Since the car was fitted with lead bronze con rods, the mileage covered is 35,157 kms, and since Halls metal crankshaft bearings were fitted the car has run 11,937 kms. Our foreman, Chomet, who is a very good fellow, has been having a long talk with me about this Halls metal business, and he raised several very interesting points. I have, therefore, asked him to put his ideas down on paper, and I will send them over to you. With regard to B. 60 GA, I note that you require this chassis to be thrashed, and you can rely upon us to do so. In the meantime. I have decided not to lag the sump until the car comes back from trial runs in Brussels. The car is leaving on Saturday, and will be back here again on the following Saturday. I will arrange for Hamilton to come up here early the following week, and start work immediately. I note that, if possible, you wish us to run at an oil temperature of 120°, but no more, and we will endeavour to do this. As I mentioned on the 'phone, we have just had a couple of bad cases of plug trouble. I will not go further into this matter, as you know all about it, and we will await your information on how to get over this trouble. We certainly do not want to run into this sort of trouble, having had sufficient difficulties, as you know, in calming down our competitors over the bearing troubles. You will be pleased to hear that our business here seems to be picking up a bit. We have just sold a couple of 12 cylinders, and are on the point of selling two more Bentleys. Sr | ||