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).
Daily report on the Paulin Bentley II, detailing investigation of engine detonation, replacement of a burnt gasket, and various vehicle checks and adjustments.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\3\ scan0136 | |
| Date | 30th January 1939 | |
| To. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GR.{George Ratcliffe} 1379. Levallois. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GR.{George Ratcliffe}I/JAB.30.I.39. DAILY REPORT. Paulin Bentley II.- B-27-LE. On the return journey from Metz to Paris, the petrol tank was refilled with 75 litres of Azur at Verdun. Detonation was not improved and still apparent up to 1,500 r.p.m. This was investigated at the Depot the following day (31.I.39) by dismantling the cylinder head. The gasket was found to be badly burnt, N° I & 6 being the worst. Signs of burning were apparent on all cylinders. The gasket was then despatched for inspection to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Swd. at Derby. The bottom half crankcase was dismantled and N° 2 & 5 conrod caps taken off for inspection, found O.K. and re-assembled. The cylinder head was replaced with a new standard C & A gasket, reducing C/R from 8.2 to 8.1 approximately. Engine oil inspected and found O.K. Refilled with fresh Castrol XXL. Effective circumference of Dunlop Racing tyres 5.50 x 18 measured as follows:- 42 lbs/sq" at 91" 49 do at 91.7/8" 56 do at 91.7/8" Blank plate fitted to replace cut-out in order to avoid rattle. Front horns checked and dead short found; changed to Lucas alto without grid. Oil checked in gearbox and rear axle, O.K. All loose parts removed from rear luggage compartment. All dampers and governor box checked and replenished as necessary. New 5.50 x 18 Dunlop Racing tyres fitted to all 5 wheels at Dunlop Depot. Road pressures 33 lbs/sq" front - 40 lbs/sq" rear. Door and key locks lubricated. Body suspension checked, tightened, and greased as necessary. Front axle and suspension inspected, O.K. Brakes adjusted one notch each cold, and servo inspected, O.K. damping load on swinging arm reduced to allow easy return of front brakes. Tyre pressures recommended by Dunlops for the Autobahn were, Front 50 lbs/sq" - Rear 55 lbs/sq". Speedometer approx. 5% fast on speed and record of mileage with 5.50 x 18 tyres. RM{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GR.{George Ratcliffe} [Signature] | ||