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).
Recurring engine big end bearing failures for chassis B.I35.BL.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 146\1\ scan0277 | |
| Date | 8th June 1938 | |
| 1245 To Bentley Motors Ltd. Derby............... Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Copy to ........... Py. Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} Levallois Sr/VA.I/ET.8.6.38 Re: CHASSIS B.I35.BL - BOEGNER Total mileage up to date: 62.351 Kms. The above car originally belonged to Mr. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} La{L. A. Archer} Montagne, in whose hands it was well looked after during its 45.059 Kms. of running. Mr. La{L. A. Archer} Montagne purchased a new 4 I/4 litre from us and we reconditioned the above car for re-sale. We dismantled the engine, drilled the crankshaft, tightened up all main bearings (which were in good condition), grooved the intermediates and fitted 6 new connecting rods, which had whitemetal big ends; these, however, were not of the latest type, as mentioned in Depot Sheet Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy}367. We attended to the engine before the issue of this Depot Sheet. The car was sold to its present owner on 15th November 1937. After a mileage of 6777 Kms. in Mr. Boegner's hands, N°5 big end failed and we had to rescue the car 150 Kms. from Paris. On dismantling the engine, we found the remaining 5 big ends to be in very poor condition, inasmuch as they were badly cracked. We were surprised at this, considering the small mileage they had covered. There was, however, no sign of Seizure. All the big ends, when fitted, had correct working clearance, viz. .002". When he last went to the Works, Sr. took several of the big end bearings with him, and he said that he showed them to you. The owner informed us that the seizure had occurred soon after he had covered 27 Kms. at a speed of 135 K.P.H.; he told us, however, that he had to slow down twice during the run, when passing through two villages. The engine was fitted with a small oil pump. We repaired the engine and fitted 6 new connecting rods having latest type white metal big end bearings, as per Depot Sheet N° Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy}367. The car was sent to us a few days ago, having covered a further 10.515 Kms., in order that we should change the engine oil, etc.. While draining the oil and cleaning the filter, we found 2 large chunks of whitemetal in the engine. We decided, in agreement with the owner, to inspect the big ends and the following is our report upon them: | ||