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).
Crankshaft problems in the 3½ litre Bentley and the urgent requirement for a four-bearing crank.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 85\5\ scan0046 | |
| Date | 31th August 1933 | |
| X217 To E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} From Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c.c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c.c. to H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} c.c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}8/MJ.31.8.33. Re. 3½ litre Bentley. We consider that one of the first urgent problems on this car is to put the crankshaft period beyond the useful power range of the engine. We know that whatever precautions we take as regards fixing balance weights, fixing flywheels, the engine is always liable to be seriously damaged by the crankshaft period. We shall not feel happy until we have got out of that position. Another point is that it places such a definite limitation on any further development of the engine. The increase in power which we know is available is likely to bring us more in the danger zone. We consider therefore that the four-bearing crank for the Bentley engine is very urgently required. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||