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WEEK TWO GETTING THE BENTLEY GOING Our first job was to see what the engine was like. Knowing the engine probably hadn't run for around 30-40 years, we drained what used to be petrol out of the fuel tank, cleaned the filter and primed the system with fresh petrol. On inspection of the engine and after jiggling with the fuel pumps, we had compression on all 6 cylinders, a big HT spark (from original pre-war coils), fuel to the carbs and the oil pressure gauge reading 40 psi oil pressure on the starter, most probably indicating the crankpins are slugged up to damnation. Someone had laid the car up pretty well so we had a cooling system full of antifreeze and a sump full of clean oil. The only thing remaining was to see if she would start. After a while of turning over, it became evident the starter was too weak with a 'catherine wheel' for a commutator, and although one cylinder fired, (scaring the hell out of me as I was standing next the car which had no exhaust fitted) we had to rebuild the starter and skim the com. With the starter working properly we then had to overhaul the starter drive, replacing the cork clutch discs and the internal bendix gear clutch cushion spring, which was broken in two. The engine then started and idled with no apparent nasty noises, which hopefully is a good sign. Very nice and original engine bay with a lot of original enamelling
Newly skimmed armature. Segments not to be undercut.
Starter motor drive - clutch 5 disc (cork) clutch with internal buffer spring. Replace discs and spring when starter motor running correctly but not turning engine.
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