🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Rolls-Royce / Bentley

Model:

Silver Cloud II / S2

Product Name:

Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II Bentley Engine Workshop Manual

Vehicle Codes Silver Cloud Ii:

Chassis numbers SC1-SC100 (estimated, exact range might vary)

Vehicle Codes Bentley S2:

Chassis numbers B1-B100 (estimated, exact range might vary)

👋 Introduction

Luxury Sedan:

The Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 represented the pinnacle of British luxury motoring in their era, offering unparalleled comfort, craftsmanship, and performance for discerning clientele.

Competitors:

Competed against other high-end marques such as Mercedes-Benz (e.g., W112 '300 SE'/'300 SEL'), Cadillac (e.g., Eldorado), and Lincoln Continental.

Craftsmanship:

Renowned for meticulous hand-building, use of premium materials, and exquisite detailing, setting a benchmark for automotive luxury.

Engine Upgrade:

The introduction of the 6.2-liter V8 engine marked a significant performance upgrade over previous models, providing effortless cruising and substantial power reserves.

Shared Platform:

Both models shared the same chassis and mechanical components, with design differences primarily in the grille, badging, and interior trim, reflecting their distinct brand identities.

📋 Manual Details

Engine:

V8 Overhead Valve (OHV)

Transmission:

Automatic (Hydra-Matic)

Chassis:

Frame and suspension

Brakes:

Hydraulic system

Electrical System:

12-volt system, ignition, lighting

Bodywork:

General maintenance and adjustments

Estimated Page Count:

300-500 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed (likely spiral-bound or hardcover)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, internal component specifications, cylinder head service, piston/ring replacement, crankshaft/bearing service, timing gear/chain inspection, lubrication system overhaul.

Fuel System:

Carburetor overhaul (SU HD8 or equivalent), fuel pump service, fuel line routing, fuel filter replacement.

Ignition System:

Distributor maintenance, spark plug specifications, coil testing, wiring diagrams for ignition.

Cooling System:

Radiator service, water pump overhaul, thermostat replacement, coolant specifications, fan belt tensioning.

Transmission Automatic:

Hydra-Matic (GM licensed) gearbox service, hydraulic control unit, torque converter, band adjustments, fluid specifications and change intervals.

Steering System:

Steering box adjustment and overhaul, power steering pump service, hydraulic fluid specifications.

Suspension System:

Front and rear suspension component service, shock absorber replacement, spring inspection, chassis lubrication points.

Braking System:

Hydraulic brake system overhaul, master cylinder service, wheel cylinder service, brake shoe/pad replacement, fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.

Electrical Components:

Starter motor, generator (or alternator if fitted later), battery service, lighting circuit troubleshooting, wiper motor, horn operation.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil change intervals and specifications, filter replacement procedures, chassis lubrication schedule, air cleaner service, spark plug gap settings, valve clearance adjustments (if applicable to OHV design).

Troubleshooting:

Diagnosis of common running issues, electrical faults, brake system problems, and cooling system inefficiencies, with step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts.

Major Overhaul:

Detailed instructions for complete engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, and major chassis component refurbishment.

Adjustments:

Carburetor synchronization and adjustment, idle speed settings, brake adjustment, clutch adjustment (if applicable to any ancillary systems), steering geometry checks.

Torque Specifications:

Essential torque values for critical engine and chassis fasteners, ensuring proper assembly and preventing component damage.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance checks to full component disassembly, repair, and reassembly. Targets experienced mechanics and dedicated enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Availability:

Often available as a searchable PDF, but the original is a printed document.

Original Print Quality:

High-quality paper and printing, typical of official factory manuals from the period, with clear diagrams and text.

Binding:

Likely hardcover or robust spiral-bound for workshop use.

Paper Quality:

Durable, often slightly glossy paper designed to withstand workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8, Overhead Valve (OHV), pushrod actuated

Displacement:

6,230 cc (380 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

104.1 mm x 91.4 mm (4.10 in x 3.60 in)

Compression Ratio:

8.0:1 (typical)

Block Material:

Cast Iron

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Horsepower Bhp:

Approx. 200-225 bhp at 4,000 rpm (net, manufacturer's estimate)

Torque Lb-Ft:

Approx. 360 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm (net, manufacturer's estimate)

Carburetors:

Two SU HD8 twin-choke carburetors (or similar Zenith/Stromberg units in later production/service).

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (original spec may have been leaded; modern equivalent required)

Oil Capacity Quarts:

8 US Quarts (approx. 7.5 Liters), including filter

Coolant Capacity Quarts:

Approx. 20 US Quarts (with heater)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

General Motors Hydra-Matic (licensed), 4-speed automatic

Availability:

Manual transmission was not typically offered or was extremely rare for these specific models.

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios documented within the manual, designed for smooth acceleration and efficient cruising.

Fluid Type:

Dexron III/Mercon (modern equivalent for original Type A Suffix A)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Inches:

123 inches (3,124 mm)

Length Inches:

Approx. 200 inches (5,080 mm)

Width Inches:

Approx. 70 inches (1,778 mm)

Height Inches:

Approx. 63 inches (1,600 mm) (varies slightly with body style)

Curb Weight Lbs:

Approx. 4,000 - 4,300 lbs (1,814 - 1,950 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Lbs:

Not explicitly stated but designed for comfort and luxury load.

Wheel Size:

15 inch

Tire Size:

7.00 x 15 (or equivalent radial like 205/80R15)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 5.5 inch (140 mm) PCD

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

No formal crash testing in the modern sense was conducted or published for vehicles of this era by independent bodies.

Brakes:

Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels (front disc brakes were introduced on the Silver Cloud III / S3, but not typically on II/S2). Manual details braking system maintenance and adjustment.

Seat Belts:

Seat belts were optional or not standard equipment for early production models; manual may or may not cover installation/service.

Safety Glass:

Laminated safety glass used for windscreen as standard.

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

Optional factory-fitted or dealer-installed AM radio. Manual may cover basic radio servicing or antenna adjustments.

Power Steering:

Standard power steering system for ease of maneuverability.

Power Brakes:

Power assisted drum brakes for improved stopping power.

Original Connectivity:

No modern connectivity features; relies on fundamental automotive systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Manual will specify recommended grade (e.g., SAE 20W-50).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 12,000 miles or 12 months. Manual will detail procedure and fluid type.

Chassis Lubrication:

At every major service interval, greasing all chassis points as per manual's lubrication chart.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Recommended at 10,000-15,000 mile intervals, with specific gap settings provided.

Engine Oil Grade:

SAE 20W-50 (API SF or equivalent, or use a high-quality conventional oil meeting specifications of the era, possibly with zinc additive).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Manual will specify type and corrosion inhibitors.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 (original specification, modern equivalent may be DOT 4, but compatibility must be checked; silicone fluid is NOT recommended for systems not originally designed for it).

Power Steering Fluid:

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - Dexron III/Mercon or equivalent.

Engine Oil Leaks:

Common on older vehicles due to aging seals and gaskets. Manual provides procedures for seal replacement and engine gasket overhauls.

Carburetor Tuning:

SU carburetors require periodic adjustment and rebuilding to maintain optimal performance and fuel efficiency. Manual covers synchronization and jet adjustments.

Automatic Transmission Hesitation:

Hydra-Matic units may develop issues with shifting; manual details troubleshooting and rebuilding procedures for hydraulic control and valve body.

Chassis Lubrication Neglect:

Lack of regular chassis greasing can lead to wear in suspension and steering components. Manual emphasizes importance of lubrication schedule.

📚 Vehicle History

Roll Royce Legacy:

Rolls-Royce has a storied history of engineering excellence, luxury, and reliability, established in 1906.

Bentley Legacy:

Bentley, founded in 1919, shared a closely related lineage with Rolls-Royce following their acquisition in 1931, both emphasizing performance and luxury.

Silver Cloud Lineage:

The Silver Cloud II was the second iteration of the Silver Cloud series, produced from 1959 to 1962, succeeding the Silver Cloud I and preceding the Silver Cloud III.

S Series Lineage:

The Bentley S2 was the second generation of the Bentley S-Series, produced from 1959 to 1962, sharing its platform and core mechanicals with the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II.

Production Years Silver Cloud Ii:

1959-1962

Production Years Bentley S2:

1959-1962

Manufacturing Location:

Crewe, England

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Icons:

Consistently recognized as automotive icons of the post-war era, celebrated for their design, engineering, and enduring appeal by automotive historians and enthusiasts.

Build Quality:

Universally praised for exceptional build quality and attention to detail, setting industry standards for luxury manufacturing.