Positioning:
Targeted at professional mechanics and skilled DIY enthusiasts working on prestigious luxury vehicles. A vital resource for maintaining the engineering integrity of Rolls-Royce and Bentley marques.
Comparison:
Sets the standard for technical documentation for its era, providing detailed, manufacturer-specific information often unavailable in generic automotive repair guides.
Features:
Authoritative, manufacturer-approved content; detailed technical illustrations and diagrams; comprehensive coverage of engine systems.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Carburetion/Fuel Injection, Engine Overhaul, Engine Tuning
Page Count:
Estimated 300-500 pages (typical for comprehensive engine workshop manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Printed (assumed, typical for original manufacturer manuals)
Engine:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all internal and external engine components.
Fuel System:
Carburetor servicing (e.g., SU or Zenith Stromberg), fuel pump operation, fuel lines, fuel filter replacement.
Ignition System:
Distributor overhaul, coil testing, spark plug specification, timing adjustment procedures.
Cooling System:
Radiator maintenance, water pump servicing, thermostat operation, coolant specifications, fan clutch operation.
Lubrication System:
Oil pump servicing, oil filter replacement, oil pressure testing, oil specifications.
Exhaust System:
Manifold inspection, pipe and muffler replacement, gasket specifications.
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, ignition timing adjustments.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common engine problems, identifying causes and remedies.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair.
Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, including cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod assembly, crankshaft and bearing installation.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilding and detailed diagnostics.
Print Quality:
High-quality paper stock, clear printing of diagrams and text (typical for OEM manuals).
Binding Type:
Stapled, perfect bound, or hardback (depending on original publication format).
Paper Type:
Durable, often glossy or semi-gloss paper to withstand workshop conditions and protect printed diagrams.
Engine Type:
V8 Overhead Valve (OHV)
Displacement:
Commonly 6.23 Litre (380 cubic inches) for early models, later increased to 6.75 Litre (412 cubic inches)
Bore:
Approx. 104.14 mm (4.10 inches) for 6.23L; Approx. 104.14 mm (4.10 inches) for 6.75L
Stroke:
Approx. 91.44 mm (3.60 inches) for 6.23L; Approx. 99.06 mm (3.90 inches) for 6.75L
Compression Ratio:
Varies by year and specific engine tune, typically around 8.5:1 to 9.0:1
Horsepower:
Estimated 200-250 bhp (gross) depending on exact specification and tune.
Torque:
Substantial torque output, critical for the effortless acceleration characteristic of these cars.
Carburetion:
Typically twin SU (Skinners Union) carburetors (e.g., HIF6) or later Zenith Stromberg carburetors.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (Post-1971 models may have been adapted for unleaded)
Ignition Type:
Conventional Distributor with Ignition Coil
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 7-8 pints (US) or 3.5-4 Imperial Quarts (plus filter), check specific manual for exact figure.
Oil Type:
Multi-grade oil, e.g., SAE 20W/50 or SAE 10W/40 depending on climate and manufacturer recommendations.
Transmission Type:
GM Turbo-Hydramatic 3-speed automatic transmission (TH400) standard on most models.
Transmission Type:
Rare manual gearbox option may have existed on early Bentley T Series models, but automatics were predominant.
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 3-4 Quarts (US) for torque converter and transmission sump, check manual for exact capacity.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 120.5 inches (3061 mm)
Length:
Approx. 203.5 inches (5169 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.3 inches (1786 mm)
Height:
Approx. 58.0 inches (1473 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4500-5000 lbs (2040-2270 kg), depending on specification.
Crash Testing:
Modern crash safety standards were not as rigorously applied or documented for vehicles of this era. Emphasis was on robust construction.
Brakes:
Hydraulically operated, vacuum-assisted disc brakes on all four wheels. Self-leveling suspension incorporates a hydraulic system that also contributes to braking pressure modulation.
Seatbelts:
Standard lap belts, with optional inertia reel shoulder belts becoming more common in later years.
Construction:
Robust steel body-on-frame construction with significant structural integrity for its time.
Audio System:
Original systems typically featured AM/FM radios, with optional cassette players in later years. Modern upgrades are common.
Cruise Control:
Factory-fitted cruise control was available as an option on many models, a significant luxury feature for its time.
Connectivity Features:
No modern connectivity features such as Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto as standard.
Oil Change:
Typically every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Refer to the manual for precise intervals.
Tune Up:
Spark plugs, distributor points (if applicable), and ignition timing checks recommended every 10,000 - 15,000 miles.
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Check manual for specific type and capacity.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check manual for exact specification).
Engine Wear:
Potential for worn valve guides, piston rings, and crankshaft bearings due to age and mileage. Oil consumption may increase.
Cooling System Leaks:
Radiator leaks, hose deterioration, and water pump seals are common failure points over time.
Carburetor Issues:
SU or Zenith Stromberg carburetors can be sensitive to tuning, gumming up from old fuel, and vacuum leaks.
Ignition Component Wear:
Distributor caps, rotors, and points (on older models) require regular inspection and replacement.
Hydraulic System:
While not strictly engine, the self-leveling suspension and power steering systems use hydraulic fluid that requires periodic checks and replacement. Issues here can indirectly affect engine operation due to shared power.
Heritage:
Rolls-Royce and Bentley, synonymous with automotive luxury, craftsmanship, and engineering excellence for over a century.
Silver Shadow T Series Evolution:
Introduced in 1965 (Silver Shadow) and 1965 (Bentley T Series) as successors to the Silver Cloud/S Series. Featured monocoque construction, independent suspension, and the new V8 engine. The Silver Shadow II and Bentley T2 variants in 1977 introduced longer wheelbases, revised bumpers, and improved interiors.
Production Years:
Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow: 1965–1980. Bentley T Series: 1965–1971 (T1), 1971-1977 (T2 - equivalent to Silver Shadow II).
Manufacturing Location:
Crewe, England
Automotive Excellence:
Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicles of this era are universally recognized for their unparalleled craftsmanship, ride comfort, and opulent interiors, setting benchmarks for automotive luxury.
Reliability Perception:
While mechanically complex, when properly maintained by skilled technicians using the correct procedures and parts, these vehicles can be remarkably reliable. However, neglect can lead to significant and costly repairs.
