"B" Series Beware

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

The first thing I tell any new owner of a Rolls Royce "B" series motor is "CHECK THE WATER JACKET COVERS!"
These cover plates are cast out of Aluminium, round ones along the induction side, (2 on a B40, 3 on B60 and I assume 4 on a B80) rectangle ones back of block and back of head.
The round one shown appeared intact: until I gave the Champ a pressure wash, wondered where all the green stuff on the concrete came from.
Got caught again with the Humber on its first trip to Corowa when it dumped its load of water in one hit out of one of these covers.
Had a periodic loss of coolant from the Humber for the last 6 months, finally tracked it down to the rectangle cover on the back of the block. Hairline crack. The cover on the back of the head also starting to show the rot, so it will be replaced as well.