Description

Bentley MARK VI 1947 Service Manual

You’re working on a 1947 Bentley Mark VI and you need the original factory settings for the front shock dampers? I’ve been there. Pull out an aftermarket reprint and it’s missing the critical bump valve spring part number or the damn torque values are in metric. This is the real thing: an official Bentley MARK VI 1947 Service Manual – Service Bulletin BB-27, direct from Bentley Motors. 27 pages of factory procedure. Not a photocopy. Not a scan from a third-party. This is the document Bentley sent to their retailers in 1947. If you want to set up those front dampers correctly, this is your only source.

Front Shock Damper Settings – Factory Procedure

Page 1 of this bulletin gives you the factory bump valve setting at 65–70 lbs and rebound at 125–130 lbs. It also lists the part number for the upgraded spring RF.5022. Do not guess on these numbers. I’ve seen techs put in a stiffer spring and blow out a damper because they used a generic spec. The bulletin explicitly states the bump valve cap location differs between left and right dampers – L.H. damper bump valve cap is at the FRONT; R.H. damper bump valve cap is at the REAR. Miss that and you’re pulling the wrong valve.

Section K – Front Suspension Damper Settings

Page 2 of the manual starts the removal procedure. Jack under the centre of the front pan, place wood blocks under the outer ends of the lower triangle lever, then lower the car weight onto the blocks. The warning is blunt: the weight must not be taken off the blocks until the job is completed, otherwise the road spring may become displaced. That’s the kind of detail you get from original factory documentation. The procedure also warns about the flexible brake pipes – a wood block must support the hub assembly to avoid loading the brake lines. Do not skip that step.

Does This Manual Cover the Fuel System?

Based on the available sample, the focus is the front shock damper bulletin. However, this is a 27-page service manual – a compilation of factory bulletins. It likely includes other bulletins for systems like brakes and steering. If you need fuel system data, pair this with the Bentley MARK VI Service Manual Car Heater System and other specific bulletins. For a complete set, consider the Bentley Mark VI 1947 Service Manual along with the Bentley Mark VI Service Manual Bulletin BB-13. The factory documentation network covers everything, but each bulletin is focused.

Source Authenticity – Why OEM Matters for a 1947 Bentley

Aftermarket reprints of old British manuals often have missing pages, wrong torque conversions, or no torque values at all. This is an original OEM bulletin from Bentley Motors (1931) Ltd. The address is right there: Hythe Road, Willesden, London. The document includes the official part number RF.5022 for the upgraded spring. That kind of data you cannot trust from a third-party. I’ve had too many jobs go sideways because someone used a reprinted manual with a typo in the spring rate. For reference, the modern approach to documentation can be seen in Automotive Industry Overview. But for vintage Bentleys, nothing beats the original. The Automotive Industry Overview might give you context, but the factory manual is irreplaceable.

3 Systems That Demand Factory Specs

Front suspension dampers – bump and rebound valve settings. Engine – if you pull the head, you need the correct head bolt torque sequence and values (not in this sample, but other bulletins in the set cover that). Brakes – the procedure on page 2 warns about flexible brake pipes; you need the correct bleeding procedure. All of these are covered in the full 27-page manual. Each bulletin is a standalone document with specific part numbers and settings. Do not mix and match from different decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this manual just a reprint of a later edition?

No. This is the original 1947 factory service bulletin from Bentley Motors.

What torque specs are given for the front suspension?

The bulletin provides spring load settings in pounds (bump 65–70, rebound 125–130), not torque values. For damper mounting bolts, follow standard fastener torque for the size – but always verify with factory data if available.

Does the manual include wiring diagrams?

The sample pages do not show wiring diagrams. This bulletin is focused on the front shock damper. However, the full 27-page manual is a compilation of service bulletins. Bentley issued separate bulletins for electrical systems. If you need wiring diagrams, you should look for the specific Bentley Mark VI electrical service bulletin. This manual is essential for the suspension and related chassis systems, but it may not cover the entire electrical system. Always cross-reference with other factory bulletins for the specific system you are working on. The manual does include critical warnings about brake pipe clearance during damper removal – that’s the kind of detail that aftermarket diagrams miss.

Can I use this to rebuild the engine?

Not for engine rebuilds. This manual covers suspension bulletins only.

If you’re serious about preserving a 1947 Bentley Mark VI, you need the actual factory documentation. Don’t rely on reprinted internet copies that have lost resolution and missing pages. Access the Factory Manual from AutoRepairManuals and get the original OEM data that Bentley retailers used. Your car – and your customers – will thank you.