Morris-Commercial 30-cwt.
Page 70
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with P.3 Engine
ASTANDARD Morris-Commercial 30-cwt. van has been converted to an oiler by Phillips Motor Services (Sheffield), Ltd., Handsworth, Sheffield, by the installation of a Perkins P.3 unit. No modification to the chassis was involved, neither was any change of gearbox, clutch pressure plates or primary shaft required.
The appearance of the vehicle is unchanged. The original radiator is retained, together with the standard lighting and electrical equipment. A special starter was, however, fitted. The unladen weight of the converted vehicle is 2 tons 0 cwt. 1 qr.
It was tested at a gross weight of 3 tons 12 cwt. and climbed out of Ford Valley, near Sheffield, which has an average gradient of 1 in 7, with sections of 1 in 44., mostly in third gear at 22 m.p.h. and finally in second at 12 m.p.h.
It was not found necessary to use low gear for most of the gradients in Sheffield and the maximum speeds in the gears were:—second, 12 m.p.h.; third, 23 m.p.h., and top 42 m.p.h, The fuel rs 36
consumption rate for the test was 35 m.p.g. On a run through the city over a route approximating to service conditions, the rate was 40 m.p.g.
There was no undue vibration. Inspection after the tests showed that no stress had been imposed on the chassis. It was considered that the original clutch housing fitted to the new engine was efficient.
Mr. J. E. Phillips, managing director of the company, told The Commercial Motor that the owners of the vehicle, a local co-operative society, would not have to carry a large stock of spare parts, and clutch and gearbox components would not have to be disposed of at scrap prices. He estimated that a conversion would take seven days to complete.