Gosport and Fareham—More Air-cooled Engines
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FoLLowiNG the satisfactory performance obtained with two Deutz air-cooled diesel engines fitted in Guy Arab double-deckers in their provincial fleet, Gosport and .Fareham Omnibus Co., Ltd., are to put a further six double-deckers fitted with similar engines into service in the next two years—four this year and two in 1962.
The first two vehicles have been in service now for 31 and 21 years Naving completed a total mileage of over 225,000 miles. No trouble with overheating has been experienced, even in
..xeeptionally hot weather, and fuel Ind oil consumption are said to be )etter than the average for the rest of he provincial fleet.
Recently, the first vehicle in the 961 programme was put into service. his again is a Guy Arab chassis vhich has been completely rec on d
tioned by the company and a new body fitted. The body was built by Reading and Co., Ltd., of Hilsea, and has many interesting features. These are intended mainly to reduce body maintenance costs and include interior panelling of polished light alloy, left unpainted, window pillars covered in plastics material, and the rear of the seat squabs covered in laminated plastics sheet.
As with the first two vehicles, the engine fitted is a Deutz F61_. 514 sixcylinder in-line air-cooled unit. It is an indirect-injection engine and has a bore of 4.33 in. (110 mm.) and a 5.511-in. (140-mm.) stroke. giving a capacity
of 7.983 litres. Power developed is 125 b.h.p. at 2.300 r.p.m.. but for this application, the engine is rated at 97 b.h.p. at 1,700 r.p.m., to suit the existing transmission. Maximum torque is 333 lb.-ft. at 1,200 r.p.m. Power is transmitted through a Deutz clutch.
Engine air cooling is effected by a large-capacity belt-driven fan mounted at the off-side and connected to ducting, which directs the air flow through the cylinder fins. Each cylinder barrel is a separate unit with a detachable cylinder head.
The engine is rubber-mounted at four points, using specially made brackets, and, to fit it in the space available, it has been necessary to tilt the engine some 10° to the nearside. To prevent rock during engine starting. tick-over and stopping, a rebound rubber buffer is fitted on the offside of the engine and to eliminate forward movement when under power. small rubber stops are located between the engine and front cross-member.
Secondary Panel
Between the front grille, which is hinged at its offside, and the engine there is a secondary panel retained by catches at bOth sides. Art aperture in this matches up with the cooling fan. The panel is shaped and there is a cover plate located some 2 in. in front of the aperture so that the air to the fan is regulated.
Special attention has been given to the insulation of the engine against heat and sound. The engine compartment is lagged with glass fibre and the engine cover has a fitted quilt over it. The installation is similar to that on the earlier buses with air-cooled engines.
The latest version and the older of the two earlier vehicles, were kith inspected. There was very little heating of the driver's compartment and the level of noise was, if anything. less than would be expected with a water. cooled diesel engine. At tick-over, the engines were free of vibration and particularly quiet and ;avourable comments have been received from drivers.