An Oil-engine Problem
Page 40
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ADISTURBING number of premature failures of certain oil engines is being reported by various operators. Spares and replacement units are made readily available but, unfortunately, certain classes of work, such as that connected with coaches, demand a high degree of availability during the busy season. This also applies to goods vehicles which have to carry large quantities of beet and other agricultural produce during limited periods.
It has been said that the trouble is caused in some instances by the reluctance of some vehicle manufacturers to supply back axles alternative to those on petrol-engined vehicles, with ratios more suited to the comparatively low top speed of the oil unit. The result is that in, say, a convoy of coaches having mixed power units, the drivers of the oil-engined vehicles, in an endeavour to keep up with the others, " force " their engines excessively and over-ride the injection-pump governors downhill.
From the economic aspect in particular it would be regrettable if there were a reversion in many instances to the petrol engine, but already some coach operators are considering this move, because they value reliability above increased fuel cost. With goods vehicles the problem is, of course, not so acute, as the speed attained is seldom as high.
It is obviously unfair to treat a power unit with limited high-speed characteristics as if it were a petrol engine, but the element of competition is often present and a traveller by coach may not apireciate a slower journey, even if it be safer. Also, the stranding of a party as a result of the "blow up " of an engine is even less likely to be of help in retaining the good name of the operator.
In addition there is the vitally important export market to be considered. British vehicles have won an excellent name for reliability, and everything possible must be done to avoid this being lost, it is as well to remember that in many areas abroad much higher average speeds are permitted than in Britain, and replacement engines or parts may not be so readily obtainable or so near at hand.