Petrol Vehicle Rivals Oiler in Longevity
Page 41
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ALIFE comparable with that of an oiler has been returned by an Austin petrol-engined 2-tonner which the Eastern Electricity Board bought from Marshal's (Cambridge), Ltd., Jesus Lane, Cambridge, in 1950. It has since covered nearly 140,000 miles. The engine was dismantled for the first time in January last at a mileage of 122,495, but was found not to require reboring, so that the fitting of oil-control rings was all that was needed. The big-end and main bearings did not merit replacement.
The rate of oil consumption before the overhaul was 105 miles per pint, and afterwards 375 miles per pint. The vehicle is employed on the construction of overhead lines and often runs over fields and uneven ground.
A 15-cwt. trailer is towed and much low-gear driving is entailed. The fuel
consumption rate averages 11.6 m.p.g. Because of the heavy loadings placed on the transmission, three new carbon-thrust pads have been required.
After a few months' use, seven retreaded tyres were .fitted for trial and lasted for 43,874 miles, whilst the rear tyres of a second set wore out after 50,505 miles and the two front tyres after 59,136 miles. In a report on the vehicle's performance, full credit is given to the driver for his careful methods, which have resulted in the attainment of these figures.
The Board inspect all vehicles monthly and major attentions are given when found necessary. Oil is changed at 3,000mile intervals. Big jobs are undertaken at the Board's Bourn depot, where there is a specially trained staff and all necessary equipment. Great emphasis is placed on the need for cleanliness in the workshops, and the foreman regularly checks tools and appliances so that delays because of the defection of equipment are
avoided.
Selected entries from the Austin's history card are given below.
MAINTENANCE RECORD OF AUSTIN 2-TON NER Chassis No. K2VV150775. Engine No. 11E 1851121 1950 January. New vehicle collected from Marshal's (Cambridge). Ltd, Vehicle checked at workshops and fitted with tire extinguisher. firs6aid kit, fog lamp and windscreen defroster. Milometer reading. 165.
June. Seven retreaded tyres fitted for experiment (9,475 miles).
April. New clutch carbon thrustpad fitted (24,479 miles).
July. Engine decarbonized (29.488 miles). August. New battery fitted (30,275 miles).
March. New sparking plugs and distributor contacts (41,716 miles).
142).araS k refaced. Rear drums skimmed (43,428 miles),
July. New clutch carbon thrust pad fitted (46,349 miles).
August. New fan belt (48.005 miles).
Septemmiles) ber.. New induction manifold (49.896 miles). October. Bottom radiator hose replaced (51,U2 November. Second set of retreaded tyres fitted (53.349 miles).
December. New fan belt and top radiator hose (54.101 miles).
February. Engine decarbonized. Valves refaced (58,771 miles).
June. Front brakes refaced (64,345 miles). 21.0y. Voltage regulator replaced (67.390 miles).
August. New distributor contacts and rotor arm (68,896 miles).
November. New radiator and water pump (73.873 miles).
December. New clutch plate and clutch carbon thrust pad (75.926 miles).
February. Engine decarbonized. Exhaust valves replaced. New sparking plugs and battery (78,888 miles).
March. Rear brakes refaced. New thermostat (79.538 miles).
Jane. Front spring shackle pins, bushes and plates replaced (83.191 miles).
August. New king pins and reconditioned radiator (85,668 miles).
October. New silencer (87,862 miles).
November. New battery (88,768 miles).
January. New battery (91,543 miles).
March. Distributor contacts replaced (93,661 miles). April. Front brakes refaced (94,666 miles). June.Reconditioned petrol pump fitted (97,726 miles). October. Engine decarbonized. Two exhaust valves replaced. New sparking plugs (102.355 miles). November. Cross-country tyres fitted at rear (103.854 miles).
December. Front brakes refaced (105.410 stiles).
May. New front tyres (112.485 miles).
June. Reconditioned radiator fitted. Top radiator hose renewed (114,237 miles).
July. New water pump and fan belt (115.812 miles).
1957
January. Et gine decaribo5s7ized. Oil-control rings fitted. Sparking plugs and distributor contacts renewed (122,495 miles).
April. Rear brakes refaced (125.056 miles).
June. New bottom radiator hose (127,607 miles) August, Two rear tyres renewed (130.365 miles).