Gardner 6LXDT grows up
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• More powerful, chargecooled versions of the Gardner 6LXDT engine, up to 261kW (350hp), are expected to become available to UK truck operators by 1990.
Although the 12.7-litre 6LXDT currently stops at 231kW (310hp) — the latest 310T version made its debut at the Birmingham Motor Show this week — according to sales and marketing director Allan Littlemore, the six-cylinder Gardner engine has the potential to be developed even further, possibly up to 298kW (400hp).
At the moment, the 310T is only turbocharged, but 6LXDT versions above 231kW will have air-to-air charge-cooling. It looks likely that by 1990 the 6LXDT will be produced at 224,242 and 261kW (300, 325 and 350hp) with the current 310T being uprated to become the 325 engine.
Any further increases in power above 261kW are likely to be made in 19kW (25hp) increments.
Pre-production variants of all three charge-cooled engines are expected to be running by the third quarter of 1989, while production engines should become available in 1990, says Littlemore.
The Manchester-based engine builder sees the latest 310T as a stepping stone towards the more powerful 6LXDT range which will provide high torque outputs while meeting future emrnissions legislation. Peak torque on the 310T is 1,355Nm (1,000 lbft) at 1,300rpm. "There will be a gradual evolution of products to meet the needs of the industry", maintains Littlemore.
Gardner has a major task ahead of it, particularly to reestablish itself as a volume supplier to the UK industry. Over the last 10 years it has suffered a catastrophic decline in sales and market share in the truck market (though less in the PSV sector).
Littlemore, however, is confident that Gardner can return to establish a "niche opportunity" in the truck sector.
With at least a year to go before the uprated chargecooled 6LXDTs become available it must still retain what business it can.
Former large Gardner buyers ERF and Seddon Atkinson are now firmly committed to Curnmins, and have both said that they will not be offering the 310T as an option.
That leaves Foden as the main taker for it, on the truck side. The Sandbach-based builder has confirmed that it will be fitting it in the 4000 Series, although no launch date has yet been given.
To help provide muchneeded volume at its Patricroft site, however, Gardner has started a remanufacturing/ exchange engine programme for Gardner users which will cover all Gardner engines "from LXB onwards".
The rema.nufactured engines will be offered through all existing Gardner dealers and carry the same warranty as a new engine.
Among the components replaced as standard are pistons, rings, liners, main bearings, big-end bearings, exhaust valves and springs and timing chains. The block is also honed and the crankshaft re-ground and polished.