Longer Life for Reliant Engine A REDESIGNED engine is a
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feature of the modified 8-cwt. and 12-cwt. three-wheeled vans which have recently been introduced by the Reliant Engineering Co. (Tamworth), Ltd., Watling Street, Tamworth, Staffs. Various changes have been made to increase the durability of the four-cylindered sidevalve unit, including force-feed to the crankshaft bearings and the camshaft by a submerged gear pump, in place of the splash system with vane-type pump which was previously employed. Steel-backed white-metal bearings have been substituted for the ball and roller bearings, and the crankshaft connecting-rod assembly has been modified to provide the maximum bearing area compatible with rigidity. Other engine modifications comprise fully floating gudgeon pins (to replace the clamped type) and flange fixing for the flywheel, which now has -a shrunk
on starter-gear ring. A 12-volt ignition and lighting system supersedes the former six-volt system.
The unit remains otherwise unchanged, with a capacity of 747 c.c., an output of 14 b.h.p. at 3,500 r:p.m. and a compression ratio of 5.7 to 1.
Body modifications include an • enlarged windscreen, ah all-metal dashboard, and locking door handles. The carrying space has been increased and the driver's seat is of a comfortable bucket type. Deeper side windows are fitted and the door windows are of safety glass.
An account of the road test of the 1949 12-cwt. Reliant appeared in the July 29 issue of "The Commercial Motor." A picture showing the modified bodywork was published on January 27 this year.
The name of "Regent" has been aiv.:ri to the latest vans.