Satisfactory Demonstration of C. arid W. Producer
Page 16
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CONSIDERABLE interest was manifested in a trade demonstration of the C. and W. gas-producer plant which was arranged on a recent date by the concessionnaire, Loxham's Morriservices, Ltd., at Preston. The vehicle used was a 1984 Morris-Commercial 2-tonner which had just been fitted with a completely standard, factory reconditioned engine.
De&ils of the C. and W. crossdraught plant were given in The Commercial Motor on July 6, but it may be added here that the producer, which is about 4 ft. 6 ins, in height and 18 ins, in diameter, is capable of neat housing at the rear of the cab. It is " balanced " on the opposite side by the main filter chamber, which is of similar size. To enable petrol to be used when necessary to enrich the gas there is a change-over valve on the dash, but this was never brought into action for practical purposes during the trial run, which was entirely carried out on Motor Coalite fuel.
After standing for upwards of ,half an hour after its morning journeys, the engine started up on gas almost instantaneously and idled fairly quickly but quietly. The vehicle actually drew away about 20 secs. after the engine first turned over, and moved off straight into city traffic with frequent stops and starts. During this time there was nothing to indicate any difference from a similar machine operating on petrol but when stiff hills were encountered the general producer characteristic of being " a gear down " on spirit was to be noticed. Once the open road was reached the engine quickly picked up speed and gave every indication that it would put up a good average on ordinary or undulating runs; even taking into consideration the fact that the vehicle was running light, the acceleration was decidedly good.
A number of C. and W. gas-producer plants fitted to vehicles operating in the North-west has already achieved notable results. In the case of a Morris-Commercial lorry owned by a Blackpool haulier, it is stated that an analysis of costs shows the performance to equal petrol at 8d. a gallon. Incidentally, this machine had covered 70,000 miles before being producerequipped, last being decarbonized at 45,080 miles. The figures on which the producer-gas details were based are in respect of its most recent 5,000 miles work (up to the 75,000 mark), so that, although every ,satisfaction has been given, conditions may be presumed to have been far from favourable to this test.
The price of the plant is £60 at agents, plus fitting costs, the latter being £10 for attachment to the bare chassis and extra according to the body alterations involved. Trailer units also can be supplied.