Scammell4199

Evening all, I'm looking for a new fuel gauge for our scammell pioneer. It is a simple mechanical item which fits in the side of the tank and was fitted to a number of similar heavy vehicles of the period. A number of years ago they could be found on many an auto jumble stand, but stupidly we didn't pick any up at the time. I need one for the Pioneer, but would ideally like two to put one in store for the matador. I've scoured the net with no joy. Anyone got any leads? Thanks, Richard

Wow. Just wow.

Can someone please advise before I loose my rag with this thing, how on earth do you get the injector pump camshaft out of a Gardner 6LW? In typical Scammell manual style it states that it can be "manoeuvred out forward", but there's no way that the cams will go through the central portion of the cam box. Thanks in advance, Richard

What a crying shame. You tried your best, but like someone said before, unfortunately you can't save them all. I was particularly fond of seeing the ARV saved. I thought I saw a Conqueror in the background of one of your first pics - another awesome piece of kit, and a tragedy their being cut up. Richard

Yiiippppppeeeeeee Right I am full steam ahead on the Scammell now. Richard

Glad to hear someone has snapped it up.

might sound silly, but does the demilitarisation rule apply if you were to buy a fully restored tank from someone in Germany aswell then?

Oh really. I didn't realise there was different wheelbase versions. Does that mean the crane is of a different capacity? Still bits for the crane though.

Best you buy it as a spares donor then.

Would have liked to come but according to the website most of the vehicles aren't on display. What's happening to all the vehicles at Bordon? I think there would be more of interest to me there. Good luck with the move anyway. Richard

Looks great

Going back to removing brake drums, for those of you who have had them off Pioneers and Explorers - how tight did you do the big retaining nut back up? I "centre-popped" the end of the shaft and nut so I could see how tight it was done up before removal, but I've done them back up and can't get them quite back as tight as they were, but they are done up damn tight. I have a scaffold pole extension on the proper spanner which I stand on then dad whacks it with a sledge hammer. Ok you think? Richard

you can't just put that and no pictures! some of us have needs you know - lol. Richard

As far as I can see the subject of exemption from vehicle testing was brought up several years ago which was probably when this thread was originated. The thread is so long now, I haven't got time to read it all, but the following link has been sent in to the letters page of Windscreen illustrating that the subject is up for consultation again. So we all need to jump on the band wagon and oppose it. All I can say is: f*$@&n Europe!! https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/hgv-periodic-testing-and-inspections-exemptions Richard

Knew Adrian would have a good answer. Good point Alastair. It was Bob Grundy who brought most of those M36s and M18s out wasn't it?

I dug out the timing case cover recently because I need it to set the compressor drive shaft in the right position, and found that whatever ham-fisted mech assembled it last had mangled the two locating dowels - something else to repair.

Doubt he made it as far as Switzerland with the fuel system leaking everywhere, ha. I was thinking more about the shermans, there's a lot of them in one shot when all the lads are sat at the side of the road the morning after the opening scene.

Was watching Kelly's Heroes last night.....again, and was wondering if anyone knows what happened to the tanks in it? Richard

I haven't done an update here for a long time so here goes. The water cavity side cover on the air compressor was cracked so dad and I made a new one. Tried removing the core plugs, but only two would come peacefully the rest had to be cut out. I tried finding replacements, but after turning up a blank had a pattern made, got some cast and machined them at home. White metal bearings are finally done, crank, camshaft, pistons and rods are all in. One of the discs that comprises the torsional damper was cracked so I had a new one made, as my lathe isn't big enough to do it myself. The large plate that bolts onto the back of the block and incorporates the rear engine mounts is held in place by 6 studs, four bolts and four fitted bolts. When I installed the fitted bolts it dragged the plate over to one side to the point that the crank rear flange was snug against one side of the hole in the plate. The manual states an even clearance should be sought right round the flange. So after much deliberation I decided to ream out the holes and make new bolts. Ended up with a clearance of 4 to 6 thou round the flange so I'm happy. I'm just reassembling the last of the brake assemblies. I have fitted new leather seals, shown below with an original. The timing chain adjuster bearing nut is very thin and had been done up so tight it had dished, so I've made a new one of those. Engine is now back upright, and we're cracking on with fitting all the other bits. We have also moved into a new workshop over Christmas. Dry, concrete floor, "facilities" - brilliant. I'm a bit concerned about our trackrod. The threads in one end are stretched and not really wanting it to strip all together and loose the steering on the road I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has a spare in good condition. Richard

Probably cost double that to get it home

that's about £1500!! is that right?!

Adrian, that's a shame. Would have been ace to see the full set running one day. Talking of the full set, sounds like you're well on your way jdmcm. Have you started on your other shermans? I'm sure we'd all like to see a blog. Richard

Does anyone know what the wall thickness is on Welbike frame tubing? Thanks, Richard

Several years ago my dad went to Nothe fort in Weymouth only to find an Explorer in the courtyard there. While out for the day in Weymouth with my girlfriend on Saturday I went to see if it was there. The fort was closed for the day but the chap on the gate reported that there was no Scammell there anymore. He can't have been volunteering there long because he didn't seem to know what I was talking about. Does anyone know what happened to it? Richard

It may have already been mentioned, but are there any surviving M4A6s? Richard