Richard Farrant

It being less than 7 miles from home, why wouldn't I be there ! Looking forward to it as ever..

Dave, I have no idea what engine is in your Argo so unsure as to type of coil and ignition system. Many years ago, I worked on a very early Argocat, a bit like a bathtub and think it had a single cylinder stationary engine like on a compressor or generator, could have been a Tecumseh or similar.

9/10 for effort Master Tony

Hi Tony, A correction here, DOT4 (as well as DOT 2 and 3) are not termed "mineral", they are a synthetic. The systems that use a mineral fluid are Rolls Royce, Citroen, etc and certain military vehicles used by the British Army (and others!), which is a very low viscosity hydraulic oil. I also understand that water can be absorbed into silicone fluid so not as good as we were led to believe. Also have to remember that although you might have cylinders sleeved with Stainless Steel, the pistons could still be a ferrous steel. regards, Richard

Dave, This ignition system sounds a bit like the Boyer Bransden inductive discharge set up, which had a sealed module with, I think 4 wires and fitted between coil and points. It could be a faulty condenser as they will often fail as they warm up, could also be coil. Richard

That happened 12 years ago ....... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leicestershire/2980640.stm

Howard, I have been looking back at old threads on MLU and came up with this one, and the interesting photo, could be C60S lorries. http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/showthread.php?p=99170&highlight=southampton#post99170 cheers Richard

Pete, and Howard, To have been issued with a new census number this was obviously a serious rebuild. Looking at the date of the rebuild on the plate, January 1941, it makes me wonder if this was one of the Chevrolet lorries caught in the bombing of the GM facility in Southampton ....... in December 1940. Either that or it suffered an accident, I think the bombing is possibly answer. regards, Richard

I have seen that before with an AEC, driver refused to use it and we found the hose from manifold to air cleaner had de-laminated inside.

Hi Howard, That would make more sense as the L17***** series of numbers for rebuilds is an early 1940's group, there were other groups throughout the Census number range. Is there a workshop number or code? Richard

Pete, It is possible. The way I understand it is that vehicles that went through a rebuild programme would have lost their identity once stripped down and there for a new census number was issued. Quite possible that nothing other than the chassis came from original lorry. I suppose it might depend on how many of this type of vehicle were being rebuilt at that particular time. As for when, it could be around the same time as the engine rebuild date, unless that was replaced at a later date. The AAW numbers, apart from the odd one I have never been able to find a list of and have been asking for over 20 years. The REME museum was unable to answer, I think the National Archives might be a possibility, it would come under the Ministry of Supply I would think. regards, Richard

Hi Howard, That number is not the original one, it comes from a batch (7 figure numbers all starting 17.....) put aside for rebuilt vehicles.

Here is a pic of the Kalmar container handler on a trailer, looks like the USA by the truck.

Dave, I am guessing you are talking about a Ferret? (Recall you having one). If the two screws are near the base flange of the carb, then these are mixture screws for the two bores (chokes). The carb is in effect two carbs, so to adjust them you need to ensure they are both at the same basic adjustment and tweak each one a fraction alternatively until you are happy with the idle mixture. If it then runs too fast or slow, adjust the idle screw. regards, Richard

Could be from a Spitfire (or Seafire maybe) as it appears the Type LX 12volt generator was fitted to them, check this link for a report on a restored Spitfire in the UK. Scroll down to the Electrical section, this one was converted to 24v, but it mentions the Type LX. http://www.caa.co.uk/AANDocs/29337/29337000000.pdf

Hi Ron, Just Googled the 5U/188 part number and it links it to a Royal Australian Navy pdf file, which is a massive download so did not go any further, so your thoughts on Albatros N.A.S. may be a good clue. regards, Richard

For a mobile radar unit?

I remember the TMP Ashford using a 16 tonne Foden for collecting vehicles where they towed a 20 ton recovery trailer with it, both lorry and trailer loaded. I would consider looking at the internal state of the engine before even considering a turbo, that or fitting a 305 Eagle as in the Crusader.

Hi Bob, That is very sad news, he would not have had a long retirement either. I first remember him from mid-80's when MVT started the end of season weekends there, one of life's characters for sure. He told it as it was! regards, Richard

Looks like it might be a Ford axle with torque tube, you can see where the stays have been cut off.

I am sure this is a Girling transverse cylinder going by the boot. Never seen one with a locking arrangement like this, normally a stop screw which acts against a flat on the sliding member inside. Just dug out an old Girling catalogue from 1950's onward, lists Dennis, but none of the illustrations are like this. All the Lockheed cylinders of this type only have a stop screw inside to stop the inner member turning, so cannot offer anymore advice on this one.

Hi Simon, It is a Chevrolet KE by looks of it, a standard Australian military 15cwt utility (or could be classed as a Van). It appears to have the Holden cab.

The Champion ones are available as I have just obtained a set.

Barry, I have changed cylinders on a Dennis years ago and recall they were Girlings, we found some for a Commer which were the right size. I do not remember that locking arrangement though. Looking at your photo, it is logical that the larger end of the dowel bolt should pass through the female thread, it is obviously made in one piece and can be the only explanation. Maybe there is a burr on the edge of the thread or bolt. regards, Richard

Hi Ron, Something I tried not to do as well, but on one memorable occasion coming back from the 1990 Guernsey Liberation Tour, the ferry was late in to Poole (fouled prop apparently) and I was riding back to Guildford for my overnight stop. It was a race against time to get there, but darkness fell before I reached Petersfield and at one point I rode up someone's drive, mistaking it for a road. Would dread to think what it was like with blackout lights during the war. All good fun cheers Richard