Piston Failure.Austin K5, 1944.

[Big ray]

I was talking with a gentleman yesterday while showing our vehicles at Manchester Airport. He told me that he was researching Austin K5s and in particular, the major piston failure that they suffered after the D.Day landings. I told him that I was quite sure that the vehicles involved were Bedford trucks. I am afraid that he was absolutely correct the vehicles involved were indeed Austin K5s, so if he should read this, then please accept my apologies.

[N.O.S.]

You wouldn't be the only one who was sure you were right when you weren't, Ray :blush: :whistle:

 

Out of interest, what was the cause of the piston failure in the K5s?

[woa2]

I was talking with a gentleman yesterday while showing our vehicles at Manchester Airport. He told me that he was researching Austin K5s and in particular, the major piston failure that they suffered after the D.Day landings. I told him that I was quite sure that the vehicles involved were Bedford trucks. I am afraid that he was absolutely correct the vehicles involved were indeed Austin K5s, so if he should read this, then please accept my apologies.

 

I was reading the Official history of 21st Army group, published in 1946, and it states in there that all Austin K5 vehicles in Europe suffered engine problems and all replacement engines were faulty. It didn't say what the problem was, however.

[fesm_ndt]

I bet the squaddies were far from impressed......... especially when the statement says "all" twice

[Tony B]

I'd heard it was Bedfords. Apparentaly the machine tool used to shape crankshafts was worn, but spares were unavailable and the machine was unique so had to be kept running. As combat vehicles were supposed to have a life of about 600 hours, it was decided to live with it.

[woa2]

I'd heard it was Bedfords. Apparentaly the machine tool used to shape crankshafts was worn, but spares were unavailable and the machine was unique so had to be kept running. As combat vehicles were supposed to have a life of about 600 hours, it was decided to live with it.

 

I know that the Austin K5 was mentioned specifically in the 21st Army book, can't remember any other truck mentioned. (By the way, the copy I was reading was presented to Montgomery after the war. Don't know where it is now).

Also, in the REME Museum is a DIY mould to make pistons 'in the field'. I will try and find out what engine it was made for.

[Big ray]

I was reading the Official history of 21st Army group, published in 1946, and it states in there that all Austin K5 vehicles in Europe suffered engine problems and all replacement engines were faulty. It didn't say what the problem was, however.

 

It seems that sub-standard materials were supplied, and I do believe that the same sub-standard materials filtered through to the motorcycle industry also.... it all resulted in excessive cylinder wear and burning of oil. (Pistons and rings)

[guy66]

If the problem was only on the Bedford QL engine way dint the other Bedford's suffer with this problem?

 

It is not the first time that I heard of the engine problems with the K5, we need to investigate a little bit more on this problem:police:

[paulbrook]

I seem to remember a similar saga in the 1980s.............No names no pack drill regarding the vehicle manufacturer