Humber FV1600

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Impressive indeed Clive. I assume Roger (from Essex) has made a few extra for Christmas presents. I am sure he had many hours of fun working this one out, although I am afraid that only the rare Humber owner would truly appreciate it.

On similar note, we had an aero parts guy making bits for WWII aircraft restorations, he would machine a replacement part out of a billet of aircraft grade aluminium, but would include the moulding marks present on the original cast part. He had some terrific CNC gear, even greater attention to detail.
Rich.

[fv1620]

I thought you'd like that Rich, I didn't ask if there was a FV number on it somewhere. Usual story though I think once he made it, a genuine one turned up.

Welding up a Pig is one thing but this restoration is out my league. He re-manufactured the rear body which is superb. It is a nice NOS canvas I know as I sold it to him last year.

I have watched this Humber for many years. For much of that time it was fitted incorrectly with a FV1604 body. He re-manufactured the rear body which is superb. In fact about 15 years ago it was owned by an Australian chap (Andrew Kemp) who was going to drive back home. Clearly the Humber never made it but I assume Andrew did as I've not heard of him since then.

Yes I remember his answering machine went something like "G'day I can't take your call at the moment, I'm out the back feeding a dead dog to the kangaroo"

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Clive, what happens when he finish's finding things to do on the old girl? Take it he will not be sitting back and resting on his laurels? I would have thought a project like that would have kept him occupied for years to come.
Great job.
Rich.

[fv1620]

Rich I sold him 2 more Humbers last year. One is beyond it but the other is the FV1622 Missile Test Truck that awaits restoration.

That particular one 18 BK 91 is the one that appears in the books. That was the one I put on YouTube getting it through the narrow garage.

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Been talking to another Aussy Humber owner who has a query:

"I suspect the valve guide seals on the vehicle are in poor shape. The Rolls manual on these engines seems to indicate that these are relatively easy to replace without removing the head. Are they rubber seals or something else?"


I note that the seal is referred to as an "0il Seal" in the workshop manual, and "Packing" in the spare parts book, and is on the inlet valve only?


It does appear (Rolls "B" Series Manual) that you can remove the inlet valve spring in situ, with the right tools to stop the valve dropping, but the Champ and Humber manuals both mention the oil seal replacement only with the head off.

Any one been down this path?
Rich.

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Richard Coutts-Smith

Been talking to another Aussy Humber owner who has a query:

"I suspect the valve guide seals on the vehicle are in poor shape. The Rolls manual on these engines seems to indicate that these are relatively easy to replace without removing the head. Are they rubber seals or something else?"


I note that the seal is referred to as an "0il Seal" in the workshop manual, and "Packing" in the spare parts book, and is on the inlet valve only?


It does appear (Rolls "B" Series Manual) that you can remove the inlet valve spring in situ, with the right tools to stop the valve dropping, but the Champ and Humber manuals both mention the oil seal replacement only with the head off.

Any one been down this path?
Rich.

Hi Rich,
The inlet valve seals or packings are made of a compressed asbestos cord, an archaic design even in 1950's terms. Apparantly there are modern alternatives, which the RR car owners have come up with an alternative, made of a "rubber type" material with a wiper lip. Perkins diesels used these types, amongst other makes of course.
I have renewed seals on a B60 insitu ( in a Ferret), by using a special tool that locks the inlet valve in the closed position. there is another tool to compress the valve spring to release the collets. Only did the task this way, the once, for a private owner, about 15 years ago, when done in army service we had to lift the heads if I recollect, as that was their procedure, and I do not recall these specail tools being available.

Only fitted to inlet valves, not needed on exhaust valves.

regards, Richard

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Thanks Richard.
Will have to do a little research on the replacement seal. The Rolls Manual shows a drawing of the special tools, obviously the military decided it was less risky to remove the head.
Rich.