Aligning Centurion engine to gearbox

[Malcolm Towrie]

John, interesting that the steam cleaner worked so well. I would never have thought it would. Was it a large industrial type cleaner? Do you think it was just the heating effect or was it blasting dirt and debris out?

Malcolm

[Malcolm Towrie]

Another update:
The engine is back where it should be and bolted down.

The clutch linkage is connected up and the pedal travel set to spec. I realized we were missing a spring on the linkage that pulls the pedal right back up to its stop so the release bearing isn't dragging on the clutch fingers.

The fan belt tensioners are back on and the fan belts installed. The belts came in nice matched sets with the rebuilt engine, so they're 45 years old, but in great condition.

The starter's installed and connected. I gave the engine a quick test crank from the driver's push button. I was tempted to put it in gear and see if I could move the tank but common sense prevailed.

Malcolm

[Malcolm Towrie]

Update: the Centurion is running, neutral steering, and moving. Still a long way to go, but it's a big step for us!


https://youtu.be/j-oCNXBoAH8

Malcolm

[Peter Duggan]

Malcolm,

Congratulations !!! That is a major milestone, I hope that your celebration is just as memorable.

Peter

[Mike Cecil]

Excellent Malcolm: it has come a long way since I first saw it.

Mike

[Malcolm Towrie]

Thanks, guys. It was very special getting this old girl running and mobile again after decades of neglect.

It got me wondering how many running Centurions there are out there.
John has one out in BC; I know of at least one in the US, but probably more; Australians love their Cents so there's must be a few running there; Bovington has at least one, maybe more.

So maybe ten running Centurions in the world?

Malcolm

[45jim]

Malcolm,

When I was with the Strathcona's (when they were still posted to Calgary) we restored one of our monument Centurions to running and driving condition for our Regimental 100th anniversary in 2000. It was the last running Centurion with the Regiment and spent its last days in the indoor miniature range for training before finally becoming a monument. We actually had the Centurion running and driving for our Regimental Reunion parade in 1995. It is still running strong up in Edmonton with the other vehicles from the Strathcona historical vehicle troop. We were very lucky in that we had some outside sponsorship and two excellent retired RCEME mechanics who guided us through the work (and to be honest did the majority of the work). I was trying to remember exactly how we did the clutch change but it was so long ago and I have no photos to refer to and I have lost contact with our RCEME colleagues. Here's a photo of the 1995 Reunion line up with yours truly in front of the Centurion as I was driving it for the roll past.
.