VICKERS MK6B's resto

[simon king]

The Lagonda aficionados seem to use TWR (presumably Tom Walkinshaw Racing) Volvo pistons so that avenue might at least be worth investigating.

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by simon king

The Lagonda aficionados seem to use TWR (presumably Tom Walkinshaw Racing) Volvo pistons ....

And also seem to suggest that sleeving the block creates overheating issues and piston seizures:

http://www.lagondaforum.com/showtopic.php?id=845

[colin jones]

Hmm, that was some interesting reading from the Lagonda club. I saw the interview with the restorer of the Mk1V which has the same engine and they were also told about Volvo pistons but said they were of the same dimension but the gudgeon was a different height and not suitable for the application. I don't think you could run without liners as the distance between the bores are so thin. These engines might be different as they might be mil spec. The sump is certainly different to any that is in the cars, the fan and radiator set up is way different as well. It is interesting to say the least. There is a company in Belgium that I am I contact with that supplies new cast parts and I am waiting for some very scary prices back. In the Lagonda forum comments I noticed they were doing a lot of miles which wont happen in a tank but they are a lot heavier and cooling may be an issue.

[Lynn Eades]

Colin I read some where that the VLTs suffered from overheating issues, but with the new engines they had fixed the problem for the tanks going to North Africa.
The Lagonda guys are talking about S2,S3,S4 models and yours is an ESTB. Are they versions of the ESTB? or are they different again.
They certainly sound like they have their issues. Your "dime a dozen" Falcon sounds like a very reliable option?

It appears that there were about 900 Mk6bs, so maybe a sump somewhere? I bet some of those Lagonda guys have gone past some of the oddball bits you're searching for.

[Ben]

I spoke with a Lagonda restorer at the weekend.

The basic engine is the same in the light tank as the cars. The sump and ancillaries etc are different between versions but the basic castings are common. If you could find a car engine he suggested you’d have the vast majority of the what you needed....... he said the main issue would be finding an unwanted engine (or parts) and being prepared to compete in a very expensive classic car market.

His suggestion was to use another engine type to get the tank moving and build the Meadows slowly as affordable parts became available. He did apologise saying it’s not the best news but without a blank cheque book they can be an awkward engine to restore if the general parts condition is poor........ certainly possible but prepare to be patient.

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by Ben

I spoke with a Lagonda restorer at the weekend.

The basic engine is the same in the light tank as the cars. The sump and ancillaries etc are different between versions but the basic castings are common. If you could find a car engine he suggested you’d have the vast majority of the what you needed....... he said the main issue would be finding an unwanted engine (or parts) and being prepared to compete in a very expensive classic car market.

His suggestion was to use another engine type to get the tank moving and build the Meadows slowly as affordable parts became available. He did apologise saying it’s not the best news but without a blank cheque book they can be an awkward engine to restore if the general parts condition is poor........ certainly possible but prepare to be patient.

There is a story of an American speedboat builder buying up a UK MOD stash of rebuilt Centurion tank engines. They were ordered for Centurion (something specials) before the Gulf War, when it looked like the old supplies wouldn't last long enough to keep the old girls in the fight. But the war ended quickly, and the contract was not cancelled. Then the Centurion funnies were sold off. Consequently, several dozen zero time engines sat in stores getting old without a service need. Skip ahead, and the fellow got word of a supply of engines which he could repurpose to propel one-of-a-kind speedboats at high speeds for the genteel classes of wooden boat owners. Now if a tank owner wants a replacement engine, he's competing with the "Woodier Than Thou" types.

[Grant Bowker]

Like others, I'm impressed by your standard of work and willingness to take on a challenge.
There's one thing about the sump that puzzles me. If the ribs are mainly for stiffening, my question is probably irrelevant but if they also act as cooling fins, wouldn't a continuous weld of rib to bottom plate help heat transfer?

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by simon king

The Lagonda aficionados seem to use TWR (presumably Tom Walkinshaw Racing) Volvo pistons.

TRW, not TWR, is a major automotive parts manufacturer.

https://www.trwaftermarket.com/en/

[colin jones]

Interesting comments but I have no doubt what so ever that this engine will go. The head is good, the block is good, crank case good, gaskets are no problem, camshaft can be linished same as the crank. 4-5 places in Adelaide that make white metal bearings, I am currently making a new sump and riser. It's just a couple of pistons to get made or I might be able to get a full S/H set for 500 dollars and a bit of machining here and there so I really don't feel quite too concerned about its repair. It will take me the next three days for the riser and three more for the sump. I'll post some pics when they're done. It's a bit exciting and we'll be in New Zealand in three weeks or so.

[David Dunlop]

Well that news is a quantum leap forward for you, Colin!

Is there anything Vickers related to look at in New Zealand while you are there? A shed full of NOS parts, perhaps?

David

[RichardT10829]

Love it ! if you don't quit Colin, you cant fail.

[colin jones]

I know it's been a while between postings but I had a job to do for some one so here's where I am now.

[colin jones]

This part is the riser in between the sump and the crank case.