Project No.2 - Highwayman

[stable]

So here it is. In all its glory, filler, fiber glass and all...

[/IMG]

Off the bat need stripping back to see how bad the rot is. At very least I think a bit on the floor in the cab.



Valance looks sketchy.

Chassis so far looks to be ok.

The peak above cab seems to be completely shot fiber glass - not sure what it was like out of the factory - assumed it would be the same as the autohome with a tin top. Plenty of filler round gutters [xx(]

Need to source engine cover.

Interior is shot - i knew this and that isn't a biggy to me at least as I wanted to refit this ground up.

Need to fuel the carbs correctly [?] Any pointers here regarding which pump and regulator would be a great help as I need to get it off the highway asap!

Plus side the coachwork seems very straight bar one wooden upright next to rear door.

Tom

 

[Panky]

The standard mechanical pump should easily be enough to supply the twins, what is on it at the moment.
Strombergs are notorious for diaphragms failing, check to make sure there isn't a pin hole in one.

 

[stable]

A hole on one of the diaphragms, but only on the one carb... I think i'll replace both and fit a new mech pump if you think the standard ones up to it. Fingers crossed that'll do it!

The current pump is a cheapy facet job. I can see it struggling to fill the inline fuel filter.

 

[stable]

would this be the correct pump?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TALBOT-ALPINE-HUNTER-RAPIER-SCEPTRE-COMMER-PB-DODGE-PB-FUEL-PUMP-/261651271545?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3ceba18f79

 

[Panky]

Don't fit a new pump yet (yes that is the one) first check all the fuel lines and pump are clear from debris and change the diaphragms in the carbs. If it's still not running right connect up a temporary fuel supply to the carbs and try again (directing the outlet of the fitted pump into a container just in case) if it runs fine after that, and nothing comes out of the pump, then change the fuel pump.

 

[stable]

Thanks for your help as always Panky.

The original pump is sitting in situ looking rather sad - obviously shot. I'd like to go with an original ideally and certainly if the temp ones not up to it. Is the one above suitable? Some appear to have a glass 'water catcher'? and others like this not...

 

[jimberlake]

Hi there....lovely looking camper, one of my favorite conversions. I have an engine cover you can have, its one that can take a seat one it. Surface rust only but yours if you ever travel Sheffield way.

The Blue Toaster

 

[Panky]

That's very generous of you Jim[^]
Yes the pump on Ebay will do the trick, the glass bowl ones are the same, but with a glass bowl

 

[stable]

That makes sense Panky!

That's so great Jim. It was a bit of a kick in the teeth knowing the engine cover had probably been chucked in the corner of a bran somewhere. Sheffield - I'll have to think about that one but one way or another i'll have it off you... if you want some cash let me know how much or I can offer a liquid option if you let me know what you drink

 

[jimberlake]

Ok no problem for cash, can buy me a beer at Commerfest if you come. I'll be around till Summer when I'm having a clearout

The Blue Toaster

 

[stable]

Well after waiting an eternity for the diaphragms to arrive, 5 min job and they are done.

She now starts and idles smoothly. But I have no throttle. If anything she needs to sit on full throttle to tick over better. And choke kills it.

It's getting fuel to the carb fine now with improved supply.

I expect i;ve managed to reassemble something backwards but there wasn't much to go wrong!

Looks like i'm going to have to delve into the carbs a little further.

Tom

 

[stable]

check that!

I managed to flip the diaphragm 180 - which in turn flipped the piston and killed any throttle control.

She runs like a dream

 

[Panky]

Great stuff[^] I take it that there's an ally head engine lurking under there, Should be quite spritely

 

[stable]

So had a tinker with the highwayman today. Fitting new fuel pump and lines just so it's easy to shunt around before I start to tackle it.

Unfortunately I noticed what I had missed before. A massive amount of blow by the oil breather on the rocker cover is like an exhaust. The engine runs super sweet and starts on the button so It's a real PITA.

What are peoples opinions on where I should go from here. I could pull and rebuild the engine myself but I really can't see having the time what with so much else on my plate. I will have to pull and re fit myself so what are my other options and costs from experience?

cheers,

Tom

 

[Panky]

I pulled the crank and piston from underneath, awkward but doable but if it needs a re-bore then that's not an option. As for cost of rings and bearing it's not actually that bad, I paid about £25 for a set of rings and a similar amount for mains and big ends. But first check the crankcase breather in case its blocked with gunge.

 

[stable]

I'll get the compression tester out and take a proper look. I might have my 'modern engine' head still on - it might not be as bad as I initially thought, the blow by certainly seems to lessen with revs and is comparatively similar to Charlie... but then might be 2 engines needing rebuild!

In a perfect world I'd like all 3 vans tip top cosmetically and structurally before winter - then I could pull all 3 lumps and rebuild in unison as a winter project. We can all dream!

Thanks as always,

Tom

 

[jimberlake]

Yes my alloy head engine smokes like Alex Higgins (did!)

It still goes very well but had to attach an extended pipe to the crank breather to stop me chocking in traffic . Interesting Panky...so I've had the head off mine and the bores are super smooth, no lipping etc. yet it breathes very heavy - did you just pull them out the bottom and re-ring with over sized ones - I guess you had to get crank ground to fit new shells? If I can get a way with that - whoopie do. I'm not very good in that space.

Tom - I've heard you can get rebores with an engine in situ - not sure if it would work on a Commer with the engine where it is - never know though.

Jim

 

[Panky]

Like your engine the bore was very good but I de-glazed it with emery and fitted new rings, I checked the ring gap with a new ring and they were well within tolerance. I measured the crank with a micrometer and it was fine so new shells were fitted the same size as the old ones as the others had suffered a bit when I got petrol in the sump through the fuel pump diaphragm
The engine was breathing a little heavy before but now it's sweet as a nut But if it's running well and not giving any problems I'd leave it alone.

 

[jimberlake]

Thanks Panky - yer just guess it's down on power somewhat, the rolling road wasn't too impressive .

It's a Winter thing anyway as I'll be fitting a 4.77 diff I have and it has 15" wheels already so need all the BHP I can get at that point. I'm thinking to pull the engine to fix a few leaks here and there...

 

[Panky]

The only reason I did mine was I thought the oil pressure was a bit low so fitted a new pump when I did the bearings.