4D Conversions for 6-tonners
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nit-ENGINE conversions are now
being carried out on a variety of vehicles up to 6 tons capacity by Pratt of Sutton, 268-270 High Street, Sutton, Surrey, using the. Ford 4D oil engine.. „and parts. kit, together with a Sutton adaptor plate and universal housing which is machined to suit the existing gearbox.
A converted Bedford model OLBC was recently tested by a, representative of The Commercial Motor. Although the engine, which normally develops 41.5 b.h.p. at 2,250 r.p,m., had been governed to 2,000 r.P.m. for running-in purposes, an ascent of Reigate Hill and a stop-start test with a 21-ton payload revealed adequate power.
Top-gear performance on the level was highly satisfactory and showed good flexibility, it being possible to pull away from 10 m.p.h. without snatch. Some noise and vibration were evident at all times, but these were largely the result of uninsulated
engine-cowl panels and general vehicle condituin. It was not possible to conduct fuel-consumption tests, but upwards of 22 m.p.g. can be expected, say the converters. First gear was normally used when starting from rest, but second could be used without adverse effects.
Although most of the conversions to date have been carried out on Bedfords, other vehicles treated include Austin. Dodge, Commer, Thornycroft and Guy. The cost of the 4D conversion ranges from £310 to £380. according to vehicle make and type.
STANDARD APPOINTMENTS operate as a special director in charge of research. and engineering development, Mr. H. G. Webster has been appointed director of engineering of the Standard Motor Co., Ltd. He joined the company in 1932.
Mr. Stanley Horsfield, who recently retired as sales director of Alvis, Ltd.. has joined Standard as a special representative to _assist distributors in tleet-owner contacts.
TAKE THE LOW ROAD
OPERATORS are requested in a notice appearing • in Notices and Proceedings, No 545 for the Scottish Traffic Area, to route all private-hire buses by way of Loch Lomond (A 82) from south to north and return by way of Loch Long and Helensbure (A 814) to reduce congestion.