Silver Star 42 - Investigate oil leak

We have oil getting into the exhaust, so need to find out why.

Engine head removed

Silver Star 42 arriving at Central Works

BRIAN the ENGINE examining the valves

The problem revealed - a suspected broken oil ring has caused piston damage.  New piston and rings required and the necessary skill to fit.

UPDATE 19/07/2008 - Due to excessive wear and the problem obtaining new piston rings we ordered and have just received 6 new pistons with rings, 6 liners and gasket sets. We now plan to replace the liners and fit new pistons and all that goes with this repair.  

UPDATE 26/07/2008 - All 6 pistons have been assembled and checked for correct gapping on the rings ready for fitting. Arrangement confirmed for removal of the piston linings. Meanwhile Keith Morton is looking at the rear brake slack adjuster

UPDATE 29/07/2008 - As Arranged Phil White visited Central Works with his hydraulic extraction tool to remove the liners from Silver Star 42’s engine. The removal of the liners went well but Phil then discovered our liners were 0.01inch thicker than the ones we had purchased to replace.  Unfortunately this is significant as the new liners would be too loose and the heat transfer would not be as efficient as it should.   While all the activity was going on in the Works Brian the Engine, Barry Thomas and Keith Morton carried on with other jobs like removing the exhaust for inspection

UPDATE 06/08/2008 - We have now located a firm that can take our old liners and rebuild them by depositing chrome onto the worn areas and then reboring them back to their correct dimensions.  One problem with this is that you cannot used chrome rings. So we are almost back to where we started, wanting rings! However we are still going forwards albeit two steps forward and one back...........

UPDATE 09/08/2008 - While Silver Star 42 is awaiting parts, Keith Morton had a look at the rear brakes, as we have had a problem with the nearside slack adjuster.  The adjuster was removed for investigation and then rectified before replacing it.  The nearside rear wheel were removed to make it easier and at the same time Keith had  a good look at the brake mechanism making sure we will have no more problems with it.

 For a 47 year old bus, Silver Star 42 is in very good condition and is a pleasure to drive.

 Once fully repaired we shall take her out on some short proving runs.

ATLANTEAN 592 - in for pre MoT work and to investigate an air leak discovered at the end of Sparsholt event.   Also to fit an air gauge to work alongside the low air warning buzzer.

UPDATE 26/07/2008 - Air leak found to be a leaking diaphragm in the brake warning buzzer switch. Diaphragm replaced and checked. Work in hand to fit gauge to display air pressure and to reposition the tachograph slightly.

ATLANTEAN 590 - in for investigation of the upper deck floor becoming soft. Initial findings show the metal work ok but the wood is suffering from rot and will need replacing.

VEHICLES DUE IN WORKSHOP 2008-9

DENNIS 6   - General clean up

Bedford SB3  326 - General tidy up and assessment

This vehicle has suffered over the years being stored in the open so needs assessing on work to be done

Tiger Cub 104  Pre-MoT

Renown 595  Pre-MoT

A few pictures of people found in our Workshop

Chris  Kent tidying up Dennis 6 just before our Running Day

Some of the gang manoeuvring 419 when she had a failed engine

Ruth Andrews works at a roof panel off Olympic 708

Keith Morton using his skills on a repair