1929 long 2

[Paulstingmore]

Hi Folks

Thought I’d post an update. Since I bought the car I’ve rewired it and also had seats terrines as they were non original and covered in cream vinyl in the 50s.

We’ve done quite a few miles this summer, the rad desperately needs recoring and I’m probably going to rebuild engine and suspension etc this winter. We are also considering a slightly ridiculous drive to the alps in February for charity.

In regards to spares, does anyone have a spare engine breather and also any hood frame parts?

[Paulstingmore]

The car got a tad warm on a long run so we went air cooled!

[Paulstingmore]

And at a car show!

[BarryCambs]

Hi Paul

I can't see what type of rad you have. Mine had to be rebuilt and it transpired it had been fitted with a modern type core, probably in the 50s. I had it redone with a honeycomb type core which the chap who did it thought was probably what it had originally, but I've seen them with the tube type core, which I'm told is very expensive!

I had mine done by CPA Services in Grantham as they were very competitive on price and had a turnaround of 2-3 weeks instead of months everywhere else I tried. Five years on, I'm more than happy with the result. If anything, the car seems a bit over cooled now, though when I rebuilt the engine, the cylinders and heads were pretty much clogged with scale.

The Alps in February ... probably won't need a cooling system! What's the charity run for?

Best wishes

Barry

[ian Howell]

Paul: -

I have only just found your posts.

I also have a 1930 Long four saloon. Assuming the breather valves are the same (I am sure they are) thenJCS have them in stock £8 a set at the last check. There seems to have been a 'run' on them lately!

[Paulstingmore]

Ian...unfortunately the rad is the core type and has a double row. I think it was original to the car so I’ve gone with a like for like replacement but I can confirm it ain’t cheap!! Should be ready in 3-4 weeks. I’ve actually decided to put the Alps off until the following February as I’d like to go through the engine and make sure it’s run in first. We will be doing it for dementia UK and also a Parkinson’s charity (yet to decide which). I’m hoping this will also give us a chance to maximise sponsorship by getting out with the car next year complete with wooden ski’s etc! The route is still being planned but we are hoping to Cover France, Belgium, Germany, Lichtenstein, Austria and Switzerland within four days of fairly intensive driving! I’m hoping we can finish up in Innsbrook. Look forward to meeting you in due course! Regards Paul

[ian Howell]

Paul: -

My comment was with regard to the engine breather valve!

I sympathise about the radiator though, mine was 'shot' when I bought the derelict car in 1966 but I managed to get a spare from JCS at a reasonable price (at the time - about 2004).

Have a look at the post headed ' Oil leaking from tappet' (or some such) on this page. There are pictures, sketches and helpful information there.

Keep us all posted with progress.

[Paulstingmore]

Hey folks

So having now spoken to Jowett spares, attached is a pic of the arrangement on my engine. I need to check if the engine is breathing via the starting handle or not. If it isn’t, I need to work out what the arrangement for the breather should look like. Is this where the leather flap would be fitted, and if so, what holds it on?

Many thanks

Paul

[k. rogers]

This looks like an older engine which utilises the starting handle as a breather - just out of interest, what is the engine number? on later vintage engines the breather/ oil filler casing is located where the brass filler plug is on your engine.

[Paulstingmore]

The car is at my parents house in Kent currently and I’m in north London and about to go on holiday for two weeks so will check when I get home as I haven’t got it to recorded here. I will run it up next time I’m home too and put my hand over the breather - oil pressure seems about right on the gauge but yet it still seems to blow oil everywhere!

[Paulstingmore]

My dad has popped to the shed and taken a picture of the engine number...

[k. rogers]

Trying to work out where that number is situated from the photo - is there not a number on the top of the crankcase near the timing case?

[k. rogers]

I've worked out where it is now. They must have moved where they stamped the number later in the twenties. From the number your engine would appear to be a 1924 as it starts with a '4'. That would explain why it doesn't have the later breather valve/filler spout. Therefore, the crankcase breaths through the starting handle.

[Paulstingmore]

Thankyou...I assume it’s had an engine change then and that it isn’t an earlier car? Will look for other numbers once I’m home and also dog out and check the chassis plate number. Thanks Paul

[ian Howell]

So, if the problem is due to excessive crankcase pressure, and the breather is via the starting handle, what,if any, means are / were provided to relieve excess pressure?

It should not be difficult to replace or fit a seal at the inner end of the handle shaft, but that would only mean more leakage elsewhere!

Is it really a matter of wear in the pistons? If so surely there would be blue smoke at the exhaust as well?

There must be a reason!