bren gun carrier engine

[kevin powles]

Hi, Could some one help me i.d. this engine and confirm this is the correct engine for a Mk1 Canadian built carrier. Name plate is very corroded, I have included some pictures, sorry about the quality. Does any one know or can recommend an engine parts supplier/reconditioner here in the U.k. thanks.

[Ledsel]

I'm not an expert but that engine doesn't look Canadian to me. Especially the carb. Is it a Zenith? I believe that is what they all should have out of here.

[Lynn Eades]

The carb is a solex RZ-INP from an english carrier. The adapter on the inlet manifold is correct for the carby.

[kevin powles]

Hi, Thanks for the info Lynn, Can you point me in the right direction for any publications with information on rebuilding these engines, I know there is alot of books out there but are there any more taylored to the carrier.

[Lynn Eades]

Go for the cubes, with a truck cam. use the best bits you can afford. Give consideration to the fuel you have available with regards to your valves and valve seats. You want a High torque motor, not a motor that only puts out its power at high revs. Clean the water jacket out well, and fit all your fan shroulds. Make sure your block has the holes for your oil cooler by pass valve.Dont leave it until your motor has been assembled. Have the plugs pulled from your crank oil galleries, and clean out the sludge. Use thermostats, a corrosion inhibitor, and a mono grade oil. consider using the two barrel stromberg carb, make sure your fuel pump diaphragm is ok with modern fuel, consider adjustable tappets.
These are just a few comments on a few aspects, of a big job.
These are labour intensive motors. you only want to do it once.
Look for a book by "Bishop" - Make your own good luck!

[Lynn Eades]

I'm sorry, but I don't know of any carrier specific publication.
By chance I found on "trademe" (a Kiwi Ebay) one of Bishops books.

[Lynn Eades]

I read on page 114 of Nigels book, that Canada ordered 603 sets of parts (from the U.K.) including Solex carburettors, for carriers being built for the U.K.
So back to your original question. On the basis of the carb, it is probably correct.

[Paul Bellamy]

Hi Kevin,

The data plate in your first photo is a WD Workshop Rebuild plate, so the cylinders may have already been rebored once.

All the best,
Paul

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

These are then lists of repair shops with prefixes:

The following reference letters had been allotted to workshops and commands [by 1944]:

COMMAND WORKSHOPS, ROYAL ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS:
ALDERSHOT: ALD/-
CATTERICK: CAT/-
HIGH WYCOMBE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE: HWB/-
MILL HILL [LONDON] MHL/-
BOVINGTON: BOV/-
CHILWELL: [Central Ordnance Depot] CHL/-
BICESTER: BIC/-
LINWOOD: LIN/-
GREENFORD/- GRE/-
DONNINGTON: DON/-

R.C.E.M.E. WORKSHOP, BORDON [Hampshire]: BOR/-
GMC, CLECKHEATON: GMC/-
ROLLS-ROYCE LIMITED: RRN/-
VAUXHALL MOTORS LTD., DUNSTABLE^: VMD/-
SELF-CHANGING GEARS LIMITED: SCG/-
DAVID BROWN LTD., HUDDERSFIELD: DBH/-
MINISTRY OF SUPPLY REPAIRERS, OTHER THAN THE ABOVE*: MS/-
WORKSHOP DETACHMENT, R.E.M.E., D.H. WICKHAM AND CO., WARE: DWW/-
WORKSHOP DETACHMENT, R.E.M.E., L.P.T.B., ACTON: LPTB/-
COMMAND WORKSHOPS, R.E.M.E. OTHER THAN THE ABOVE:
NORTHERN COMMAND NOR
SOUTHERN COMMAND SOU
EASTERN COMMAND ECO
WESTERN COMMAND WES
SCOTTISH COMMAND SCT
LONDON DISTRICT LON
NORTHERN IRELAND DISTRICT NID

It would appear that the serial number is indedd "MS" etc. so to this pooor brain it means that it was a garage or dealer such as Sydney Allard's Adlards Ltd or more probably in my opinion, Lincoln Cars Ltd of Brentford, Middlesex. Lincolns were THE major carrier engine rebuilder. Incidentally they were next to the Packard importers which had a V1 hit in '44. My late Godfather worked for Lincoln Cars and was using Packard's canteen when the missile hit. He was injured...by a piece of asbestos roofing tile! Several women were burned alive, presumably when a gas pipe caught alight. The Lincoln Cars foreman orgnaised a rescue party and was awarded the MBE for his efforts. No Lincoln Cars personnel were affected I believe save for two guys wrongly using the said Canteen!

[kevin powles]

Hi, Thanks for the info, on close inspection and referene to nigel watson book, stamped on the engine block top face is GEA or GAE 4006, indicating a Ford US unit supplied to the U.k., I am pretty sure this is a genuine carrier engine out of a british carrier, another further question I have is there seems to be a brass hollow tube blanked off on its top face adjacent to the oil relief valve in the valve gear chamber, i have removed it as it was badly corroded, can anyone tell be what it is for ?.

[Lynn Eades]

Can you post some pics? Also you pic of the block front will not blow up.
I have just read about the drain pipes for the water cocks being attached to the sump. Do you have that detail?

[kevin powles]

Hi Lynn, Will grab the camera and post some further pics.

Thanks Kevin.

[kevin powles]

Hi, More pictures of the Engine, Anyone got a sump for this engine. Block drain taps shown, not on the sump?.

[kevin powles]

More pics...................