Humber FV1600

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Richard Coutts-Smith

Been talking to another Aussy Humber owner who has a query:

"I suspect the valve guide seals on the vehicle are in poor shape. The Rolls manual on these engines seems to indicate that these are relatively easy to replace without removing the head. Are they rubber seals or something else?"


I note that the seal is referred to as an "0il Seal" in the workshop manual, and "Packing" in the spare parts book, and is on the inlet valve only?


It does appear (Rolls "B" Series Manual) that you can remove the inlet valve spring in situ, with the right tools to stop the valve dropping, but the Champ and Humber manuals both mention the oil seal replacement only with the head off.

Any one been down this path?
Rich.

Hi Rich,
The inlet valve seals or packings are made of a compressed asbestos cord, an archaic design even in 1950's terms. Apparantly there are modern alternatives, which the RR car owners have come up with an alternative, made of a "rubber type" material with a wiper lip. Perkins diesels used these types, amongst other makes of course.
I have renewed seals on a B60 insitu ( in a Ferret), by using a special tool that locks the inlet valve in the closed position. there is another tool to compress the valve spring to release the collets. Only did the task this way, the once, for a private owner, about 15 years ago, when done in army service we had to lift the heads if I recollect, as that was their procedure, and I do not recall these specail tools being available.

Only fitted to inlet valves, not needed on exhaust valves.

regards, Richard

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Thanks Richard.
Will have to do a little research on the replacement seal. The Rolls Manual shows a drawing of the special tools, obviously the military decided it was less risky to remove the head.
Rich.

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

I have finally identified this bracket as being for a crowbar. The Humber CES I have seen does not list a crowbar, and I have not been able to find a pic of one stowed in any photos. It appears that this is only found on the FFW version, not the Cargo. It also seems that all Aussie Humbers have the FFW body, although only 14 were used as such. Given this FFW connection, what sort of crowbar would be applicable?
I have been using the brakets for storing part of the canopy frame because they fit so well, according to the (not always correct) spare's manual) I am wrong.
Any ideas?
Rich.

[fv1620]

Rich could it be for an earth spike and sledge hammer?

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

G'Day Clive.
I know the radio body has a sledge hammer mounted next to the pick helve, but in this case I can only go by the number stamped on the brackets at each end: FV228904 Bracket, Stop, Crowbar.
Rich.

[fv1620]

Oh well Rich that really defines it. I can't find any in-service pictures with a crow bar, nor can I find any reference in the Commer handbook nor in the 1962 CES in Army Code 33577.

I just wonder whether the crow bar was part of the original kit when it was a Truck CT. But when about £250 was saved per vehicle by doing away with fancy bits to designate it as a Truck GS, that the crow bar was discontinued?

Although why a FFW needed a crow bar I have no idea.

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

The Commer book let you down??
I think you are 100% correct about it being cut. One mention in everything I have read does not seem right. The main holding brackets, in from each end, have been drilled for a rivet, possibly to fasten a buffer of some sort? but have never seen anything actually fitted.
As always, thanks for the help
Rich.