History
The start of another interesting restoration project.
Dry stored by us for a number of years, but not before being subjected to the effect of the British weather by previous owners, corroding most of the sheet metal parts.
An initial inspection showed the unit to generally be complete, but with some noticeable exceptions, whilst the wheels turned freely, the engine/ compressor was a different matter, seized solid. The carburettor was in place but there was no sign of a magneto, just a bracket to mount it on.
Fortunately, the brass specification plates were intact showing the engine to be a Waukesha model XA dated 1926 with
other plates which will add to the appeal of the finished project.
Dismantling and Fault Finding
Investigating what was seized, the engine was the obvious place to start. If that problem couldn’t be resolved at a sensible cost the project was destined for the scrap bin.
The first bit of good news was that the compressor unit was free.
The engine itself was the problem. The second bit of good news was that it was the pistons that were wedged in the bores, the crankshaft and big ends appeared OK. The big end caps were shimmed and would therefore adjust to an acceptable tolerance.
It’s always a challenge to get the pistons out of these older engines as the big end is larger than the bore and the gudgeon pln is never visible above the block.
The pistons have to come downhill past the crankshaft which needs to turn to permit this manoeuvre. The more pistons that are seized the more difficult to dismantle
Machines of this age have plenty of brasswork and this compressor is no exception. All carefully removed for cleaning and ready for reassembly.
Parts Required and Availability
First on the list were piston rings, 2 compression and 1 scraper ring per piston.
The pistons were 15 thou oversize and we managed to obtain replacements from Cox and Turner of Yeovil. The compression rings were 1/2 depth, needing 2 rings per groove.
The valves were beyond lapping, but attention on the Black and Decker valve refacer gave us an acceptable surface.
A Simms magneto from our “stores” was a perfect match for rotation, centre height and fixing bolts. The points had been removed by a previous owner but our stores came to the rescue once again.
A Simms vernier coupling was purchased and machined to fit.
We needed plastigauge to check big-end clearances, eventually compromising on 3-4 thou shell clearance – better not to be too tight.
Balata flat belting for the fan belt from E bay.
UNC/UNF nuts and bolts and for authenticity new Castle Nuts for many of the fixings
The radiator has 4 core sections the bottom tank of the cores is brass and perished, but a quality soldering job should sort that problem
Testing The Engine After Rebuild
After ascertaining the firing order to be 1, 2, 4, 3. and marking TDC on the flywheel as a timing mark, a quick test run of the engine proved successful.
The Magneto is working well and with excellent oil pressure it is time to move on to blasting and painting.
Blasting and Painting
After a Coronavirus delay of several weeks we can tackle the the next phase.
Further stripping down into component parts:- engine, compressor unit, radiator frame, air tank, fuel tank, chassis and all the ancillary items was the first step to improving the appearance of the unit.
Blasting, priming and filling followed by a 2 pack paint job started to make all the hard work so far look worthwhile.
Will It Make Air?
The answer is yes, just a couple of issues.
Engine timing, magneto refitted incorrectly after painting and sorting a few water leaks.
She runs well, good oil pressure and makes air – a satisfying feeling and a big thank you to everyone who contributed.
Final Test Run
Just a few snagging items to sort but otherwise a success.
Job Complete
All the finishing touches now complete.
Compressor moved to the display area July 2020.
