Gardner 4LK engines
Pete Wallace
live on. The boat I am looking to buy has a Gardner 4LK.
A recent survey indicated (not paid for by me - long story) the engine
was unsuitable for a 55ft narrowboat so I am looking for someone I could
chat to about the practicalities of owning a boat with such a beautiful
engine. Would anyone be willing to help?
If so please reply.
Cheers
Pete
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Martin Brooks
Gardners are excellent engines, the best in many people's opinion. The only
issue that I can see is that the engine is far too powerful for the boat,
and this might cause problems getting the engine up to temperature, and the
resultant bore glazing.
Any Gardner experts care to comment?
Regards,
Martin Brooks
"Pete Wallace" <pete.w...@my-office.co.uk> wrote in message
news:457efff98c277f4ac41...@mygate.mailgate.org...
Neil Arlidge
news:457efff98c277f4ac41...@mygate.mailgate.org...
> live on. The boat I am looking to buy has a Gardner 4LK.
>
> A recent survey indicated (not paid for by me - long story) the engine
> was unsuitable for a 55ft narrowboat so I am looking for someone I could
> chat to about the practicalities of owning a boat with such a beautiful
> engine. Would anyone be willing to help?
So you bought *Floss* then?
--
Neil Arlidge, nb Earnest - Commode D'Or © TNC on Tour.
Follow the travels of Neil and the TNC in hire-boats, Beatty and Earnest at
http://www.tuesdaynightclub.co.uk - Waterways World Website of the month Feb
2002.
See nb Earnest being built at http://www.nbearnest.co.uk
See the newsgroups photo call at
http://www.tuesdaynightclub.co.uk/Photocall.html
Pete Wallace
I just have to get the survey completed and away we go
I take it you know floss then?
"Neil Arlidge" <neila...@tuesdaynightclub.co.uk> wrote in message
news:adnnte$oqlh$1...@ID-27576.news.dfncis.de
>So you bought *Floss* then?
--
Andrew Denny
wonderful they are. Not that I know anything about Gardners, you
understand - simply that I don't know of a more evangelistic bunch
than the Gardner enthusiasts!
Try pitching questions to Roger Fuller (www.fuller28.freeserve.co.uk),
Tony Redshaw (tel 01788 553 417) or Ray Bowern at Streethay
(www.streethaywharf.co.uk).
Ray Bowern's 1986-vintage 62ft Les Allen boat (originally Hamsell
Mead, renamed Albert) is still chugging along merrily on its 4LK, and
still looks handsome, inside and out. The current owner is now based
at the new Streethay-managed Kings Bromley Marina near Fradley. Call
Ray (for a biased but knowledgeable opinion) and he can probably put
you in touch with the current owner. Last I heard, the boat fetched
rather more (when sold earlier this year) than it was on the market
for in 1998; no doubt about it, a good Gardner holds its value at the
very least. I'd imagine quite a few people would buy the boat simply
to get hold of the engine.
Regds
Andrew
Michael Clarke
news:457efff98c277f4ac41...@mygate.mailgate.org...
> live on. The boat I am looking to buy has a Gardner 4LK.
>
> A recent survey indicated (not paid for by me - long story) the engine
> was unsuitable for a 55ft narrowboat so I am looking for someone I could
> chat to about the practicalities of owning a boat with such a beautiful
> engine. Would anyone be willing to help?
Your best bet is to speak to Roger (bus stop Mac) Millin who has a similar
setup. I'm sure he'll post a reply later this morning when he has checked
this newsgroup. As far as I know he has not experienced any problems with
his bus engine :-)
--
Regards - Michael Clarke
Email: michael...@skynet.be
Web Pages: http://users.skynet.be/sky34301/index.html
Roger Millin
> My name is Pete and I am in the process of buying my first narrowboat to
> live on. The boat I am looking to buy has a Gardner 4LK.
>
> A recent survey indicated (not paid for by me - long story) the engine
> was unsuitable for a 55ft narrowboat so I am looking for someone I could
> chat to about the practicalities of owning a boat with such a beautiful
> engine. Would anyone be willing to help?
Hi Pete,
I've got a 59ft (20 ton) trad with a 4LK. The engine is absolutely
fine in the boat, gets up to temperature and doesn't bore glaze.
Cruising revs are about 800 - 900 with a 1.5:1 ratio gearbox and a 22
x 16 prop. Loads of hot water generated in the calorifier, even after
a relatively short journey. My engine is rev limited to 1500 rpm
(instead of the rated automotive spec of 2100, IIRC). At those revs it
can give about 45 hp, which is plenty but have never had to use that
power yet. Lovely smooth running engine, loads of admirers staring
into the engine room. OK, your boat is 4 ft less than mine, and I'm
not sure about the weight and other factors, but I believe that the
surveyor is being unecessarily pessimistic. In fact I know of several
boats with 4LK's so I don't believe that we can *all* be wrong ;-)
Roger.
Pete Wallace
Thanks for all the posts so far. I feel reassured already. If you don't
mind a few questions to those
have the experiance:
1) How are 4LK engines mounted? In my case the engine is mounted to a
hardwood
fram then to the hull.
2) Does anyone know if it is possile to still get a owners manual or
similar?
I really would like to learn how the engines is put together and
which shiny bit does what!#
Thanks again
Pete
"Roger Millin" <roger....@tinyworld.co.uk> wrote in message
news:99d09ed4.02060...@posting.google.com
> Hi Pete,
> I've got a 59ft (20 ton) trad with a 4LK. The engine is absolutely
> fine in the boat, gets up to temperature and doesn't bore glaze.
> Cruising revs are about 800 - 900 with a 1.5:1 ratio gearbox and a 22
> x 16 prop. Loads of hot water generated in the calorifier, even after
> a relatively short journey. My engine is rev limited to 1500 rpm
> (instead of the rated automotive spec of 2100, IIRC). At those revs it
> can give about 45 hp, which is plenty but have never had to use that
> power yet. Lovely smooth running engine, loads of admirers staring
> into the engine room. OK, your boat is 4 ft less than mine, and I'm
> not sure about the weight and other factors, but I believe that the
> surveyor is being unecessarily pessimistic. In fact I know of several
> boats with 4LK's so I don't believe that we can *all* be wrong ;-)
> Roger.
Roger Millin
> 1) How are 4LK engines mounted? In my case the engine is mounted to a
> hardwood
> fram then to the hull.
drives a 240V genny mounted piggy back above the gear box with the
twin belt drive straight off grooves machined into the flywheel,
therefore there is no bellhousing and the gear box is a separate item)
the engine and gearbox are mounted directly onto a large frame built
with RSJ section steel. This was done by Danny Williamson who did the
restoration/marinisation. This frame is welded straight onto the base
plate of the boat. Purists would argue that it should be *sound
isolated* i.e. with wood bearers or something similar. My shell
builder, Graham Edgson of Norton Canes Boatbuilders, was worried at
first by this arrangement but eventually reckoned that it would be OK
due to the smoothness of the 4LK as compared to the twin or three
cylinder Gardners (not that these are not smooth, you understand, it's
just that the 4LK is even smoother ;-)). This has proved to be the
case and the engine is no more audible through the hull than any other
big trad engine. Graham came down when the boat was finished to take
it out for a trial, 'cos he likes to handle his product when finished
if possible, and pronounced himself well satisfied with the set up. In
fact, he said he wanted my boat but I had to disappoint him there ;-)
>
> 2) Does anyone know if it is possile to still get a owners manual or
> similar?
he gave me with the engine. It has suffered slightly in the
reproduction, but is still perfectly readable, otherwise I would offer
to photocopy mine. I think one more photocopy would make a
disappointing result.
> I really would like to learn how the engines is put together and
> which shiny bit does what!
might be a Danny Williamson restoration or possibly a Tony Redshaw
version as he has started polishing bits now, as Danny has done for
years.
Contact me directly for Danny's phone number, and also, if you wish
for a jpeg photo of my engine etc.
HTH
Roger.
Martin Brooks
Is this "Albion" ?????
Regards,
Martin
"Roger Millin" <roger....@tinyworld.co.uk> wrote in message
news:99d09ed4.02060...@posting.google.com...
Roger Millin
> Is this "Albion" ?????
Yep, I plead guilty but insane ;-)
Roger.
Captain Beeky
SNIP>>
Ray Bowern's 1986-vintage 62ft Les Allen boat (originally Hamsell
Mead, renamed Albert) is still chugging along merrily on its 4LK, and
still looks handsome, inside and out. The current owner is now based
at the new Streethay-managed Kings Bromley Marina near Fradley.
<< SNIP
Yepp . . nbAlbert is definitely there at KB next to the island and, if
things work out as they are supposed to, will be nb Uncle Mort's immediate
neighbour later in the year.
We'll be having Gardner vs Lister chugging contests, and maybe an annual
"chug-of-war".
Captain Beeky
timleech
Millin) wrote:
They are certainly 'on the big side' for a shallow draughted cruising
boat, so won't be working much, will tend to smoke a lot when cold,
and despite what Roger says bore glazing could well occur.
Lovely engine if it's a good one, though spares are more than a little
scarce in some cases (ever tried buying 7/16" pitch triplex roller
chain? <G>)
Cheers
Tim
Tim Leech
Dutton Dry-Dock
timl...@dutondok.u-net.com
Traditional & Modern canal craft repairs
Roger Millin
> They are certainly 'on the big side' for a shallow draughted cruising
> boat, so won't be working much,
many engines, modern ones included. My engine runs at 800 - 900 rpm
when cruising with a 2ft 3in (static) draught boat. This represents 40
- 45% of its max rated speed. This cannot, IMO, be considered as
running at idle, or even near it. Whenever possible, bearing in mind
the canal conditions, other users, depth of water etc I try to give it
a bit of work to do. I have no indications of any problems so far.
will tend to smoke a lot when cold
Tends to smoke a *bit* when cold, but this disappears when up to
temperature.
> and despite what Roger says bore glazing could well occur.
That is possible but through my choice of oil and the way I handle the
engine I doubt it.
> Lovely engine if it's a good one, though spares are more than a little
> scarce in some cases (ever tried buying 7/16" pitch triplex roller
> chain? <G>)
Yep, I agree, genuine pistons are also scarce etc, etc. But, that is a
penalty that you have to pay if you want the traditional style and
feel and sights and sounds of a lovely old engine built when British
engineering ruled the world. Do you detect a slight note of enthusiasm
here, you bet ;-)
Roger.
David Clark
> penalty that you have to pay if you want the traditional style and
> feel and sights and sounds of a lovely old engine built when British
> engineering ruled the world. Do you detect a slight note of enthusiasm
> here, you bet ;-)
> Roger.
Absolutely - cannot recommend them highly enough either! I've got a 4lk
in Roe, and wouldnt swap it for anything.
Dave Clark
NB Roe
Pete Wallace
Firstly thanks to all who have replied with words of advice, and
caution.
Yesterday floss was surveyed and after a chat with the survey it seems
all is well.
The only criticism being the vent on the water tank might be a bit
small.
So hopefull in a few weeks I will have the brasso out and the shiny bit
will be mine.
I hope over the next year I will meet up with a few of you on the middle
level and be able
to repay your advice with a beer.
Cheers
Pete
David Clark
> I hope over the next year I will meet up with a few of you on the middle
> level and be able
> to repay your advice with a beer.
Beer sounds like fun anytime you're around Ely - give us a knock on Roe
when yr passing!
Dave Clark
NB Roe
Michael Clarke
snip
> So hopefull in a few weeks I will have the brasso out and the shiny bit
> will be mine.
Hope you have deep pockets ;-)
>
> I hope over the next year I will meet up with a few of you on the middle
> level and be able
> to repay your advice with a beer.
Free beer, guess Roger will be first in the queue again, and again, and
again ...... ;-)
Roger Millin
> Free beer, guess Roger will be first in the queue again, and again, and
> again ...... ;-)
Don't worry Pete, this is just an example of Mike's warped sense of
humour, and this by the way, from a guy who lives in Belgium solely to
*avoid* buying beer for those to whom he owes innumerable favours! ;-)
Roger.
PS Anyway, what else can you expect from a man who owns a Really
Horrible....Oops, sorry, Ruston Hornsby......and dares to attempt to
take the urine out of Gardner owners!!! ;-)
Michael Clarke
Typical mutterings from a bus engine owner ;-)
Roger Millin
> Typical mutterings from a bus engine owner ;-)
I repeat:-
......and dares to *attempt* to take the urine out of Gardner owners!!! ;-)
Roger
David Gough
ChrisND
tene...@gmail.com says...
Extra points for reviving a thread some 19 years old!
Cheers!
Chris
--
--
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Author & Publisher: "A Boaters Guide to BOATING" 5.00GBP
Mixing old and new waterway techniques. ISBN 9780953151202
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