Lister Model D (350cc, 1.5hp @ 700rpm) s/n 1/75635 was brought back to Dursley in May 2021. Supplied to James Newman of Bedford on 19th November 1951 (thanks to Doreen Edgington for this info). Here are just a few ‘before-and-after’ images of the engine after dismantling, cleaning and repainting.
The engine was a runner when I acquired it, but it was quite grubby and rusty externally and was mounted on a rough skid. Still, it shouldn’t take too much effort to get it looking good again – as long as the internals were all serviceable.
The fuel tank was very battered and heavily-corroded internally. Several holes were present where the metal had rusted through, and it took some time to clean out the inside, following which it was necessary to apply rust converter and several coats of “Kreem” (a sealant) to block the holes. The heavy pitting on the outside was dealt with by wire-brushing and sanding off all the rust then giving a coat of “Kurust”. Several layers of car body filler were then used to fill the rust holes and larger dents, after which a couple of coats of mid-Brunswick Green went on. The tank no longer leaks and is in far better condition.
The timing chain was heavily rusted and worn; a new chain was purchased. The carburettor was in poor condition and some work was required to reduce the amount of air that was being drawn in through worn parts and causing speed fluctuations.
Internally the crankcase was full of filthy black sludge and a worrying amount of what appeared to be metal swarf, although as stripping of the engine continued, no sign could be found of where the metal fragments came from. Bearings all good, so after a thorough clean out and new gaskets, it was all put back together, filled with fresh oil and retimed per manufacturers specification. Engine RPM checked with a digital tacho and adjusted to 700 rpm.
Once it was seen to be running properly, it was all cleaned externally, primed with red oxide and given a couple of coats of the correct green paint. Here’s a video of the first run before it went onto the new trolley.
A trolley was made up to ease movement around the garage. Transfers applied and a Lister “Domestic” pump obtained to give the engine something to do!
A straightforward restoration job really, and particularly interesting as this was my first effort at a stationary engine. Just need to make some wooden handles and get the pump set up on a separate base. Here’s a video of it running the pump.