BMC commodore engine

[Guest]

We found a small "vlet" with a BMC commodore diesel engine coupled to a Parsons gearbox. The engine appears to be working OK but is there any documentation around, and can you find parts ?

Note : It has the funniest pneumatic throttle system actuated by the depression created by a valve in the air intake.

Bernard Vivegnis, M/Y Orient Express, Brussels

 

[Guest]

Bernard, the Commodore was produced by Morris Motors as a petrol unit until 1957 when it was replaced by a diesel in the 34HP continuous rated version, 95mm bore until it was then uprated in 1963/4 to the 38HP continuous rated version of 100mm bore. It stayed in production until 1972.
1957 to 1964 enginenumbers ran from D101 to D1945 and from 1963 8D1581 onwards.
They were originally supplied with PRM 100 or Borg Warner Velvet Drive units but equally they could be supplied with adaptor plates for others. In your case the Parsons unit which was a popular box.
Engine spares are still generally available through most small commercial vehicle specialists but sadly the dedicated marine bits are becoming very hard to come by.
The vacuum throttle unit is very reliable in general and prevents over fuelling and hunting.
Mail me if you want any other info. Parsons were bought out by Vickers I think at some point and I have obtained some spares over the years. I would have to go back through my files to check though. the last address I have is Parsons Mathway Marine in Southampton. The telephone number is no longer valid so a bit of web searching may be required.
Good hunting.

 

[Juggler7823]

Is the Commodore 4 or 6 cylinder? Was the 4 cylinder called the captain? What was the hp of the 4 cylinder version?

Roy

 

[Guest]

Roy, the Mk I, II and III were six cylinder petrols. The Mk I was OHV with II and III being side valves.
The fours were diesels being the Commodore 34 and 38. The hp being 34 and 38 repectively. The only fundamental difference being the bore size. 95 and 100mm.
The engine numbers help with ID.
D101 to D1945 being 95 mm and 34 hp
8D1581 onward being 100mm and 38 hp.
The hp rating is their continuous duty output. Hope this helps.
Robin Dunn, Morris Marine Register.