Thornycroft engines

[Guest]

I have my eye on a Freeman 32, powered by two 6 cylinder Thornycroft 108 hp engines.

Question: What am I getting into? Are they good engines?, reliable?, economical?.

I'm used to BMC engine, change or stick to what I know?

Thanks for any info.

Norman

 

[Jcorstorphine]

Could be wrong, but are Thornecroft not BMC blocks. If not they will be Ford. Whatever they are they will be cheap to service and maintain unlike certain engines built in Scandanavia which are refered to as the "Green Death"

John C

 

[mike_kolling]

They are based on the Ford 2714 block which is still being produced today (these are very similar to the engines driving London Buses around).
Parts readily available from
http://www.asap-supplies.com/main.html
or
http://www.thornycroftengines.co.uk/welcome.htm

Which Freeman are you looking at a MKI or MKII?

 

[Guest]

Many thanks for the above info.

In answer to Mike, it is a Mk1.

Any titbits to pass on?

Kind regards.

Norman

 

[PeteMcK]

I could be wrong here but I think Thornycroft, when part of BL, encompassed both BMC cored and big Leyland (as in LEYLAND) cored engines, and, strangely, I think some Fords were used towards the end in the mid-range. So far, after 7 years with a 1979 Thornycroft, I'm happy with the parts service from AMC/Thornycroft and ASAP Supplies.

 

[colinroybarrett]

Norman,

The 6 cylinder, 6 litre Thornycroft blocks used by Freeman in the late 60’s and early 70’s are the “Dover” series engines, as Mike says, still made by Ford, with both Sabre and Mermaid until recently marinising them. The block is very over engineered and will certainly outlast the boat, given the pretty light loading when in a marine environment. The 108hp relates to a short-term power burst, actual rating was 96hp load for long-term use.

The only real problems seem to stem from smoking at low revs, which can often be cured by slightly advancing the timing. All parts are very standard and readily obtainable.

If you are to become a Freeman owner, why not drop in on the Freeman E-Group?

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Freemanboats

Or subscribe by sending an email to:-

Freemanboats-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

You will be most welcome and members can offer a wealth of (sometimes!) helpful advice.

Cheers,

CRB
http://www.btinternet.com/~crblimited/kahawi

 

[mike_kolling]

Norman
I am a bit biased as I own one, the one for Sale at Bray Marina (TEUTON), if you are looking, go and have a look and compare it with the one you have been looking at - I would say this but it is one of the best I have seen.
I went to Holland for Three weeks last year and the boat performed excellently and never missed a beat.
Email me direct and I can tell you more. (mike_kolling@hotmail.com)

 

[colinroybarrett]

Mike,

"Doing a Malcolm" are we??? Two can play at that!

http://www.crblimited.btinternet.co.uk/kahawi/forsale/index.html

CRB
http://www.btinternet.com/~crblimited/kahawi

 

[mike_kolling]

Not exactly, just good advice, whenever you buy anything its best to compare several of the same type to get the best one.

Norman, if its a 32 you want, you ought to check out a MKII to compare it with a MKI, the difference in the accomodation is massive and the wood is much lighter so its not so dark and depressing inside. Have a look at:-

http://www.thamesboatsales.co.uk/boatdetail.asp?oatcode=BRMS079

regards
Mike