Some advice about choice of engine needed

I'm after some advice.

For my next engine project I am looking for something small (bad back), and quiet (neighbours). Preferably something that turns over slowly. Nothing too 'special', neither funds nor expertise are available in bucket loads.

So what would it be? I assume 4 stroke for quietness? Water cooled or air cooled?

Does something like a Petter A1 fit the bill? 1.5hp @750 rpm seems leisurely.

(My current project, the Vire 6 is way too noisy)

Thanks in advance

Michael

If your thinking A1 size then it has to be a Wolseley WD 2 or 8 for quietness , in my opinion


Janner

The Ruston PT would also fill your needs but this and the WD are not cheap for a good engine. The Petter A or A1 are a good choice, cheap to buy and a plentifull supply of parts. Easy enough to work on, you could always make up a home exhaust using an old car silencer to keep the neighbours happy.

Stu.

janner wrote:If your thinking A1 size then it has to be a Wolseley WD 2 or 8 for quietness , in my opinion


Janner

I'd forgotten just how quiet these are!

But they aren't light weight by any means. However, if they are on a good trolley then transport can be sorted out quite easily. & they will go in the back of some cars (we used to get ours in the back of a car) although a van or trailer would be easier.

Ruston PT is the same engine underneath, & just as quiet (as you'd expect).

Petter A1's are by no means light! lol, but easily moved on a good trolley

Wolseley all the way for quietness, have to keep checking mine to make sure its still running lol

Wolseley's are quit for sure. Definitely recommend for quietness.

Villiers Diesel. Stuff the neighbours

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-6-OO1UksM

Villiers wrote:Villiers Diesel. Stuff the neighbours

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-6-OO1UksM

:stick lol: :stick lol: :stick lol: :stick lol:

OK Villiers wins hands down diesel for neighbourliness!

Wolseley W2 or Rushton, if funds allow, are said to be well mannered

Petter AI if funds are short but less 'charm'.

No one has mentioned the Lister D...

Anything else to be considered? I am not bad mechanically but can't cope with scraping white metal bearings etc etc.

Let's see what comes along, I still kick myself for selling a Coventry Victor water cooled 4 stroke flat twin with exposed valve springs and one piece barrel/heads...but I was younger then...

The other Ruston Hornsby engines are pretty well mannered too, like the 6PB I just restored for Mark (Stamford24).

As far as weight goes I don't think there's much getting away from it, most of these old engines are heavy lumps. What you need is a good trolley (some swear by steerable, others say it's no good for single person winching up ramps, but steering can always be modified to lock at centre, which gives you the best of both worlds), a good winch, or lifting system (just a rope & pulley can be a godsend) & some good ramps, that way you should never have to lift the engine to transport it.

Lister D's are OK, & there's plenty about. There's certainly not much wrong with them, but some shows are limiting their numbers.

Just keep your eyes open, you never know what might turn up.

Think you've got my email, if you see something closer to my area & want me to come along to have a look, just drop me an email. Also, come to the rally at Wiston Park, near Steyning, at the beginning of July. Seek me out, I'll put the kettle on, you can come & have a chat & we can walk up the engine line & look at a few. That's if you haven't got one by then. Mind you, it would be nice to come along even if you have.