Wolseley WD2, first restoration

by outskirter Sat Sep 14 2013, 17:14

I've acquired myself a (1945?) Wolseley WD2, and I'm currently part way through building a trolley (http://www.stationaryengineforum.net/t7274-trolley-for-a-wd2).

Now I have a few decisions to make with the restoration of the engine:

It's currently got a JAP fuel tank attached to it (complete with the word JAP across the filler cap... So not subtle). So do I replace this? Anyone know of anywhere that I might be able to get hold of a proper tank for it? (I've been checking ebay, but haven't found anything yet). (I could just replace the cap with a plain brass one, but still need to find a supplier of suitable cap)

As the engine is from 1945 (I think: 7820 if anyone wants to check), colour charts suggest it should be the “battle ship grey”, but the colours on the engine seem to be green, but this could be a re-paint. So, do I paint it grey (as I think that's its original colour) or green (as that's what's visible on it now)? (Obviously, She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed will have the over-riding vote)

Its exhaust pipe is literally just a pipe at the moment, does an official Wolseley silencer make much difference in terms of engine running noise? Were early WD2s even fitted with silencers?

Restoring the engine is then plan, only I'm slightly scared about taking the engine apart! It runs at the moment, so I'm scared I'm going to break something when taking it apart! Mainly the fly-wheel, I haven't found any easy description/video of taking one off an old engine (found plenty for taking them off engines that require fancy tools though...)

by mike d Wed Feb 05 2014, 12:29

hi
wolseleys engine cant be dated exactly, as the factory burnt down and all the records were destroyed (shame). as for the tank, has it got the wolseley tank straps or some other straps. as the wolseleys one is rather larger than a jap tank. i mite have a tank and some straps, will have to look and see (that's if you want one), let me know. they are lovely engines, my son started with one year back, which ive given to a mates son . i still have a WD1 that needs to be put back together (smooth hopper)
regards, mike....