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| Stuart Turner Marine Engine P5 - Advi... |
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hillyard
New member
Username: hillyard
Post Number: 1
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 02, 2005 - 05:53 pm: | 
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Hi,
I have just acquired a Hillyard 2.5 tonner in very nice condition and it has the original Stuart Turner. Past documents indicate that it is a 4HP with the engine number P5M/18466 and is marked 1500 r.p.m. The yacht is on hard standing in Maldon, Essex, UK.
I am completely new to this game and and more used to restoring MG's. However, three initial questions:
1. The engine has not been used for some six years and, although it's all there, my guess is that it needs removal and complete refurbishment. So, does any yachtie out there have any advice as to where that could or should be done - I am very cautious about trusting such a valuable item to cowboys.
2. I am very keen to retain the authentic engine and use it as an auxiliary in the boat, however, my initial readings indicate that the P5 is an unreliable and "quirky" thing which cannot be relied upon in a difficult situation. (Changing the spark plug with a tanker bearing down on one might be embarrassing...) Currently there is a Tohatsu 5HP outboard in use and it pushes the craft well I gather. The past owner noted he would replace the P5 with a diesel if he had kept the boat. So, the question is: Are they really that unreliable ?
3. Is it possible to retrofit an electric start mechanism to this crank started engine ?
I would appreciate informed advice. |
russell
Member
Username: russell
Post Number: 8
Registered: 08-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, November 03, 2005 - 11:56 am: |
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Hi, Littlehampton was my home port before we came to NZ many years ago. I played in David Hillyard's yard as a kid. I reckon
1. If the engine is free to rotate, maybe you could see if she will run. All you will need new fuel in the tank (which you would clean out) and remember that the oil/petrol mixture is 20cc per litre which is half the usual two stroke, compression and spark. The spark will need to come at the right time regularly and you will need to check what sort of mag you have and refer to the manual. Check the plug points which should be .012-.014 inch. If, when you wind her over there is compression, and if there is spark, it is pretty assured that she will run. Starting is a matter of flooding the carburetor and a quick flick over compression having put the starting cam on to "start" position (which opens the throttle). The starting flick is something you get with practice. If there is no action or backfire or running, it maybe that the timing is out in which case you need a book to set it up as it depends on whether you have an impulse mag or not.
2 Yes you must retain the original engine as Stuarts do not deserve the reputation they have. My father has had Stuarts in his boats since 1952 and i have had several. I have a P5 in a 14' dory now. They are only quirky in that if you follow the book they are OK. You ignore it at your peril.
3 If it requires lots of winding, somthing you are doing is wrong. I can start my P5 by flicking the flywheel over and it dates from July 1951 and is on the original bore and piston.
Go to it. We look forward to hearing that she is in good voice. |
hillyard
New member
Username: hillyard
Post Number: 2
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, November 03, 2005 - 12:27 pm: |
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Thank you Russell. Glad another Antipodean has been supportive - I was originally from Melbourne. I have now directed the boat to be taken to Fairways Marine to have the engine removed and restored with all associated running gear and then returned to its rightful place in the Hillyard. When all that is done and she is prettied up a little, I shall seek out a mooring on the South Coast and sail her from March or so. Cetainly a trip to Littlehampton is in order.
Doesn't look as though I need an electric starter. It seems, not unsurprisingly, that there is quite a lore associated with these engines and, once one is prepared and knowledgable about them, they run reliably.
The other interesting thing is that this is the engine originally fitted to the Hillyard and, armed with old invoices and correspondence, I have the serial number and Fairways were able to send me an electronic copy of the original call-off by Hillyards against their order of six engines. The date of that call-off was June 23rd 1950 which implies a start build date for the boat (number 447) in 1949. I also have been given (again generously by Fairways) the service record for the engine - 1965, '68 and '76.
All riveting stuff. |
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