Ruston Engine Repair

A couple of weeks ago, Tony decided to run our Ruston Diesel Stationary Engine, and noticed a few drops of water coming from behind a casting. This was puzzling, as this casting was not supposed to be detachable and should have been an integral part of the engine. Further investigation revealed four attachments which had been ground flat and painted over. He carefully drilled through these and managed to remove this casting which revealed the words “Ruston Lincoln England” underneath which had been ground down to allow the detachable plate to be fitted, but why?

The water hoses were then detached from the cooling tank, and the lower hose was blocked temporarily with a screwdriver handle, and water was put into the water jacket of the engine. Immediately we could see drops of water oozing out at either end of the ground down area! The mystery was solved – the water in the engine had obviously been frozen one winter long ago and ice had formed in the water jacket cracking it at either end. The cast plate had been fitted and sealed over the original area with the cast letters to make a waterproof repair.

Tony has tapped four threads 1/4 Whitworth and fitted studs. He made a gasket and then refitted the “Ruston“ cover plate and bolted it up. The engine block was filled with water and then started. The engine now runs sweetly with no water leaks.

Published 25 March 2021