A long-term problem with this vehicle is that the nearside front brake has a habit of locking up, causing the steering wheel to be snatched out of the driver’s hand. Chris Hatton has carried out an investigation into this problem, which was found to be that the position of the brake cam was incorrect. An overhaul of the nearside front brake was carried out and this ongoing problem now appears to be rectified.
This vehicle was moved for the Midland Bus Running Day and immediately developed a problem with the throttle sticking at full revs. The master cylinder was removed and overhauled, and this seems to have cured the problem.
A recent problem had developed whereby this vehicle kept cutting out and not ticking over properly. It appears that the advance/retard setting had been adjusted, thereby causing the engine to cut out. Readjustment and a change of fuel filters has now proved to be a cure.
FURTHER PROGRESS WITH REAR-ENGINED TRIO
JKW290W – South Yorkshire PTE Leyland Atlantean
1790 was submitted for and successfully passed its Class 6 Test in August 2002. The preparation work included an overhaul of the steering relay lever in order to remove excess play, while the exhaust tail pipe required a replacement. The power steering oil was replaced, along with the flexible hoses. This then enabled the vehicle to be used on the August Bank Holiday service.
JOV613P – West Midlands PTE Daimler Fleetline
Roger Hodson’s 4613 required minor work before a Class 6 Test, which it successfully passed in August 2002.
SDA757S – West Midlands PTE Leyland Fleetline
Further progress has taken place, the latest being the replacement of all nearside upper-deck panels. Work is now being carried out on the nearside front wheelarch and platform area where some of the steel structure will be repaired or replaced.
A trip to Glasgow in August 2002 took place in order to collect a number of spares from sister vehicles 6729 and 6740. Thanks are expressed to Keith Billingsley, 4738 Group and the Glasgow Bus Museum for their help in this task.
More recently, some paint stripping has taken place around the nearside and offside lower-deck window pans.
James Munro
