It's now early January and the new engine is ready for delivery so I called Brigit to keep her updated on the progress of her bus. She was extremely excited that the reconditioned engine was due for delivery the following day, and quickly made plans with Ralph (the cameraman) so they both could visit Thamesdown Transport in Swindon and film the occasion.The engine arrived as planned, and Ralph set about filming the delivery and unloading of the new 'Greener' Gardner engine.

‘Green Spec' Gardner engines were introduced in the early 1990s, to coincide with stringent emission regulations on road-going vehicles. On this new ‘Green' engine, the fuel pump advance and retard mechanism has been locked in the mid-way position and the advance linkage removed. In addition to this, the fuel injectors and the fuel injection pump-tops were significantly modified to meet the lower exhaust emissions required.

The next stage of the refit was to ‘dress up' the engine prior to re-fitting into the chassis. All the previously removed parts from the old engine were rechecked and re-fitted, fuel filters were changed and the oil bath air cleaner was washed out and fresh oil replenished. At this point the engine was ready to be fitted into the chassis. Again, the fork lift truck came into action and carefully lowered the engine onto its mountings in the chassis. Wiring looms, fuel pipes, and various couplings were reconnected. Before the bodywork was refitted, the old radiator was removed and replaced with a new unit. This course of action was taken just in case the old radiator core had become partially blocked and was restricting the coolant flow and effective cooling of the engine block.

The bodywork was carefully refitted and the batteries were charged up overnight ready for a road test the following morning. The road test was completed without incident and final checks were made to ensure all the fluid levels were correct.

My final job before handing the bus over to Brigit was to drive it through the bus wash, so she could have a ‘Clean Green Bus'. The window seals did their job, and I was surprised how dry the interior was, bearing in mind the age of the bus.

So ‘Well Done' Andy for your attempts in sealing the windows... 'it's paid off'.

Before I bring this account to a close, having seen many bus conversions, I am particularly impressed with the standard of the refit and hope you have many years of enjoyment from your hard labour.

Good luck with your tours!!!

Regards

Bob