Dorman expert?

[TugFan]

Hi all - looking at buying a project boat with a (possibly non-running) Dorman DLM3. Does anyone know of a Dorman expert who could advise me whether it's a gem of an engine or 3/4 tonnes of scrap? Looks like a huge engine for a narrowboat (though the idea is to convert the 68-footer into a fuel boat do power will be a blessing) - are there any DLM3s in boats on the system?

[David Mack]

Presumably this boat

https://www.apolloduck.com/boat/mike-heywood-68-traditional-for-sale/780265

A cheap project, but would be a shame to 'deconvert' it to create a fuel boat. Given that the boat is fully fitted I would think it likely that the engine has run in this boat, although whether it still runs is perhaps less certain. Best way to find out is to check it has fuel and a charged starter battery and try it.

Monster engine though. 51hp @1200 rpm according to https://www.realdiesels.co.uk/dormandata.html

Why would you need that much power for a fuel boat?

9 hours ago, TugFan said:

or 3/4 tonnes of scrap?

Over a ton actually!

[Debby]

36 minutes ago, David Mack said:

Presumably this boat

https://www.apolloduck.com/boat/mike-heywood-68-traditional-for-sale/780265

A cheap project, but would be a shame to 'deconvert' it to create a fuel boat. Given that the boat is fully fitted I would think it likely that the engine has run in this boat, although whether it still runs is perhaps less certain. Best way to find out is to check it has fuel and a charged starter battery and try it.

Monster engine though. 51hp @1200 rpm according to https://www.realdiesels.co.uk/dormandata.html

Why would you need that much power for a fuel boat?

Over a ton actually!

The advert does say that the engine has never been fitted or plumbed in and hasn't been run in this boat.

[john.k]

The DL III is a big motor .........I had two of the 3 cyls ,and still have a 6 cyl..........something like 4 3/4 x 7 .........the 3 would be 375 cu in.............The DCA had hundreds of gensets with 3,4 and 6 cyl  DL III s in them ,many sold with zero hours .........the genrator people here had some spares from the DCA ,but wouldnt sell parts to anyone hadnt bough a genset off them..............effectively,the only parts will be other engines .....I do have a sheet of bolt torque settings for them.

They are a lovely old motor ,direct injection,  start  easily ,will run at 1000rpms for weeks on end ,but like all Dormans they tend to be oily ,and shouldnt be run light at high revs..

[alan_fincher]

You are going to need bloody long arms to reach that gear change lever from the steering position!

[john.k]

Box looks like a WW2 Twin Disc .

[NB Alnwick]

52 minutes ago, alan_fincher said:

You are going to need bloody long arms to reach that gear change lever from the steering position!

 

Or engine room crew . . .

[Tony Brooks]

1 hour ago, alan_fincher said:

You are going to need bloody long arms to reach that gear change lever from the steering position!

 

I bet the gear lever can be taken off and put back on the splines more or less horizontal so it can be worked by a push-pull and bell crank, but I also bet that it will take a lot of effort to get it into gear.

[magnetman]

Linear actuator.

 

I met someone last summer on a narrow who had installed a linear actuator to do gearchanges. With the right relay setup one can wire it up with something like an electric window switch. Takes a bit of getting used to but can help in some situations.

 

[TugFan]

I'd like to think the conversion would improve the boat - but it may be that the work involved in strengthening the un-cabinned hold would make it unfeasible. I do love the shape of the Colecraft hull.

 

Re the engine, I had a Dorman 4DSM in my 48-ft tug Horace (renamed Wotan) back in 1989, and it was a lovely lump. If the project goes ahead, the Eastern end of the K&A will be home waters, so a little bit of extra oomph would be helpful in combatting the Kennet currents! Having said which the DLM has twice the output of the DSM and my old engine was plenty powerful enough. Maybe I'll go and play on the Thames among the yoghurt pots... 

 

@john.kyou seem to be an expert - do you think I'll be able to locate spares for such an engine and someone who can commission it for me?

 

Re teh gear change, before I had Horace's boatman's cabin fitted out, the gear change was exactly like the pics of this 68-footer - in the engine room! It used to alarm oncoming boaters when they'd see me disappear from the back deck for a few seconds to engage reverse, but I never hit anything (honest).

 

In the meantime I have to finish refitting a 52-ft tug ("Tarn") which features a very sweet Ruston & Hornsby engine - will be up for sale in the new year complete with brand new galley, bathroom, roll-under dinette and nearly £1500 of American cherry hardwood detailing. I'll upload some pics once I've tidied up a bit.

[Momac]

Not sure if the following is any help

https://lincolndiesels.com/dorman-diesels/

 

[john.k]

If you look at the pics ,you can see the gearbox lever shaft has a short arm on the other side ............if its is a Twin Disc ,they have a very light throw from forward to reverse ,and can be operated by a cable.

..............Id think with the net and old engine forums ,parts would  be obtainable ..............back in the day when GEC Diesels were the agents ,parts prices were horriffic ,but thats ancient history.

[pete23]

If I remember correctly the engine beds were altered to suit the Dorman.