It is clear from the list of engine models that Wolseley produced tank cooled variations of several engine types during the production run of Wolseley engines. The early Style 1-4 engines were tank cooled as standard, however the Horizontal and Pre-WD types were offered with a tank cooled variation simply be bolting on a steel plate to enclose the hopper. It is believed that the first mass produced tank cooled variant was the WD2 - this variation was carried on throughout the remaining production run as a factory option.
- The Principle
Tank cooling is a simple and effective means of engine cooling that has been used from the earliest days of stationary engine production. The basic requirement for tank cooling is an enclosed cylinder jacket/head, a large tank of water and assocated interconnection pipework. With the tank of water filled (covering both inlet and outlet connections) the heat from combustion is dissapated into the water within the engine cylinder jacket. When warm, the water becomes slightly more buoyant than cold water and tends to rise being displaced by cooler water from the tank. This process is a thermosyphon effect which continues until the water ultimately reaches boiling point and requires to be topped up with cool water. Cooling is achieved through a combination of evaporation from the tank and radiation of heat from the tank to the surroundings. When running under load for long periods the water can become scalding hot and it is important that the engine operator maintains the level of water within the tank from dropping too far.
- Cylinder Head Development
Pre-Production Prototype
WD2 engine number 7825 was discovered in South West Scotland in 1992 residing on a farm having lain unused for many years. During this time many parts had been robbed from the engine. Had it not been for the unusual cylinder head and original blue paint colour, this engine would have been saved and used as a donor spares engine. This engine featured an unusual tank cooled cylinder head of a type not encountered before. It is a one piece casting very much like the small 1.5HP Ruston PB cylinder head except the shape is not that of a Ruston head. This was one theory which was discounted at an early stage as Ruston did have close links with the design of their PT range of engines. It is thought however that this was one of a very small batch of unsuccessful first attempt heads (possibly prototype heads) whilst Wolseley were investigating the tank cooling options. This head would have been very susceptible to total failure from frost unlike the detachable versions which we will encounter later. Detachable Version 1 (cast iron jacket top)
TBC
Detachable Version 2 (flat steel plate jacket top)
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