B6582a

[thedirtycarpenter]

Hi. I recently bought a Douglas generator from I believe 1945. I removed the top generator section and am hoping to get engine going at some point.  Could anyone decipher the above engine numbers for me  please.  Much appreciated. 

[thedirtycarpenter]

It's mainly the year I'm looking for.  I've been told its 1945 but would like to know for certain.

[RegH]

Hi,
The number you are quoting B6582A is in fact the WD (War Department) Number given to individual sets. Many of these sets were made for the Royal Air Force. Unfortunately there are no known records in existence for these particular sets that would determine the actual date of manufacture. Being a wartime development you can only assume manufacture from c 1940-45. If you've been told 1945 I would stick with it. In the absence of any written records I don't think anyone will be going to dispute this. The actual engine number (factory issue) would be found stamped on the sump casing located on the front right hand side of the engine as you look at it. It will take the following form FT35/3/1234 A copy of the Engine Repair and Maintenance Manual for these engines may be obtained by contacting enquiries@wizardclassics.co.uk
Reg.

[cardan]

Does it have a BTH magneto? If you post the info from the brass plate, I can probably date it for you.

Leon

[thedirtycarpenter]

Yes. It's an MD2S4. Serial no. 4g881760. Would be del6if you can date.  Thanks.  Ian.

[cardan]

I think if you re-read the number it will be 861760. The date is July 1944.

Cheers

Leon

[thedirtycarpenter]

It was indeed a 6. Thanks a million for this.  Ian.

[cardan]

Oh dear, it's almost embarrassing to confess I have a spreadsheet with nearly 500 BTH magnetos listed... The dating of the magneto will be accurate to the month, but of course the engine/unit could have been assembled a little later.

Do I get a free plug? I'm looking for a BTH TT MAGNETO. There are plenty around, but I need an MC1 (the low centre height version) from 1932. I have collected enough bits to build a nice DIRT TRACK MC1 from 1933 which looks identical, and will do for the interim, but the quest for the correct item continues.

Cheers

Leon