Ep14: ENGINE REBUILD On A 70 Year Old LONDON Double Decker BUS.

In this episode we rebuild the engine of RT2629, a London Double Decker bus from 1956.
What does it take to keep old London double-decker buses on the road?
Built in the 1950's and 1960's our London buses need constant attention, so if you want to find out what it takes to keep a vintage London bus on the road then make sure you hit subscribe and check-out all our previous workshop maintenance and restoration videos here on KZbin...
• London Bus Restoration...
About Us:
We offer our London buses for private hire.
We are proud to have the privilege of owning one of London’s most recognisable sights - the iconic London Routemaster Double Decker Bus!
Our beautifully restored red London double-decker buses are available for Weddings and Special Events across North Wales and the Northwest UK, they add some nostalgic novelty and a touch of class to any occasion.
For more information, please visit our website: www.routemaster4hire.co.uk
#londonbus #routemaster #double-decker bus

[@EelingStudios]

Sounds lovely. Brought back memories of those old Gals taking me to school all too long ago. Great job.

[@timhines6543]

From myself and my family I would like to thank you all for your thoughts and best wishes. It goes a long way and has been heart warming for us to read all of the lovely comments. Many thanks and best wishes to you all.

[@colingooden3711]

Wasn’t surprised when you ran into trouble with your big end bearings, was waiting to see what you would do. When I came out of my apprenticeship at Chiswick Works, I worked on engine sub assembly. We would assemble, con rods, bearing shells, pistons / rings etc. The big ends would be torqued to the correct setting and the castellated nuts stamped 1 to 12 ready for the assembly line. So they would not need to be torqued again, just line up the numbers on the nut and bolt and fit the split pin. We had some equipment that we never used, as all the shells that were used were all pre sized (RM on) I asked the old boys what this equipment was for, to be told it was for RT’s as all the shells were under sized and had to be hand scrapped, with engineers blue to fit the crank.

[@JP-vs1ys]

What's ironic about this, is I bet a lot of the ways these guys are doing this is EXACTLY how it would have been done back in the day, rather than a ton of very precision specialty equipment. You can imagine a busy bus service terminal doing much of this the same way. Love it.

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

No, I'm sure the service shops had lots of specialised tools to make the job much easier and quicker.

[@cousinjack2841]

That took me back. I am an old fuel injection mechanic and used to work on a fleet of these, and older, back in the seventies. Thanks for an enjoyable video.

[@simonipswich]

I have heard that Routemaster 4 Hire has now closed, so sad :-(

[@hermandegroot1946]

That engine runs as a Swiss clock, beautiful.

[@memyself7413]

"Commiserations on the loss of your Granddad, Tim." I'll spare you all the cliches. As for the work done on rebuilding the 70 year old engine is concerned, it can only be described as a "masterpiece." "Well done," you lot. You're a credit to your efforts and determination.

[@aetch77]

Tim, saddened to hear of your loss. You'll get through it. He would've been proud of you. My own mum passed just a fortnight earlier, this just brought it back. 😭

[@garethpotter8922]

God bless Tim's grandad so sorry for your loss mate

[@andyrichardsvideovlogs8835]

My condolences Tim. May he Rest In Peace.

[@trainmanbob]

Great to hear that lovely engine running so beautifully again. Sorry to hear of your loss Tim. Sadly it happens to us all.

[@oc2phish07]

A very welcome addition to the evening's entertainment.

[@andicog]

So sorry for your loss Tim. Sad news indeed. I'm sure he was proud of your skills that are shown in this great video, chin up and carry on the wonderful work keeping these classic buses moving , this was one of the best videos you've all done. Thanks 👍

[@alanworland9478]

Sad Tim didn't see it running, I'm sure he is looking down on it. Great job sounds gorgeous, I remember this model loaded with us School kids!

[@martinwarner1178]

Proper engineers, well done fellas. Love the videos. Keep up the good work. Peace be unto you.

[@charleswhite758]

30 years ago in London I used to go to and from work every day in one of those lovely things, so cosy with the warm lights and always a cheery conductor, or a budding comedian, so I remember. And you could jump on and off wherever you wanted - in the days before the Nanny State. The design cannot be bettered, it was designed for London life.

[@stevenmelhuish8128]

Condolences to Tim and his family, Your Grandad must be so proud of you Tim. Keep your chin up and carry on living your life just as he would expect. Great job on the RT and the Routemasters.

[@peterjhillier7659]

Bloody marvellous, lovely to see her running again, mind still lots to do, love those old RTs.

[@AJSAN1971]

After all the years of seeing 2629 languishing in one shed or another looking very down at heel, it's fantastic to see the progress you're making. That engine sounds very sweet.

[@timhines6543]

Thanks!

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

​@@timhines6543 I think it's irresponsible to operate these very old vehicles in these days of global warming and climate change. We all want to see reduced carbon emissions and particulates both around the big cities and elsewhere. These old engines are very bad culprits when it comes to emissions and particulates. The responsible thing to do would be using it as a static exhibit in a museum. I can see Gov regulation and scrappage being introduced in the future for irresponsible owners.

[@timhines6543]

@@PreservationEnthusiast I think youll find that vintage vehicles are a huge part of British Heritage and an unmeasurable contribution to climate change. They generally only go out a handful of times a year and probably dont cover more than a couple of thousand miles. Im also a fireman on a steam railway which is also a big part of British Heritage but i'd assume you wouldnt like those either? People like to see all these vintage things in action to see how it used to be. Just look at the visitor numbers at rallies running days or places like Beamish.

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

@@timhines6543 I think I could live with heritage railways if they were all converted to biocoal and bio diesel. Same with the bus. If it was converted for use with a carbon neutral fuel, that may be acceptable. And you would need to fit particulate filters to make it Euro7 compliant.

[@Tristan-benge]

@@PreservationEnthusiast there is a lot of old buses still getting used for events across the UK

[@CEng-ge6sw]

I don't know how you could face such a major job as restoring a bus especially as spare parts are so rare. You have done exceptionally well and I am sure that it was worthwhile when I consider that it will give pleasure to generations yet unborn. It is a historic piece.

[@alanhunter2051]

Sorry for your loss Tim. Just think how proud he is of you and the gang getting to help and see the bus running. Good work guys.

[@thomascoyne157]

Brilliant job lad’s 👍👍👍🇬🇧⚽️🚎🛠️🛠️

[@andrewforeman5716]

Such a sad loss for Tim condolences to him he's such a hard worker but his grandad must have been proud of his achievements, great video as usual

[@humbleguy4726]

Thank god for people like you who keep our history and heritage running. Sorry for your loss Tim. When the engine turned over for the first time in years i imagined Grandpa smiling and being so proud of you.

[@johnpeplow3985]

Sorry to hear about your loss Tim and may he RIP. Such banter between you all and you can tell it’s a Labour of love. About 65 years ago I used to watch the BRService lorry’s coming out of the depot and the ERF, Fodens, Gardeners engines etc sounded lovely.

[@DoubleDeckerDavid]

Well done on getting this far Guys she sounds fantastic.

[@bewildered5444]

Really enjoyed this guys. Beautiful British engineering.

[@geoffreycharlton8875]

one of the best vidoes you have madei had my eyes glued to the screen well done

[@lynton09]

Sorry for your loss Tim. Sterling work guys, a joy to watch with the finale of the sound of an AEC engine in fine fettle running sweetly in an RT body. Many memories of that sound, magic.

[@kevingriffiths4047]

Sorry for your loss Tim, well done to all the gang in a very successful engine restoration in a 70 yr old bus keeping, the past alive for our children to enjoy .

[@Night_Owl2023]

This is honestly like watching a Carry On Film. It is just side splitting comedy with the outtakes, please keep up the great work, this video has made my day. Bless You All 🙏🏼

[@white183a]

Good Luck Guys and Thank You

[@tonys1636]

Those liners needed chilling to a much lower temperature than a domestic freezer can go by using dry ice or liquid Nitrogen, they would just drop in then, almost, just needing a gentle push. Nice to hear that glorious sound again after many years of not hearing it, even a Leyland 680 would be pure music compared to modern buses.

[@davidbarrett1487]

Superb reliability, went to school on these buses, they never broke down. Great British engineering.

[@khiggins8733]

I watched the whole of this episode. I have no interest in mechanics but I was enthralled by what the lads were doing

[@oninbridders]

Great video as normal but I do feel the kids of the future will be amazed how complex an engine was and how much time we put into servicing them when everything goes electric. Reminds me of a mechanical telephone exchange.

[@andrewdrabble8939]

My deepest condolences to Tim and the family for your sad loss. I'm sure he would have been proud of the work gone into that engine and of you Tim

[@davidbarnsley8486]

What a big engine it is 👍👍

[@andybenfield79]

I’m old school mechanic from the 70s so I no what your doing. Even so I watched all of it and I found it very enjoyable and entertaining.

[@simontyrrell5220]

Absolutely fantastic work. I’d love to come up and have a nose about one day. I love old lorries and busses. Better than the cars I work on🤣 Sorry for your loss Tim!

[@Rodders20004]

Absolutely brilliant job 👍🏻 that engine is ready for another million miles 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@fenixfp40]

Fond memories of these buses as a child, jumping on and off with my red bus rover pass.😀

[@derekstocker6661]

I well recall catching these buses on the 51, 229 and 477 routes around what was Kent and now south London in the 1950s and 60s. So very well done guys, sitting in one of these at Foots Cray awaiting a new driver was all part of the trip all those years ago. Sad news for Tim and condolences for your loss. Keep up the great work guys, fabulous job and to hear that engine brought back so many memories.

[@peterbradbury1592]

Brilliant job done you guys

[@austinflatcapgaming]

Tim, I'm sorry for your loss. I lost my granddad (ex Chiswick Works engineer) Derrick Nicholas on Monday 7th November 22.

[@vlogsandstuff3159]

TIM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS ......you have done your grandad proud getting it running again ....keep up the good work.....

[@crossleydd42]

If you're interested, here's the history of RT2629, courtesy of the excellent website "Ian's Bus Stop": RT2629 LYF 354 7/51 new, body 5896: Park Royal 3RT8 8/51 V into service (Turnham Green) 5/53 used on Coronation Route Tour, RT8 AV (Hounslow) 2/57 ED transfer (Elmers End) 3/57 ED into store 8/57 NF transfer (Northfleet) 9/57 HN transfer (Hitchin) 10/57 NX transfer (New Cross) 1958 NX 5/59 NX to Aldenham overhaul 5/59 NX from o/h 60-2 NX 4/63 NX to Aldenham overhaul 4/63 V from o/h 5/63 WN transfer (Wood Green) 64-6 WN 11/67 WN to Aldenham overhaul 11/67 T from o/h (Leyton), Weymann body 6750, 3RT8 9/68 WH transfer (West Ham) 69-71 WH 1/72 WD transfer (Wandsworth) 11/72 WD into store, CoF expiry 2/73 SW transfer, recertificated (Stockwell) */74 SW in service on 77A to Vauxhall $ 12/74 SW into store 3/75 SW ..and out, recertificated 10/75 WL transfer (Walworth) 2/76 WL into store, CoF expiry 7/76 BX change store (Bexleyheath) 9/76 AK transfer, trainer (Streatham) 1977 AK trainer 4/78 AK into store */78 AK trainer $ 7/78 AK trainer again 6/79 AK trainer 7/79 AK into store 7/79 sold to Wombwell Diesels 7/79 bought by T.Muir, A.Wolton, C.Lovett & R.Whitehead: (North London Transport Society): preserved 12/79 fitted with engine from Cravens RT1409 6/80 on loan to Viking Youth Club, Stamford Hill 6/80 returned to NLTS */86 at Woolwich Transport Museum bought by R.Gould, New Romney, Kent 2008 preserved, in store: R.Gould 10/19 bought by T.Hines, Leeswood, Cheshire

[@dawnd8457]

What a cracking job you lot have done there. The attention to detail and with minimal tools just WOW and she sounds beautiful. 🙂

[@TheZepone]

Well done lads!! Looks amazing!!

[@charlieboyok]

Oh tim so sorry for your loss, l lost my Dad on my 18th Birthday ,time does heal . Love the " outakes" so funny , l would like you guy's to watch this Episode with subtitles on , so that you can see the wrong words come up , that is so funny too. As for rare parts , can they be machine made? I guess it would be expensive but the Buses would continue to be on the road 😳😨😱😀from Melbourne Australia .

[@timhines6543]

Thank you. Yes many bits we are having remanufactured but it is a costly process.

[@peter6411]

Sorry for your loss Tim... I've really enjoyed this series on the bus from start to this point and look forward to the next instalment. Great job lads, I think these bus's look great unlike the later ones that replaced them.

[@lucythemoggy1970]

good job boys! well done!

[@HarryJamesBooks]

Lovely job!

[@alicetickle]

Excellent video. Loved seeing the underneath

[@grahamhickmott1957]

You've all done a wonderful job...great videos. Thanks

[@davidbassett4577]

Another great video .. lovely seeing that engine going back together.

[@barrywhitley2535]

Good one. Well done.

[@josephhertzberg2734]

Beautiful work

[@petrolhead28]

The sound of that engine. The modern world is devoid of such sounds. Sorry for your loss Tim. As my late father drove rts and rms in the sixties I wonder if he ever drove any of your buses. Glad to see they have outlived him.

[@jamesfrench7299]

My condolences. Engine sounded so right in the end. Thanks for giving us a good listen!

[@Morrisonspouch]

All the best Tim.

[@anthonyobersteller1556]

Tim sorry for loss what a cracking job on the engine of the RT reminds me of Driving RTs for sightseeing in the late 1970s in Victoria BC Canada we had 6 of them so great to see your one running again.

[@c1tlr340]

Sorry for your loss Tim, hope you're OK. Hate to be a H&S anorak bit there was a lot of grinding and eyes in close proximity. From 1st hand experience, please wear safety specs.

[@letsfixit1594]

Nice job lads.

[@owenrichardson1419]

Sounds so sweet

[@Westside_Kenny]

Sorry for your loss Tim and excellent job on the engine

[@chriswhitehead9850]

So where is the new channel? Tim! Get a grip! It was always about you and the bus. Sort out a channel and let us know!

[@andrewmurton8379]

Superb job, a real team effort. So sorry for your loss Tim.

[@richardneale246]

Great video chaps, the RT is looking and sounding fantastic.

[@Hammondfreak]

ABSOLUTELY FASCINATING !!! Thanks guys.

[@davefrench3608]

Fabulous job guys. That engine sounds beautiful

[@hiltopuk]

Great teamwork and a very enjoyable video

[@michaelkeen5010]

What a great video, the RT is back to life again, the AEC engine sounds fabulous.👍

[@speedbirdconcordeBOAB]

I only come here for the music lol. Love the extra long episode guys.

[@billwilson3670]

Brilliant video guys,master mechanics at work.

[@brucejr.5833]

I am amazed at the skill of these mechanics. You have timeless hands and a sharp noggin. All the best. Thank you.

[@timothynorris4288]

Well done, took me back to when I was a hgv apprentice and we rebuilt engines like that ,46 years later I'm still an hgv mechanic and engines are so reliable our apprentices hardly ever see inside one let alone rebuild one ! Keep up the great work.

[@adammellor8134]

Brilliant video. Thanks guys for taking the time to produce these. Best one yet

[@highpath4776]

Easier tip for liner removal. Find a cold store and freeze the block the relative contractions will enable them to snap out if the outer is heated a bit

[@petersmith5783]

Absolutely brilliant work rebuilding and refitting the engine lads sounds awesome. Can't wait for next episode. Pete from Adelaide

[@leejones286]

Thank you for the video guys another excellent job as always. I really enjoyed hearing the sound of the engine running after all this time. All of you keep up the great work that you are doing restoring the RT. Thank you for the outtakes at the end.

[@stevefrost3509]

Sounds lovely 👍sorry for your loss Tim he would be proud ❤️

[@frankboff8185]

So sorry for your loss Tim, brilliant video, what a job, well done team.

[@evan_kumar]

Sorry for your loss Tim! My Great Grandparents died in 2019. Great Grandpa: Aug 24, 1925- Mar 22, 2019 Great Grandma: Nov 15, 1926- Dec 21, 2019 they had a Lake cottage since 1980. After they died, we bought their lake cottage. 20:35 I got Covid this year on May 1! My whole body kept stinging and itchy. My skin on my hands and feet were flaking. But it’s all better now since June.

[@jonathanking1576]

Really sorry to hear Tim’s news, thoughts are with him and the family. What a spectacular job you have all done on that engine! Running like a sewing machine, very impressive!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@tonylawlor3503]

Love your channel, great progres, waiting for the, next, video

[@1Leyland]

Great results after all the hard graft and assembling parts . Sure your grandad would be proud .

[@kerryminigringo]

Sincere condolences Tim on the passing of your Grandad,I’m sure he was very proud of your spanner wielding skills. He was a great age as well,a life well lived is long enough.

[@rotax636nut5]

Great work lads, it feels so good to see a bit of old school mechanic-ing again

[@adriangiddins6065]

Condolences Tim.... very sad news. Another brilliant video. Keep up the good work boys !

[@martinworrall5888]

Great job,well done lads😂👍👍

[@jmhale5874]

Thanks and well done, boys. Hard work for you but very enjoyable (and informative) watching for us. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@frothe42]

Excellent job gentlemen! My sincere condolences to Tim.

[@FirstSmit]

Condolences Tim, So sorry for your loss. All the best mate

[@martinking4729]

Happy new year .Looking forward to seeing more episodes

[@mervwhitney7229]

Very interesting and a lot of hard work. Well done guys.

[@jamesbalchin4640]

Sorry fur your loss Tim mate

[@michaelkeen5010]

Commiserations to Tim on his sad loss.😢

[@Night_Owl2023]

Agreed My Condolence’s Tim.

[@johnclewis]

Sorry to hear your loss Tim