I have had correspondence from a gentleman in Kiwi land about the TS3and its design origins, and now he has mentioned a batch of prototypeTS4's:+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Thank you for your reply Peter. I hope that my email didn't offend you- it was meant to inform, not complain - it was written late at night so I hope it didn't come across too grumbly. I produce a number of webpages for various community groups and Iknow how hard it is to keep this sort of stuff up to date.I didn't expect to hear from you, and I certainly didn't expect tohear from you so soon!In return for your prompt reply, I have included another page from ournewsletter, which I hope will stimulate your interest? This one is about the TS4 - a 4 cylinder version of the Commer motor which was being developed when they were ordered destroyed by Chryslers as they took over Commer in 1967. Did you know of the existence of thisengine?It is an absolute shame that this engine was not developed further as it had so much potential. Even looking at it, you can see how farahead of its time it was, compared to contemporary engines, let alone its performance, which the New Zealander importer describes. There were 14prototypes built and only 4 survive. I know one is at the Leyland Motors collection (not sure where?). Mark knew four had survived and had given up trying to find it (he was actually trying to track down aprototype turbocharged version of the TS3 that is out theresomewhere?) when he tracked this TS4 down in a barn in Ireland. He has imported itto New Zealand, and unlike the others, intends to have it running in atruck, rather than on display.Since the article, he has had the Fuel Injection pump rebuilt (incidentally by someone who started their apprenticeship in 1956 working on TS3 type injector pumps!) and is gradually getting it readyto run. He has also found out that the prototype he has ended up with was developed as a multi-fuel version, with blanked off holes...

Peter, Very interesting.As someone who started out working on these engines after my apprenticeshipI was very intrigued.I thought these engines developed a reputation far outweighed by their trueworth.True they used to explode with spectacular results but as they were fittingthese in vehicles far greater than they were usefully designed for what doyou expect.We had one fitted to a 6 x 4 with Eaton two speed axles and running at 26Tons.Can you imagine the strain required just to run he drive train with a closecouples set of twin driving axles ?Then ask someone do go on site and fetch 26 tons in his 3.8 Jaguar, What'sthe difference ?In fact the Jag would be bigger than the TS3.Any pictures available of the TS4 ?--Regards,John StevensonNottingham, England.

Commer/Rootes TS3 - TS4?? - PolyTech Forum

Commer/Rootes TS3 - TS4??

Dec 15, 2004 Last reply: 1 year ago 24 Replies

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ClaraNET 21 years ago

I think the word is 'monosoupape' Its French for "We haven't got room for another valve"

I think it probably is Kim, though it would be nice to see one with the head off to confirm it.

At least, I hope it was a cutaway, and not one of John's blown up ones......

Regards

Philip T-E

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john.morton22 21 years ago

"monosopache"

Hello folks, great picture,really brings back memories,......oops!better not talk about *Memory*,mine can be quite dysfunctional at times %))... John.

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Kim Siddorn 21 years ago

I've an idea - if someone who knew them in their heyday (hint!) wanted to write up this interesting engine for SEM, I'd be delighted to contribute the photos - I have more, too.

Regards,

Kim Siddorn

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John Stevenson 21 years ago

Did they have one ?

-- Regards,

John Stevenson Nottingham, England.

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Murrays Transport 1 year ago

In New Zealand the Dodge G13 highline had 185 hp,V8 Perkins 540s

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