Why a Southern Cross YB?

I've always wanted a Southern Cross diesel since using one at trade school during my apprenticeship to do basic diesel testing and timing. It took me a year or so to find out more about the models etc. and finally figure out that it was a YB or YC that I wanted. When I eventually got to have a look at a YC I realised it was too big ( 7 HP ) and then knew that the YB was the one. I paid $150 (Aus.) for the YB from a fellow collector who had this one spare. On getting it home I soon found out the following:

• It is mostly complete with only a few minor parts missing.

• It had some compression but a leaking exhaust valve.

• On pulling it apart I found it needs rings and a hone and that's about it other than a valve job.

The Parts Missing

It had a few parts missing;

• An exhaust manifold/elbow ( Part No. 24.)

• An injector overflow can ( Part No. 256)

• An injector overflow pipe ( Part No. 177)

• The original cast iron YB water hopper ( Part No. YB 55)

After a few months of letting it be known in the right places that I was after these bits, I managed to get them all and at the right prices.

Details

Serial Number 26124, Built and sold in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, in 1947. 4 Horsepower @ 1200rpm. 3.5" bore X 4.5" stroke with a swept volume of 43.3 cu inches. 17:1 compression ratio.

Front View ( camshaft & pump side )	Inside view with the timing cover removed
Hand painted logos	The cam, lifters,pump & govenor all come out with the cover

As of 7th of September, 2000

The head is back on after getting a valve job (two new valves and guides for $200) at Adelaide Cylinder Head Service. The engine now runs well despite the huge ring end gaps, .018" piston to bore clearance and .007" big eng clearance. It's had new rings and a hone and although these numbers sound huge to me the Southern Cross handbook says they are within allowable limits. Luckily it will never see hard service again and will basically be a running show motor.

When I got the head home I was real keen to get it going. I quickly reassembled the head and put it on, set the injector timing, guessed the valve clearances, bled the fuel system and started it. I had forgotten to bring with me the crankcase side plate so the crankcase was open and oil was going everywhere but hey - too bad I thought and cleaned it up later.

Next I cleaned it all up, sealed everything possible and took the whole lot to a friends place to sandblast it.  It came up really well and I have since etch primed it and purchased the paint and decals but haven't got around to painting yet.

Front Cover