The CS or Cold Start series was aimed at the small power market on farms and other similar establishments.
It established a world-wide market for Lister which remained up until the 1960's, when the lighter and cheaper
air-cooled diesels took over.
Developments included a 3hp and 5hp, later uprated to 3½hp and 6hp, then eventually 8hp in a version without
compression change-over. 10hp, 12hp and 16hp was available in 2-cylinder. Common heads and barrels assisted with
spares support, and maintenance was aimed at the unskilled user to keep costs down. The 3hp and 3½hp versions
had unique heads, injection equipment, valves and blocks, most other parts were common with the other singles. One
unusual variant was the VA, which was basically an air-cooled 8/1 engine. This was not as popular as the other
engines, being introduced just before Listers went over wholesale to air-cooled engines, and is relatively rare.
Technical Details: 3/1 and 5/1
Bore & Stroke: 3.75"(3/1) 4.5" (5/1) X 5.5" stroke | 3/3½ & 5/6hp at 600/650 rpm | Weight (5/1 tank cooled less tank & water)
760 lbs | Weight (5/1 rad cooled, less water) 833 lbs
Other Variants: Engine produced in 2 cylinder model (10/2, 12/2) All had twin flywheels, except for integral compressor engines
which normally had the compressor built on to the back of the engine, replacing the flywheel on that side.
Collectibility/Availability:
Singles quite readily available in the UK, while the twins are relatively scarce. Due to their weight, the engines are not
as popular as could be expected, and the related petrol engines are generally considered more collectible. The ability to
'mix and match' spares amongst the engines does make for easier spares availability, although 3/1 spares are getting rare.
• Back • CS Picture
• Compression Change-over Pic • Main •
