Anyone know anything about the Perkins P4C diesel? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Treeman · #1 03-08-2011, 07:28 PM

http://www.allpar.com/mopar/perkins.html

Beagle · #2 03-08-2011, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strelnik

I'm thinking this version would also be called a 4-99, the question is: whether the 4-107/108 is the same block, just bored out, or not.

No totally different engine. Sorry, my "way back machine" gets a little fuzzy after 50 years! The P4C was a higher rpm version of the 3.15L P4 developed for road vehicles. It red-lined at 3000rpm and I remember we shipped many to a company in Belgium that made conversion kits for all sorts of thirsty gassers.

PHP Code:


			
where to get a Perkins P4C

what type of clutch+gearbox hooked up to that engine

I'm afraid I can't help you on that one. The lower rated P4 (tractor, fork-lifts etc), I guess, would not be suitable but you are not planning to race it are you?

Just BTW: I see you have a Merc 180D. Perkins used one of these as a test bed for the 4-99 back then , it was a very easy conversion. When they were done I bought it from them and re-installed the original engine - the first car I owned

.

strelnik · #3 03-08-2011, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beagle

No totally different engine. Sorry, my "way back machine" gets a little fuzzy after 50 years! The P4C was a higher rpm version of the 3.15L P4 developed for road vehicles. It red-lined at 3000rpm and I remember we shipped many to a company in Belgium that made conversion kits for all sorts of thirsty gassers.

PHP Code:


			
where to get a Perkins P4C
what type of clutch+gearbox hooked up to that engine

I'm afraid I can't help you on that one. The lower rated P4 (tractor, fork-lifts etc), I guess, would not be suitable but you are not planning to race it are you?

Just BTW: I see you have a Merc 180D. Perkins used one of these as a test bed for the 4-99 back then , it was a very easy conversion. When they were done I bought it from them and re-installed the original engine - the first car I owned

.

The company in Belgium is Hunter BV, who made the conversions I am seeking!
So again, what am I looking for? a 3.1 liter? what's the designation? Even at 3000 rpm I could drive around at 50 mph.

Beagle · #4 03-09-2011, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strelnik

The company in Belgium is Hunter BV, who made the conversions I am seeking!
So again, what am I looking for? a 3.1 liter? what's the designation? Even at 3000 rpm I could drive around at 50 mph.

Since the only road vehicle applications of that era were 4-107, P3, P4, P6 and 6-354 and you're gonna need >3L, your choice is really made for you. The 4-107 at 1.7 L is clearly far too small for a car that size – it’s a tank

! Likewise the P3 at 2.4 L and that would sound dreadful in a car anyway! The last two are too big so you are left with the P4C. You would have no difficulty finding a P4 in a Massey Ferguson 65 BUT these are rated (and governed) at 2000 rpm as were most off-highway applications of the P4. I am not familiar with any post 1968 Perkins products.

The last of those P4C conversions must have been scrapped over 40 years ago unless you can find one forgotten in a barn somewhere. I agree with t walgamuth, drop in a 617 complete with a stick-shift. It would get lost under that hood!

strelnik · #5 03-08-2011, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treeman

http://www.allpar.com/mopar/perkins.html

Thanks I know about this but have no details like: which tranny was used? In what othe rcars? etc.

t walgamuth · #6 03-08-2011, 10:21 PM

The desoto would have come with either some sort of an automatic or a three speed stick I imagine. I also imagine the taxis were all sticks in that era. This would probably be fine with a low reving diesel if a tall enough rear end is used. A four speed would offer more gearing options or a five speed but might run more to adapt everything.

Interesting idea.

OTOH a 617 turbo with a four speed would work pretty well too and I happen to have one in that 82 300cd I have for sale here.

strelnik · #7 03-09-2011, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

The desoto would have come with either some sort of an automatic or a three speed stick I imagine. I also imagine the taxis were all sticks in that era. This would probably be fine with a low reving diesel if a tall enough rear end is used. A four speed would offer more gearing options or a five speed but might run more to adapt everything.

Interesting idea.

OTOH a 617 turbo with a four speed would work pretty well too and I happen to have one in that 82 300cd I have for sale here.

Thanks for the offer, I have thought of that but would prefer one that was closer to what was actually used.