16/11/2025

I am now able to return to matters bus-related.   I started the week by washing out and heat drying the fuel filter bowl which had been pickling in white vinegar for a couple of weeks.  This effectively removed all the detritus and rust from within the filter bowl, ready for a coat of thick oil to be applied and a new filter made.  Next, I gave it two coats of No.1 rust beater.    Work continued on the rear brake servo, which is now fully dismantled, with the exception of the distributor valve which will receive attention later.   With the piston removed, it is apparent that the leather seal is worn and needs replacing.  The cylinder body itself has been thoroughly cleaned out to remove the thick, solid deposit in the bottom and it is clear that the servo piston has received no lubrication for many years.

Final job of the week was starting to remove the accumulated mud from the chassis behind the servo.

9/11/2025

Activity has been zero of late, due to other pressures, but I did manage to clean the rear brake servo and  its oil dashpot at the start of the week.  As time allowed, I continued work on the servo, removing the two air intake covers which were choked with oily filth.

19/10/2025

Although other matters were receiving my attention this week, I was able to source and order new fuel filter cloths from Crawfords Marshall Tractor parts.  I also cleaned out the filter bowl and spun it in the lathe to remove the external rust.  I then pickled it in white vinegar and citric acid to remove as much rust as I could from the inside.

Restoration diary of a 70-year old AEC single-deck bus and the trials, tribulations and adventures of our 1966 Bristol bus.