The Problem:

Class 158 vehicles fitted with Perkins engines have a pneumatic fuel shut off valve which requires a certain level of air pressure before it will hold open. If the vehicle is not charged with air then the engine has to crank over for a long time before sufficient air pressure is generated to open the fuel valve, causing damage to the starter and batteries.

KSL Solution:

Working with Mott Macdonald we turned their concept design into a working prototype. This included the detailed design of mechanical and electrical components, supply and manufacture of parts and installation of the prototype systems at two depots. The kit comprises a new relay enclosure with timers, harnesses, the solenoid assembly itself including brackets/spring/levers and sundry items such as fuses required to complete the modification.

Outcome:

After successful trials Northern Rail have taken delivery of conversion kits for their entire fleet of Perkins engined vehicles.
Working with Angel/Mott Macdonald KSL have also provided a variant of the kit for Class 165/166 and there is a trial vehicle fitted on GWR.