MTFCA Forum

Guys I'm looking at adding a 1930 Willys Knight 66B sedan to keep my T's company but cant get any response from the WOKR forum so was hoping somebody on here might have some experience with them. Its a 6 cylinder sleeve engine done 5,000 miles since new sleeves and pistons etc so is well run in.

1. What sort of mpg could I expect from a quiet 45 mph cruise on a flat highway?
2. What is a comfortable highway cruising speed?
3. This car has a spin on oil filter added, did they come out with an oil pump?

I have been for a short ride (passenger) and it seemed happy at 47 mph. Its a lovely car in lovely condition but if i can't afford to feed it it's not much use sitting in the garage. Petrol is over $13 a gallon here now.

Thanks

Might want to ask this question on the Antique Automobile Club of America in this section: https://forums.aaca.org/forum/15-technical/
Lots of people from Australia and New Zealand post in some of the sections there, not just for people from the USA.

Done that Mark, it's active and got several replies but none of my questions answered.

Thanks

I once owned a 6 cylinder Nash. I would say you will be getting 10-12 mpg. Safe speed probably 40 or so, you can feel the sweet spot you feel safe in, too fast and things get loose pretty quick.

Kevin, I once was told when asking question about a car I was interested in that if you had to ask you probably can’t afford it. Ha! What type carb is on the car? My experience is with a 27 touring. The fuel tank was in the rear on this model and had the standard fuel vacuum container on the fire wall. I recall that it got better mpg than the model T and if I recall correctly about 15-20 mpg depending on load. Remember this is for a touring which would be much lighter than a sedan. The sedan was a beast. Hope that helps. Ps the W.K 6 is very powerful for its size and 45 mph is not unusual.

IF you have to ask! Then NO

Thanks guys
three pedal - I've owned older flat head sixes and got similar economy to what you say but this is a different design engine and some of my reading state they are heavier on fuel than common design engines.

jtt - The 66B is completely stock, rear fuel tank, vacuum tank on the firewall. The sedans are 4000lb (1.8Ton) which I was surprised, thought it would be heavier. The carby looks factory also. If what your can remember was near the mark I would be happy but was your 27 Tourer a 6 cylinder?

Thanks

Steve. Not a member of that forum/group. Tell him easy cruise at 50mph. Expect about 15mpg. My 66A is heavier than the 66B. B also has a bit more HP. Should be a nice cruiser. This is from a W.K. owner

Yes but remember a phaeton is almost half the weight of the sedan. You’re not going to get 20 mph because a sedan is that heavy however on a flat road cruising at 40-45 you may get 14-15 mph if you keep your foot out of it. Also don’t be alarmed if you see a lot of smoke when you first start it. It’s aggravating but after 20-30 miles the engine magically stops smoking so much. It’s inherent to the sleeve type engine. On the positive side you won’t be swarmed by mosquitoes ha. On the 26 the fuel gauge was on the tank not sure about a 1930 but do keep an eye on it, if it is, when you stop.

Thanks WK owner, that sounds promising. The mistake I made is I didn't ask for a drive, just went as a passenger as I didn't know how motivated I was going to be. Your feedback has increased my motivation. I wish I could work out how to post a pic on this new format as its a stunning looking car.

Jtt the Phaeton weight might not be as different as you think. The info I found the roadster is the lightest but only by 185kg (2 guys).
The 30 has a dash fuel gauge so yes one eye on that lol.

Thanks again

Kevin, I take it you are in the Canterbury region of the mainland. Where else can you cruise any distance on a flat road?

Allan from down under.

Correct Alan. Perfect Model T terrain.
My town is dead flat, has no traffic lights, no cross intersections, no curbs and the main road is off to the side so no passing through traffic on our streets.
You due for a holiday Alan?

Kevin

I sure am Kevin, but it may have to wait until 2024 to coincide with a coloured sheep breeders congress to be held in NZ. I'll have to do some T visiting while I'm there.
Allan from down under.

Excellent and if trout fishing is your go you could plan a few days here as well.
Let me know closer to the time.

Kevin

Kevin wanted me to share a picture of the beastie he’s looking at & considering to purchase

I think the fuel cost would be worth it for the pleasure of driving that car, especially in New Zealand. I have read more than once over many years that the Knight sleeve valve engines tend to use some oil, but that the more miles they accumulate, the less oil they tend to use. I believe you would find fuel consumption to be average or better under most conditions compared to other, similar cars of the era. Driving technique has a substantial bearing on fuel efficiency with any vehicle,and keeping the entire vehicle in top condition and proper adjustment is also very important.

See: www.wokr.org

Update - I didn't buy the car in the end, several reasons but main one the auction went too high.
Thanks for your help guys.