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Lister HRW Series;

A versatile and robust workhorse of an engine in production for around 18 years from 1969 and with considerable numbers still earning their keep today. Avaialble in two, three, four and six cylinder versions, power outputs ranged from 30HP to just over 100HP Over a long production run there were various build options, with the main categories being marine propulsion and auxiliary engines and generator builds. If at all possible, always have the engine number when ordering. Standard rotation for all versions is anti-clockwise, but two and three cylinder versions were available in a clockwise rotation build. When looking at any Lister engine, rotation is defined by which way the flywheel runs when it is viewed from the flywheel end of the engine. Clockwise versions may have the letter 'C' after the engine type n the number plate (e.g. 'HRW3C). If ordering parts remember to say if your unit is clocwise rotation as some components obviously differ.
If you are contemplating an HRW for a new project be sure to examine your prospective engine carefully, paricularly if it is a marine, raw water cooled unit as corrosion may be an issue. Well maintained radiator cooled units should not have suffered undue corrosion.

Below are listed some useful tips on what to look for when ordering some of the more common pieces for your HR. If you think we have missed something useful, or got something wrong, please email and let us know. We welcome any suggestions for improving the usefulness of this page.

Lister HRW Parts Availability:

Routine Service Items -- 100% availability. If ordering, please note the following first:

Oil Filter. Just one type -- as easy as it gets, but please specify if four or six cylinder as they use a larger element.
If you have the turbocha\rged version, don't forget the oil feed to the turbo has its own, different filter.

Fuel Filter. Just one pattern of fuel filter used on the HRW range.
Metal body filter element, sandwiched between a filter head and lower bowl section, secured by a single central bolt from the top.

Air Filter There are several different air filter sizes used on the HRW series, divided between the 'pancake' type filter element and cylindrical elements. If you can see a part number on the existing element, that will do fine. If not, for pancake types please advise outside diameter, inside diameter and height (of the element, not the housing). For cylindrical types, diameter and length, plus inside diameter at each end of the element. Some heavy duty applications may have an inner and outer cylindrical element. Oil bath filters were widely fitted and providing they are not rusty or shedding fragments may be cleaned and re-used. Marine application units may not have an air filter at all.

External Components --- Good, but varying availability.

Alternator / Dynamo
Older HRW models were fitted with a dynamo charging system, which then gave way to an alternator. We are able to supply replacement dynamo system parts, but given the expense and relative unreliability and low output it really is worth thinking about converting to an alternator system. Differing patterns of alternators were used over time and a photo is helpful if you want a replacement. Please specify 12 volt or 24 volt. Marine units may be insulated return; if this is important to your application, please mention it when enquiring.

Drive Belts If you are unable to see any numbers on the existing belt, please advise inside length of the belt and the width of the belt. We have seen numerous different pulleys fitted to HRW series and it is important to ensure the belt does not ground out in the bottom of the groove.
Water Pump, Lister, belt driven   Generally significantly scarce and expensive. If at all possible send one or two good photos as there are several variants. If you can't do any photos, then note any numbers cast on the pump body. We sometimes have exchange units ready to go, but otherwise, providing it is not unduly corroded we are usually able to rebuild your existing pump.
Water Pump, Gear Driven, marine applications.   Expensive but available. Rebuild kits readily available.

Couplings: Numerous patterns of coupling have been used and generally supply is not a problem. A photo is handy if you are not sure what type you have.

Starter Motors Relatively expensive but available. The only problem unit is the 24 volt motor for clockwise rotation engines; this is quite scarce. In all cases expect a substantial surcharge if you don't have an exchange unit to return. If you are looking at getting your motor repaired locally, be sure to give the repairer the full set of numbers off the motor case; many starter motor repairers won't work on these units. Marine units may be insulated return; if this is important to your application, please mention it when enquiring.


Solenoid and protection devices. Over time there have been a large variety of sensors, switches and other equipment used on the HRW series. Some may still be available, some will not. Please check for any numbers you can find on existing iterms and preferably supply a photo.
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Fuel Injectors   Brand new injectors are becoming thinner on the ground but injector rebuild items are not a problem.

Fuel Injection Pumps    No supply issues. If you're not sure what you are doing with these pumps, the job is best left to a person with suitable experience, as removal and refitting inevitably involves checking both the injection timing and balance between pumps. (2 and 3 cylinder models)
Four and six cylinder versions use an externally mounted pump assembly; there are two in line types (by manufacturer) and a DPA type. Although there are only three basic pumps, there are numerous variants of those pumps so if ordering it is worth making a note of all the numbers on the pump ID plate. If the specific variant is not available there is usually little problem in having your own unit rebuilt.
Fuel Lift Pump Readily available. Specify how many cylinders when ordering.

Cooling Fan(4 and 6 cyl.) Becoming scarce and expensive if available. If you have issues with your existing unit we are happy to look at refurbishing it, or supply appropriate bearings.

Raised Hand Start Limited availability of sprocket assemblies but repair parts available. Chain; readily available.

Manifolds As with most older water cooled Listers, exhaust and water rail manifolds are significantly scarce, or significantly expensive if you find one. We are able to have manifolds made to pattern in stainless if you are really stuck.

Hoses. Generally, straight hoses are not an issue as they may be cut to length from standard hose. Hoses with tightly moulded bends may be more problematic. For radiator cooled versions, a photo and hose measurements are a good idea.

Gaskets and Joints 100% availabilty; sets or individually.

Internal Components

Mixed availability. Internal items common with the much more numerous air cooled versions are not generally a problem. Items peculiar to the HRW and specifcally cylinders, cylinder heads and associated water bearing parts are generally significantly scarce and expensive. As always with water cooled units it is corrosion that takes its toll, making good used pieces equally scarce and expensive. If you are looking at an HRW for a new project, corrosion investigation should be right up there among the things to check for. Items peculiar to four and six cylinder versions may be more problematic; fortunately, pistons and bearings are common actoss the range, with the exception of turbo version pistons. Best advice is to ask before starting work on a four or six cylinder.

Complete Engines
New engines long unobtainable. We sometimes have core units and may be able to offer a rebuilt exchange engine to meet your specification. Alternatively, we may be able to rebuild your existing unit but only subject to an inspection to check if there are significant corrosion issues.

Top Tip !
If you have a marine HRW, periodically check the condition of the impeller in the raw water pump. It can become hard and brittle, either breaking up slowly and ceasing to pump effectively, or if a complete lobe breaks off it can completely stop the coolant flow.
Second -- (2 and 3 cylinder versions) if the oil level rises slowly and / or the oil smells of fuel, this is always a sign of fuel finding its way into the sump. Typically this will be coming from the fuel pumps and is a sign it is time to have them overhauled. Less often, it may be due to a leaking internal pipe or defective lift pump. Whatever the reason, don't ignore it as it will only get worse and oil thinned with fuel just isn't going to do its job properly. In extreme cases there is a theoretical possibility of the engine running away on fuel vapour from the sump.
Finally -- if working on four and six cylinder versions on the bench, take care not to knock or damage the sump. They distort relatively easily, are scarce and may give you a significant leak issue on reassembly. The weight of the engine should not be rested on the sump.

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