Man who found tank in UK bush fires up Rolls-Royce V12 engine

After discovering a tank in a bush in the UK countryside, this YouTuber is now collaborating with The Tank Museum and World of Tanks to start the Rolls-Royce Meteor V12 engine of an FV4005.

The engine is being fired up for the first time in a very long time, and it’s going to be quite something.

The team also changed the final drive oils and topped up the suspension oils ready for fitting its tracks, but yet to have exhaust pipes fitted, this is going to get loud – and firey.

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The FV4005 tank

Originating in the late 1940s, the FV4005 featured what is almost certainly the largest gun ever fitted to a tank.

According to information from museum, this engine ‘marks the high point of the race throughout the history of armoured [sic] warfare to build bigger and bigger guns that could defeat thicker and thicker armour [sic] at longer and longer range.

“After this point, the advent of guided missiles and more advanced gun ammunition would allow this improvement to continue, but at far lower size and weight.”

YouTuber, Mr Hewes, has shared his career of working with tanks on his channel – he even found one in a bush, before rescuing it.

Want more military-vehicle content? Supercar Blondie’s Gabby Downing went storm chasing in a $750,000 tornado-proof tank.

Starting the Rolls-Royce meteor V12 engine

A military vehicle of this heft requires a lot of care, so the team begins by fitting a new water temperature sensor, filling the Rolls-Royce meteor V12 engine, gearbox, and air cleaners with oil – and it’s a lot of oil – and ensuring all gauges are functional.

Then for the moment of truth, as the team successfully starts the Rolls-Royce meteor V12 engine, albeit without exhaust pipes.

Without exhausts, it’s a lot louder than anyone bargained for – plus its smooth and easy start takes everyone by surprise as a very non-Centurian tank thing to do.

Next on the list is to fill the tank with water and antifreeze, run it to temperature, and check for leaks.

Temporary fuel systems are in place for these initial tests, and they plan to ensure the engine runs smoothly with the proper fuel tank later.

The final drive oils are then drained and refilled, with the team checking for metal filings and ensuring the gearbox and steering mechanisms are working correctly.

Work on the turret and elevation gearbox is ongoing.

It includes cleaning and repairing certain components, sourcing missing parts, and installing a Centurion traverse gearbox.

So what’s Mr Hewes going to do with it when it’s finished?

He could drive it around the streets of London like this guy to avoid congestion charges.