Smoke Ring

By Staff
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Well, Hi to all you wonderful folks! I’ m going to go right
to our letters for we have so many-

MIKE BERNAL, 677 Briarcliff Drive, San Jose, California 95123
says: ‘First of all, I must say thank you to G.E.M. for running
my ad for F-M parts in Jan-Feb. issue. I got tons of mail and want
to thank all those who wrote. Now that I have all the parts, I
would like to complete the restoration of my engine by painting it.
The engine is a 3 HP Fairbanks Morse with Sumpter make and break
ignition. The engine serial number is 271301. Can anyone tell me
what colors the engine and accessories might be? Any help
appreciated.’

You fellows with the information, get ready as HOWARD LIBBLE,
Box 548, Mt. Joy, Pennsylvania 17522 writes: ‘I would like
information on the following engines: Early Model D or E, Whizzer
bicycle engine kit, also the Johnson 2 cylinder, 2 cycle bicycle
kit. And on the Cushman ? HP, 2 cycle, battery ignition, Model 2,
type A, serial number 619.’

A new member to the gas collecting hobby is ALDRICH LARSON, Box
88, Saybrook, Illinois 61770 writes: ‘Having just recently
started collecting gas engines, I need a lot of help. A few months
ago I picked up one that I believe is a Fairmont Railroad engine,
3?’ piston, 2 cycle reversible, water-cooled. The cooling
hopper is closed at the top except for a ?’ hole in the bottom
of the small funnel cast one piece with the hopper. I need to know
the original size, shape and placement of the gas tank and what
kind of a carburetor did it have? Is there any information or
literature around that I can get describing these engines?’

JOHN BOEHM, 5140 Molakini Way, Fair Oaks, California 95620
recently acquired a Multnomah 2-cycle drag saw engine made by
Multnomah Iron Works, Portland, Oregon. He would like any
information or history about both the engine and the Multnomah
Company.

One of our Gas Engine Family seeks help as BEN HARTMANN, 1247
Dunn Road, Florissant, Missouri 63031 writes: ‘Recently, I
acquired a Faultless gasoline engine with ignitor 1? HP. Someone
told me they were made in Chicago, Illinois or Kansas City,
Missouri. This is all the information I have been able to get about
this engine. I thought maybe some of your readers might be able to
help with identifying color, date, etc.

In the past I have received a lot of help from your Smoke Rings.
I really enjoy your column and the Gas Engine Magazine.’

TOM McKUTCHEN, Supt., Milan Experiment Station, 205 Ellington
Drive, Milan, Tennessee 38358 writes: ‘The Gas Engine Magazine
is certainly enjoyable reading, especially the Smoke Rings
section.

Several months ago I wrote you concerning my ‘old’
wrench collection and the need for some information on
identification my manufacturer or use. The response was great. I
would like to hear from others who have or collect old wrenches
about how they identify and display them. Are there any new books
on the subject?

I also collect old USDA Yearbooks in addition to gas engines,
horsedrawn farm equipment and other farm related items.’

For Smoke Rings, says LES LAYTON, 729 Maxine Drive, Salem,
Oregon 97303 as he writes on: ‘Just a few words to thank you
for an excellent magazine. Our hobby would be much more difficult
without the information and services that you provide for engine
enthusiasts.

 I am interested in the Harris combine engine, 4 cyl. and
would like to volunteer to keep track of serial numbers. I
understand there are three sizes of these engines and they are
quite nice and run beautifully. I would also keep track of any
parts and pieces available for these engines. If any information
becomes available, I would include it with a newsletter to owners
who send me their serial numbers.’ (That’s nice Les, I
imagine there are some folks that would appreciate that
service.)

GREGG LANE, RR 1, Kilbourne, Illinois 62655 sends this: ‘My
grandfather just purchased a small gas engine, and we would like
help in identifying this engine. It has a bore of 1?’ and ?
horsepower. The previous owner said it had been used to power a
small generator. We would be glad to receive any information on
what kind of engine it is. Enclosed is a picture of the
engine’.

ROBERT MAYEUX, 2204 Comanche, Sulphur, Louisiana 70663 writes:
‘Thank you for publishing the story about the Cajun Country
Engine Club. It will be a reminder to all fellow engine collectors
that besides swamps and alligators in Louisiana, there are serious
engine collectors.

Would appreciate any information on a 6 HP Buckeye engine from
fellow GEM readers.

As you might have heard a thousand times, the GEM is the
greatest!’ (And thank you for my card-I am now an Official
Honorary Member of the Bayou Old Time Engine and Power Association-
Anna Mae.)

BRUCE PATTERSON, 3945 W. Blundell Road, Ludington, Michigan
49431 sends this: ‘I am trying to restore a Holland engine and
I need some information on it. It is a 4 HP upright, Serial no.
1243 made by the Holland Engine Co., Inc. Holland, Michigan U.S.A.
I would like to know what the proper colors are to paint it, what
the emblem on the water tank looked like, what year it was built,
and any other information I could get. I will appreciate any help I
can get!’ (He needs quite a few answers fellas-look out Bruce,
I’ll bet help is on the way.)

If you want to help CLARENCE R. MARSHALL, Warsaw, Illinois 62379
read this: ‘I bought a Carr ‘form grader’ and am in the
process of restoring it. According to a plate on the machine it was
made by the Carr Company, Chicago, Illinois. Can anyone give me
information concerning the color of this machine or anything else
of interest.’ (Anyone out there know about this? I don’t
believe I ever heard this mentioned before.)

More help is needed for ALLEN HANFORD, R.D. 5, Bridgeton, New
Jersey 08302, phone 609-455-2216. ‘A short time ago I acquired
the engine in the picture which I have enclosed. There is no name
any place on the engine, only numbers and a place where there had
been a nameplate. The previous owner said the engine was approved
by Under-writers Laboratory. Any help I can get in identifying this
engine will be greatly appreciated. I enjoy your magazine very
much.’ (Thank you Allen.)

A few questions from JAMES F. CREWS, Star Route, Box 4,
Arbovale, West Virginia 24915: ‘I own an upright NOVO model AG,
Ser. No. 31350. It is throttle governed, has magneto ignition and
one flywheel. Can anybody tell me what the horsepower it? The year
manufactured? The original color? I enjoy the magazine very
much.’ (Thanks Jim, we’re glad to hear this.)

JOHN MODESETTE, Route 2, Box 942, Chisago City, Minnesota 55013
is in need of more information on the Witte diesel engine. There is
no nameplate or serial number on the engine. If any of you readers
have this information, he would greatly appreciate hearing from
you.

A call for HELP comes from ED WILLIAMSON, c/o Dillon Supply
Company, P.O. Box 1111, Raleigh, North Carolina 27602, phone
919-266-3471. ‘I recently purchased a very old, small ? HP hit
and miss gas engine, manufactured by Sipp Machine Works, Paterson,
New Jersey. This engine weighs 67 lbs., a horizontal tank-cooled
type with vertical flyball governors which are driven by a small
belt from the cam gear. It also has a brass connecting rod,
carburetor and many other brass parts. It has 12′ spoke
flywheels and a l?’ piston. Wonder if there are many ? HP
engines of this style, including other makes?

I would appreciate especially hearing from you if you own a Sipp
engine or have knowledge of Sipp Machine Works.’

E. CARTER FEILD, Rt. 1, Sherwood Farms, Charlottesville,
Virginia 22901 asks: ‘What is the approximate manufacturing
date of a 2 HP hit and miss engine that has a nameplate on the side
(not front) of the water hopper that says ‘Economy Improved
Type 2 HP’? There is no other information than a serial number.
Thanks.’

From RAYMOND APRILL, 310 S. Washington Street, Oconto Falls,
Wisconsin 54154: ‘I recently found an old vertical or upright
air-cooled gas engine about 1 or 1? HP. The nameplate is missing.
Here are some of the numbers on castings-Base 2VC2, Block 3VC4,
Flywheel 1VC1, Head 2VC10. The bore of the engine is 2?’ stroke
3?’. Please help me identify this engine. It has Wico magneto
built inside flywheel.’

MORRIS BLOMGREN, Route 1, Siren, Wisconsin 54872 sends this tip:
‘I see from time to time in the G.E.M. there are several who
ask what year their McCormick tractors are made. The 10-20 and the
15-30, 22-36 have the year under the very bottom of the casting of
the tractor that is the last two numbers like if it was made in
1926, there is a 26 in the casting.’ (Thanks Morris, I believe
a lot of folks will appreciate that tip.)

This writing is from MARK MYERS, 822 S. Hazel Street, Auburn,
Indiana 46706: ‘This is my first letter to Smoke Rings. I have
been an avid collector for about ten years and have taken G.E.M.
for about five years. I enjoy it immensely.

First of all I have a Model 778 Delco Light Plant I have
restored, but I would like to know what kind of fuel pump it should
have or what it looks like. It has an eccentric on the end of the
camshaft that protrudes out the side of the engine block. Any
information will be greatly appreciated.

Also, when I have been to the shows I have noticed that the
restored John Deere gas engines such as the Model E’s are
painted with a much lighter shade of green than the original John
Deeres. Are there two colors of John Deere green as this paint
looks like it has more of a yellow tint to it?

In closing, I would like to say that a bunch of us have gotten
together and formed our own association and are planning to have a
show at our fairgrounds later on in June. We hope it will be a big
success. We call ourselves the Cedar Creek Antique Engine and
Tractor Association. (See Coming Events.)

You have a great column which I’m sure we all appreciate.
Keep up the good work and God Bless.’ (Thanks Mark, I needed
that.)

E. W. TIMMERMAN, Route 1, Box 11, Oakley, Illinois 62552 would
like to know if any of the readers remember the Severkroop engine.
It was a small size engine compared to Maytag and Briggs and
Stratton. He would like to correspond with anyone on the Severkroop
engine. Mr. Timmerman is a collector of gas engines. He also has a
collection of Crosley automobiles, and a Keck Gonnerman threshing
machine which he used to thresh their wheat.

Words penned from GERALD P. JAHREIS, 2908 Maple Avenue, Eden,
New York 14057 tells us: ‘I’ve been collecting tired iron
for about four years and have become attached to a couple of stray
dogs, a 2 HP vertical screen-cooled Famous and a 2? HP horizontal
hopper-cooled Famous. Perhaps some of your readers with a keen eye
for blood lines could tell me what the correct color and pin
stripes are for these engines. Some old boys tell me its red with
black moving parts. The IHC literature describes brewster green and
red enamel with gold stripes for the horizontal only. Are the
colors for the horizontal different than that of the vertical? I
wish to finish these engines as close and exact to original as
possible. Any help would be greatly appreciated.’

‘The arrival of GEM at our house signals a time whereby
everything stops until the magazine is read from cover to cover at
least twice. It’s a good thing GEM doesn’t come monthly or
I’d never get anything done around here.’-That’s the
comment from JOHN RASMUS-SEN, 6750 Rattalee Lake, Clarkston,
Michigan 48106 as he writes, read on: ‘I would like to extend
an offer to those persons interested in the Cat Ten. If people will
send me their names, addresses, phone number etc. along with the
serial number of their machine, I will put together a complete
list. (Cat-Alog). A SASE would be helpful in returning the
information to each person. All data should be to me by May 1, so I
can get the lists back by June 1. I’m suggesting that not more
than 50 Cat Tens exist today. (Write your dates anyhow-he certainly
can use them-I don’t believe there will be many letters to him
by May 1!)

If someone out there in GEM-LAND would be interested in taking
on a project, I’d like to see a list of John Deere unstyled
Model L tractors and owners put together much like I’m doing
for Cat Ten. This could develop into a fairly large task because
once again I’m guessing there are over 200 unstyled J.D. Model
L tractors. (Let us know about these projects, too-Anna Mae.)

N.A. ANDY KRUSE, P.O. Box 14, Park Ridge, Illinois 60068 would
like to correspond with anyone who has information on a Perkins 4
HP side-shaft gas engine type B. This engine has the igniter on top
of the cylinder head, not at the center of the head. He needs to
know how the trip arms were shaped and hooked up from the end of
side shaft to the igniter trip arm so as to restore to look
original. A picture of engine or reprint from catalog is okay.

BOB BURKE, 775 Lakeshore Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32303 needs
help: ‘I have been interested in antique engines for some years
and have several nice engines. A friend of mine gave me a pump that
needs much work-is there anybody out there in Engine Land that can
help me with this project. The pump was manufactured by The Hardie
Equipment Co., Hudson, Michigan. The number on the ID plate reads
5D 823, has two brass pistons and porcelain cylinders. All help
would be much appreciated. Again looking forward to receiving the
G.E.M.’

RICK PHILLIPS, Box 23, Billings, Missouri 65610 writes to you:
‘Please ask your readers if anyone has ever seen or heard of a
‘Hannebaum’ engine? This engine was built in Billings,
Missouri by William Hannebaum. From 1896 to 1930 Mr. Hannebaum
built and sold only 164 of these engines. I have a picture of the
inside of the shop which shows seven engines being assembled and
one in operation running a line shaft. Two of the engines in the
picture are fairly large, maybe 10 or 12 HP.

I only know where one of these engines is, but it is in terrible
shape, and the owner won’t sell it. It has been used as a log
splitter since about 1930. (See picture.)

The engine is a side shaft (on the wrong side) with a round rod
and five spoke flywheels. This engine was called a 2 HP, but the
flywheels are about 30′ across.

If anyone has one of these engines, please write to me, I would
really like to see what one looks like, and maybe even hear it
run.’

CHRIS BARTH, 217 Edgewood Drive, Marietta, Ohio 45750 tells you:
‘I need some information on a small REO motor, Model 211, Type
El, serial number 89596, horsepower unknown. I would like to know
the color, horsepower and any other information. I also would like
to say how much I like the G.E.M. I will answer all
letters.’

An interesting little story comes from PAUL NOAKE, North Camp,
Mildred Lake, Alberta, Canada TOA 3VO: ‘I have been getting
G.E.M. for a couple years and enjoy it greatly. You might say I am
a three generation engine man as my first engine, an M l? IHC was
bought new by my grandfather in 1918. I now have 8 engines but
don’t seem to have the magic touch in acquiring them that some
people do. I’ll keep plugging away in any case.

There is a strange twist to my hobby. A few issues ago it had a
story about Abe Zimmerman and the New Holland engine company. Well
my roots stem from Pennsylvania and when our family and many others
moved to Canada in the late 1800s, a Zimmerman family was one of
them. The Zimmerman’s family became related to our family so it
is highly likely that Abe is distantly related to ours. The most
prized engine I could possibly get would be-you guessed it a New
Holland. They are quite expensive but maybe someday I will get one.
Keep Smoke Rings blowing!’

GLENN ALLEN, Schaller, Iowa 51053 recently acquired a Ferro Auto
Marine engine. It has been out of use for many years. ‘We do
not often see marine engines here. This engine was made by Ferro
Machine and Foundry Co. of Cleveland, Ohio. It is Type K, Serial
number 28721, 7? HP, 800 rpm. I am sure it is a 2 cycle gasoline
and cranks left handed. Will probably run either way. I’m
particularly puzzled about oiling system. Any suggestions will be
greatly appreciated.’

Another Gas Fan is seeking some aid as GEORGE K. STEWART, JR.,
R.D. 1, Addison, New York 14801 says: ‘I received my first
G.E.M. in January and enjoyed it. I am collecting B.S. motors, all
sizes. I have an FH, a WM, three Y motors and many others. I would
like anyone to help me out on any-also colors of the FH & Y
models.’

Next writing comes from RICHARD CUMMINGS, 2287 W. Auburn Road,
Auburn Heights, Michigan 48057. Phone 313-852-4311 and he has a lot
of faith in our readers: ‘I recently purchased a very old 25 HP
Witte gas engine during my recent trip to Iowa. I am very much
interested in restoring this engine to its original condition. In
order that I might do this restoration, I am in need of some
information, photographs, and other necessary facts concerning this
Witte engine.

I am sure some of the readers could provide me with some
valuable information. I would like the names and addresses of
anyone connected with the Witte engine, and if possible some
historic data concerning this engine.

If anyone can help me, it will be Gas Engine Magazine and some
of its subscribers.’

CHARLES STRONG, 3137 East-land Drive, Pearl, Mississippi 39208
sends this letter: ‘I acquired a two cycle marine engine a year
or so ago and have completed restoration of the iron castings and
now need to have all the help and information I can get.

The information listed came from the crankcase inspection port
cover as the brass nameplate with serial number etc. is missing.
Caille Perfection Motor Company, Detroit, Michigan U.S.A. All
casting numbers begin with ED- I would guess horsepower to be 3 or
4? When I acquired the above engine I also acquired a Gibbons &
Stream, New Orleans, Louisiana U.S.A. Serial number 4946. This
engine would appear to have been manufactured by Caille Perfection
Motor Company as they basically have the same casting numbers
although one engine would appear to be a few years older than the
other but parts will interchange. The engine has the basic
appearance of the Red Wing marine engine pictured on page 17 of the
Nov-Dec. 1979 G.E.M. Thanking you in advance for your
help.’

DON FITZGERALD, 2362 Gale Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105
writes: ‘The rear axle roller bearings on a Fordson are usually
worn and should be replaced. The Hyatt roller bearing #1E425 is as
close a match as I can find. However, to use it the axle housing
would have to be bored out from the present 3.25 dia. to A 3.50
dia. Does anyone know if this is possible, or does anyone have a
better fix?

Recently I acquired a Fordson power unit, an engine, radiator,
dash and power take off unit, for belt work only. The governor is a
Jennings Engineering Company of Detroit and is inoperative because
of some missing parts. I would like to hear from anyone with this
information.’

CAL SUSONG, 2359 Triplett Blvd., Akron, Ohio 44312 would like to
hear from you: ‘I’ve just become owner of the biggest,
heaviest and ugliest engine out of the Pennsylvania oil fields, a
model B, 4 cycle, rotating side shaft Reid. It weighs in at around
8-10 tons with 6 foot flywheels. As this originally ran on natural
gas with a gas bag accumulator maybe someone can tell me exactly
how to run on propane for portable use.

Also, what mounting would be satisfactory for stationary use
besides a concrete base? I have 12′ x 24′ wood beams but am
not sure it would stay put on these. I would like to hear from
anyone having one of these engines.’

FRANK C. EZELL, Route 2, Chapel Hill, Indiana 37034 comments:
‘I know I am going to enjoy your magazines. I have lived on a
farm all my life and had seen gasoline engines at work pulling hay
balers, pumps, blacksmith shops etc. I have been fooling with
gasoline engines of my own since about 1963. I have two F-M
engines, one a 3 HP and a 6 HP. I use the 3 HP to run a trip hammer
in my shop. I have been running a blacksmith-machine shop for the
public since 1966. I did the machine work on the most used tractor
pulling sled in middle Tennessee. I also own a 1927 McCormick
Deering 15-30 tractor, a 1940 Farmall M and a 3 inch bore upright
steam engine. I would like to know what was the largest single
cylinder gasoline engine ever built?’

JIM HICKEY, 1333 El Rey Avenue, El Cajon, California 92021 sent
the following: ‘Here is a photo for Smoke Rings-It is of an old
Wico magneto of unusual design. It has a roller at the bottom which
makes me think it might have been used on a side shaft type engine.
Anybody out there know when these were made? What were they used
on?

Also a question for fellow readers-I have tried various types of
clear lacquer on brass fittings, oilers, grease cups, etc., but
after a while, it turns yellow or amber. Has anyone found a good
clear lacquer or whatever that won’t turn yellow with age?

I would suggest sending answers in to Smoke Rings so that all of
us can benefit from each other’s ideas.’ (We encourage you
all to send in answers to these questions and if it cannot be used
in the Smoke Rings we will try to make a single article out of the
copy.)

JACK CHANDLER, Route 5, Box 505, Carthage, Missouri 64839 wants
help: ‘I have been a subscriber to Gas Engine for the past
three years and thoroughly enjoy reading each issue from cover to
cover.

I am presently restoring a 1? HP Foos, type ‘J’ that
seems to be pretty well complete except for the governor weight and
lock out. I would like to correspond with anyone having an engine
like this or that would have any helpful information.’

A nice note comes from DAVID R. AIKENS, R.D. 2, Edinboro,
Pennsylvania 16412: ‘Please accept my compliments on the way
Gas Engine Magazine is put together and ask your readers to write
to me concerning the year Wico magnetos were put into production
and need to compare notes with a 2? HP Mogul owner.’

ART DICKEY, Corydon, Iowa 50060 writes for a friend:
‘Somebody did it to Erso Williamson of 415 North Franklin,
Corydon, Iowa 50060 again. They traded him an engine that the rest
of us tell him was never made. It is a small 2 cycle water-cooled
engine. The only name on it is cast in the side of the crank-case.
It reads Gardner Motor, St. Louis, Missouri. Erso would like to
hear from anyone who knows anything about it or from someone who
owns one.

KENNETH W. SMITH, Crain Road, Surry, New Hampshire 03431 calls
for help: ‘I would like to know if any readers have the year my
6 HP McCormick Deering International Harvester Co. was made and
also what color the engine was-serial number W4521. I would greatly
appreciate any help.’

This letter comes from D .D. COLEE, 7728 North Central Avenue,
Phoenix, Arizona 85020: ‘Thanks so much for your GEM of a
magazine. Perhaps the following would be of interest to our fellow
Smoke Ringers in reference to the 3 cylinder engine in Death
Valley. In the 20s or early 30s there was an Oil Tool Company in
Compton, California owned by a Mr. Mac-clatchie. They made engines
that were used in the oil fields around Bakersfield and vertical
shaft engines that were used for pumping water in the citrus groves
of southern California. Some of the well water was by-passed
through the cylinders for cooling. It is thought that they also
built some air-cooled engines in this style.

From 1929-34 they built 12 150 HP Macclatchie Panther aircraft
engines. These were of cylinder radial, most unusual. They were L
head, all other radials were overhead. In November 1930 a Timm
monoplane with a Panther engine set a new endurance record of 378
hours in the air, fueled with 5 gallon cans let down on a rope.
This airplane has been perfectly restored by the present
owner-Kieth Skeers, Glendale, Arizona and the old Panther still has
plenty of howl. The Macclatchie Oil Tool Company is still in
existence in Compton, however, it is now known as the Grant Oil
Tool Company.’

WANTED: Names by KEITH W. THOMPSON, 3 Helene Boulay Street,
Aylmer, Quebec, Canada J9J 1A1: ‘I am trying to set up a
register of names and addresses of owners of Massey-Harris
Challengers. Persons responding to this search will receive a copy
of the final register free of charge. I’ll also throw in a copy
of the original three page Nebraska Tractor Test done on the
Challengers in the 1930s. I have a copy of the Challenger parts
list #35 as well as the supplementary parts list, if anyone is in
need of same. The Challenger we have still has the original
Firestone 11.25′ x 36′ rubber, but needs a gas tank. Any
help you can give would be appreciated.’

WESLEY J. TRATHEN, 3025 W. Dayton, Flint, Michigan 48504 wants
comments from you readers: ‘I have most of an unusual engine
that I haven’t seen discussed in G.E.M. It is a SORG Oil engine
and is unusual in design having a crosshead and piston something
like a steam engine. I think it was used to drive a farm light
plant generator. If anyone out there in Engine Land can tell me who
built them, approximate years of manufacturing and type of ignition
system, I would be grateful.’

Here’s one for Smoke Rings says JOHN R. BEIRNE, 108 Little
Neck Road, Ipswich, Massachusetts 01938: ‘I have just gotten in
this very intriguing hobby by getting hold of a 3 HP Gray marine
engine which I plan to put into a boat and recently a 1? HP Olds
type A horizontal engine. It is with this new teaser which I am
definitely in need of help. The engine only has part of its timer
left. The remainder I will try to manufacture the part if I can get
a description of one. The other problem is with the carb. It came
with a Schebler marine type carb which I am pretty sure is not the
original. Can anyone give me an idea what they usually had? Any
information, literature, etc. would help. Also a year of the
manufacture would be a find. Shop number is D9213.’

Comments come from DENNIS SATTLER, 4725 Morgan Territory Road,
Clayton, California 94517; ‘This past Jan.-Feb. issue was
enjoyable because of the article written by Ray Twillman on the
rescued Titan. People who care enough to restore these old relics
are as special as these old tractors. I can just imagine how Emil
Leimwehler’s heart must have been thumping as the Titan broke
through the surface of the water. Congratulations for choosing this
article to print and I hope you will be successful in publishing
more of these unusual finds.’

W. E. NEAL, 613-8th Avenue, Charles City, Iowa 50616 wrote:
‘I read the article about the Horton washing machine and am
wondering how many people know that Hart Parr built washing
machines. Between 1924 and 1927 they built 4168 of them. The two
cups went up and down to make a vacuum effect. The tub itself
turned around also. It was made of copper. It could be had with a
gas burner under the tub to keep the water hot. They were available
on electric motor or Cushman gas engine or belt pulley. They were a
well-built machine and have good service. The museum here in
Charles City has one on display.

Also a friend of mine recently acquired a Milwaukee engine,
serial number 813, 6 inch bore and 10 inch stroke. We are wondering
when they were built as we have never heard anything about them. I
would like some information if anyone has any.’

Another request for help comes from JIM WALDORF, Route 3,
Osakis, Minnesota 56360: ‘I would like to thank all of those
who wrote to me and helped me out with serial numbers on the F-20
Farmall. I have learned a lot and would be glad to help out any way
I can to someone else.

I have now acquired an F-12 and possibly an F-14. I can’t
find any information on them around here so I would like to know
especially what year they are. I also have acquired a 1? HP
Fairbanks Morse model Z engine, #522567 is stamped on the water
hopper. It also has patent dates 10-17-16; 1-9-17 and 6-12-17. I
would appreciate any information but especially the year and
approximate value.’

THOMAS H. BOWER, 2067 Canton Road, Akron, Ohio 44312 explains:
‘I am restoring a 1933 iron wheel F-12 tractor. I have the
decals and am ready to paint, but I haven’t seen the tractor
before and I don’t know what it should look like when finished.
I have rebuilt engine, transmission, radiator put new seals and
gearings throughout. Please help me if you can. (You’ll
probably get some answers from these readers Tom- they’re a
great bunch.)

DONALD SOKUP, Route 2, Elk Mound, Wisconsin 54739 writes:
‘Some time ago you ran an article about the Dan Patch gasoline
engine. Enclosed is a picture of one, which I was interested in for
some time. I finally made a trade with the owner. We dragged the
engine from the brush and brought it home to restore it. The color
and pin striping could still be seen in spots, so it is painted
originally to the best of my knowledge. Serial number is 2944.
Horsepower rating is not stamped on the plate, but it seems to be
about a 3 HP refuting other information that only 5 HP and up were
Dan Patches. I certainly am glad to have it in my
collection.’

Some questions from JAY WHEELER, R.R. 2, Sibley, Iowa 51249:
‘I recently purchased two Hart-Parr Oliver Models 18-27
tractors. One is a single front wheel while the other is a dual
front wheel model. The single front wheel Hart-Parr is missing the
brass nameplate on the side of the engine block. Does anyone know
if there are any numbers elsewhere on the tractor that would
indicate its serial number? By chance, does anyone know the
starting serial numbers for the different 18-27 models? Both
tractors are missing some parts (see ad this issue), but are
otherwise in good shape.

I am also curious as to details about my Oliver Model 25 tractor
and its Lessman mechanical loader. This unit looks like it was used
in a gravel pit or some similar operation.

One final thing, I am very interested in old wind-powered
generators and am fortunate to have a Win-charger unit made in
Sioux City, Iowa. I know most were painted yellow but mine is red
and as near as I can tell is a Model 1000A. Does anyone know the
particulars of this unit? Thank you all and keep up the good
work.’

ROBERT A. JOHNSON, Box 358, Lanyon, Texas 79015 says: ‘I
enjoy your magazine very much and wish I’d gotten all your
issues for a better reference library. I need to know the original
colors for a 4 HP Monitor and a 2? HP Thermoil. Sure hope someone
can help me!’ (I feel sure help will be on the way, Bob.)

HAROLD W. HAUGER, RD 2, 10819 Tucker Road, Mt. Vernon, Ohio
43050 sends this: ‘I recently acquired a 2 HP Witte engine,
serial number 55471. I would like to hear from anyone who could
tell me the year it was made. I believe it to be quite old as it
has wick oilers for the main bearings. It has spark plug ignition.
I believe the magneto to be a Bosch, although I cannot find any
name on it. Any help on the Witte Engine Company would also be
appreciated.

I really enjoy G.E.M. and the color pictures now appearing. I
look forward to every issue. Many thanks!’

More questions come from DALE NICKERSON, Glasgow Road,
Cassadaga, New York 14718: ‘On page 17 of May-June 1972 G.E.M.
an article by Carlton Mull – How Your Hobby Started – it mentions a
Nickerson engine. My question is: Does anyone in Tired Iron Land
have one? Has anyone ever seen one at a show or in a museum? I sure
would like to see one or have a picture of one.

Also this, on page 15 of Nov.-Dec. 1979 issue, there are
pictures of my vertical Lazier engine. I did not receive any
information concerning it. I would like to know if anyone has one
or has seen one like it. Said I would have her running by Spring.
Actually, I started her up January 13. Can’t say it’s a
smooth running engine. Will say this for her, with that ported
exhaust, she sure does bark!’

FRANK BRUXER, Dublin, Ontario, Canada NOK 1EO has a Type A, 1?
HP engine manufactured by the United Engine Company of Lansing,
Michigan. Engine number 80408, air-cooled. Can anyone tell him the
approximate date of manufacture, etc. He will be watching the mails
for answers.

Awaiting help with the identifying of his engine is JOHN H.
HARRISON, 4301 Bruceville Road, Vincennes, Indiana 47591: ‘I
need your help to identify date and determine the horsepower of the
two cycle oil engine (see enclosed picture) shown here. I suspect
it might be a Muncie or Anderson.

The head, cylinder and block are all stamped with the number 222
and ‘451 patent applied for.’ The name-plate is long gone,
the flywheels are 50′ in diameter. The bore is about 9′ and
stroke 12′.

It previously was used as a power source for a large primitive
farm elevator in southern Illinois near the Wabash River.’

H. L. RITTER, Route 5, Box 127, Fulton, New York 13069 wants to
share a letter he received from Douglas Erickson, 3952 Douglas
Road, Cocanut Grove, Florida 33133: ‘I received the following
letter and it is rather interesting. I thought I would pass it on
as many of you are interested in May tags. I would like to hear
your comments and we’ll put them in G.E.M. for all to read:

‘Have just started collecting antique gas engines and in
going through some old issues of G.E.M. your letter in the May/June
1977 number showing interest in Maytag mowers caught my eye. I have
a four wheel model M-48 in excellent condition and the following
story came with it.

Maytag built about 2200 mowers of which 400 or less had four
wheels, all the rest had three. It is run by a Twin Maytag model
72-D, but there is no serial number. For some unknown reason the
engines used on mowers never had a serial number stamped on the
flywheel and if there is one the engine is not original. On the
mag. plate of mine it says model 72-D, serial 3599, but this serial
number as with mag. plate serial numbers on all Maytag engines was
an inspector’s number that can no longer be traced and has
nothing to do with a serial number as we know it. I have about a
dozen Maytags of different models and there is no relation between
the mag. plate and flywheel serial.’

RICH KRUMM, 13075 West Watson Road, Sunset Hills, Missouri 63127
would like to know if there is a way to find out the serial number
of a 4 HP Witte that came out of a Hardie sprayer that doesn’t
have an engine identification tag.

Also he would like to know the year built and RPM of a 5 HP
Witte, Serial number 4811. He would also like information on the
following engines: year built and color of 1? HP Sattley, serial
number 75279, year built of Stover 2 HP type K, serial number
KA190986. Also the color of the Boss Mixer that this engine came
out of. Next, year built, horsepower and where the gas tank was
mounted on an Ottawa Log Saw, serial number C29926, bore
4****’, stroke 5′, flywheels; 7′ diameter. Also the
RPM. And, the year built of these engines: 3 HP Novo, serial number
36124; 2 HP Hercules, serial number 296835; Cushman Farm Master,
serial number A11913; 3/4 HP Associated, serial number 14446;
Economy 6 HP, serial number 3829 and 2? HP serial number 13672;
Cushman 4 HP, model C lightweight, serial number 37112 and also the
color of this engine.’ (Boy, that’s a lot of information
wanted fellows, you’ll be busy answering him.)

A letter to the G.E.M. family comes from VERN TIETZ, 966 Post
Lane, Clarkston, Washington 99403: ‘Hello Fellow Collectors –
We have recently acquired a 5 HP Falk engine and could sure use
some help on it. (See Want Ads.) The nametag reads The Falk Engine
Co., Milwaukee U.S.A. Licensed under Secor-Higgins. System of oil
combustion, kerosene engines. The last patent date on it is Dec.
17, 1907, Serial number B 63 rpm 450. This is one of the prettiest
brass nametags I have ever seen. It has a falcon in flight with
clouds around it. We need as much information on this as possible,
as we are missing some parts. Also it is a side shaft with more
parts and goodies on it then I have ever seen on an engine. We
don’t understand what some of the parts are, so please help. We
need pictures if possible, and we would be deeply grateful for any
correspondence with anyone who has a Falk engine.

We also have a 4 HP New Way, vertical, Model D type F, serial
number B2947. Could anyone out there please tell us what year this
engine may be and what color? It has a single flywheel with a
shroud that goes over the flywheel and fan and up and wraps around
the cylinder. The gas tank sets in a bracket off to the side of the
cylinder. It has a brass Holley carburetor. Any information on this
engine would be a great help.

Also I have a 3? or 4 HP Novo. We would surely like to know the
age and color. There is no nametag on the engine, however, it has a
number stamped into the top of the water hopper 82062. Is this the
serial number?

One last engine-we also have a 3 HP Famous International
vertical, serial number LA 24188. We would like to know when it was
made. And, can you use the same red used on today’s
International equipment? Any information on any of these engines
will be a great help. Would especially appreciate correspondence on
the Falk engine. Thanks so much. And Happy Collecting to
everyone!’

Help call comes from GEORGE H. HEISE, 1313 Kingsway Drive, Cape
Girardeau, Missouri 63701: ‘I have an old water-cooled one
cylinder engine that runs on kerosene. It was bought new in the
1920s. It has no ignition and no spark plug or glow plug. It is
supposed to ignite on compression. It was manufactured in the USA
under R. M. HVID Company. It is a No. U7180, 3 HP, 600 RPM. It was
patented Oct. 22, 1907, Dec. 28, 1915, May 18, 1909, April 6, 1915.
This is all that appears on the nameplate – no name of the engine
appears.

It set out in the open weather for about 40 years. It was all
stuck up. I took it apart and cleaned it. It has real good
compression but I am having a problem getting it started. I am
wondering if any of your readers might know something about an
engine of this type.

I would appreciate very much hearing from anyone who might be
able to help me with this engine.’

GLENN KIRTON, Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada writes: ‘I need
help in identifying a Light Plant I have. The flywheel is 17′
in diameter, 4?’ thick with cooling pins as part of the
flywheel. Has a 3′ bore and a control panel 12 x 15′
mounted on behind cylinder. Panel has three heavy duty switches and
a type M.S. Amprere Hour Meter with tag stating 15 amp manufactured
by Sangamo Electric Company, also Dominion Light Batter Gauge name
on it. Hope I hear from someone on this-your help will be
appreciated.

RICHARD D. HAMP, 1772 Conrad Avenue, San Jose, California 95124
writes: ‘This is a response to John Bonawent’s letter in
Jan.-Feb. Smoke Rings 1980 issue. He was inquiring about gas engine
clubs in the Santa Cruz and San Francisco area of California. A new
engine club was started in these areas just one year ago. The club
is Branch #3 of the Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association.
Already we have about 175 members. If anybody is interested in
joining our club the dues are $3.00 per year and our secretary is
Ursula Greenwald, 528 Stagg Lane, Santa Cruz, California 95062. Our
club president is Walt Simonds, 350 Ranchitos Road, San Rafael,
California 94903.

I need some help from my fellow engine collectors. A pal and I
both own 1 HP IHC Tom Thumb engines.  Our engines are complete
except for battery boxes. We are wondering if anybody out there in
Engine Land has a Tom Thumb engine with an original battery box. If
they do, we would like a detailed sketch of it so we could build
one for our engines. We would appreciate this very much.’

Another man looking for data on his engine as this letter comes
from CRAIG WILEY, R.D. 1, Box 270, Polk, Ohio 44866: ‘I
recently acquired a Foos Type J gas engine, made by the Foos Gas
Engine Company in Springfield, Ohio. The engine is 2? HP, 400 rpm,
serial number 38716. It is a horizontal hit and miss type, with
flywheel diameter of 24′, a bore of 4?’ and a 7′
stroke. Ignition system is battery, coil, and a Stitt spark plug,
with 7/8‘ pipe threads. The gas tank is
strapped to the front of the water hopper, above the head. There is
a brass pet cock-priming cup on the opposite side of the engine as
the working parts. The engine is a dark color, and the wooden skids
are red. The name Foos is painted in large silver letters on the
side of the water hopper.

I hope some of you readers can offer me some information about
this engine. I have written to several Foos owners and none seem to
know much about the engines or the company that made them. Someone
told me the Foos Company still exists in Springfield; they make
brass fittings for fire hose. Would anyone know the address? I am
interested in finding out the age of this engine, size and shape of
original gas tank, if there was originally a splash guard over the
crankshaft and any other information any readers have to offer.
Also, a question about FM engines-is it still possible to get
igniter springs for a 1917 FM 1? HP headless? Certainly hope some
of you can help me. I will try to answer all letters. Thanks
alot.’

From across the ocean we print this letter from DAVID RIMMER,
77, Radnor Drive, Churchtown, Southport, Merseyside PR9 9RS
England: ‘I am writing to your magazine hoping that someone
will be able to assist me on my Emmerson Brantingham barn
engine.

The engine was found outside and siezed up but the magneto
worked. The only parts missing were the oiler for the piston and
the governors at the back of the engine that connect onto the
governor’s sleeve. These had been broken off. There are two
arms, one goes to the sleeve, and the other to the igniter arm and
I am missing the two bits on top.

I have had two gears made and the pins for the same, the
Websters magneto overhauled and a new push rod roller as well as
other pins. The engine is near 75% completion and is a type
‘U’ 2 HP at 500 rpm.

I would like photos of the governors and the size of them, the
color and the instruction manual (photo copy) if possible.

With regards to the above Association, I formed this in March
79. The engine, a Hesford was made at a nearby town of Ormskirk,
Lancashire. The firm is still trading but do not make anymore
engines and all the files have been destroyed. I have one, but
needs a lot doing to it.

Should any Association like to write to us on their activities,
we would be pleased to hear from them.

Hoping that someone will be able to assist.’

And that, Dear People, ends the letters for this time-do hope
you have a wonderful summer and hope you can get enough gas to get
to the reunions and get enough fuel to run the display engines. In
closing may I leave this thought: Bear in mind that children of all
ages have one thing in common, they close their eyes to advice and
open their eyes to example.

  • Published on May 1, 1980
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