Reflections

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21/7/35
21/7/35

21/7/10 Q. I need information on a Sandwich 1
HP engine, s/n A23603. It was buried in a cranberry bog. It turns
over, but is missing the head. How do I go about finding one, and
what year would this engine be? Ed Schnurr, 12 Cedrus Road, Sharon,
MA 02067.

A. We would suggest advertising in GEM for a
head, and also check the parts available at the many shows and swap
meets. We would guess your engine to be of 1920’s vintage.

2I/7/11 Q. Edward G. Belles, 17 Mist Hill Dr.,
Brookfield, CT 06804 sends a photo of a restored 6 HP Hercules
engine (21/7/11a). Photo 21/7/11b shows a 7 HP Economy engine that
a group of volunteers at the Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic, CT are
planning to restore for display on the fishing schooner L. A.
Dunton. It carries s/n 93042. Can this engine be dated from the
serial number? This might be helpful in locating missing parts.

A. There seems to be little doubt this is an
Economy engine as sold by Sears, Roebuck &. Company. Since a
great many Economy engines were sold, finding parts should not be
extremely difficult, particularly since few changes were made to
the design over a long period of production.

21/7/12 Q. I have Leader Iron Works engine, I
HP, made in Decatur, Illinois. Also have a Dunn motor by Walter E.
Dunn, Ogdensburg, NY. It is a small vertical, 4-cycle weighing
about 80 pounds, and uses a 3 inch bore and stroke. It somewhat
resembles the engine shown on page 142 of American Gas Engines.
Would like any information of the above. Howard A. Houck, RD I,
Galway Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

A. Regarding the Leader engine, see 21/7/8
above. In the interim since American Gas Engines was
published we have not found any further information on the Dunn
engines, although it would appear that quite a few were built.

21/7/13 Q. I recently acquired an Earthmaster
tractor, and would like to know more about it. Harry Allen, 907
Country Club Drive, Reidsville, NC 27320.

A. The Earthmaster Farm Equipment Company is
illustrated in Encyclopedia of American Farm Tractors
among others. Referring to the 1951 Red Tractor Book, it is seen
that three different models were available, all using the
Continental N62 engine. Except for the data listed in the Red Book
or Tractor Field Book, we have been unable to locate any amount of
data on the Earthmaster tractors.

21/7/14 Q. Can you supply any information on a
Witte engine s/n 57618? Russell Whaley, L5620 Red F. C. Hwy,
Redmond, WA 98052.

A. See the Reflector’s introductory column
at the head of this section for the address of Witte historical
information.

21/7/15 Q Could you give us the proper colors
for a McCormick-Deering horsedrawn cultivator? George A. Fizer, Box
3128, Deer Park, MD 21550.

A. Since our files are barren of the
McCormick-Deering cultivators in color, perhaps one of our readers
might be able to help.

21/7/16

George L. Smith, 13905 Armentrout Road, Fredericktown, OH 43019
offers a couple of money-saving ideas: ‘I winterize my engines
with windshield washer anti-freeze instead of regular anti-freeze,
as it is much cheaper, and gives protection to about -20 F. Dry
cell batteries that are about done for can gain a few more hours of
operation by putting them on the battery charger for a while.

21/7/17 Q Can you supply year built for the
following Fairbanks-Morse ‘Z’ engines: s/n 861885, 235000,
455985. Also year built, proper color, and striping for Novo Model
S, 2 HP, s/n 88590. What is the proper compression for the average
gas engine? Eugene Thompson, 105 Haw-brook, Jerseyville, IL
62052.

A. Approximate years for the Fairbanks engines
as listed would be 1944, 1917, 1920. No serial number data is known
to exist on the Novo engines, but their color is closely comparable
DuPont 93-77161 green. To our knowledge they have very little
striping. To be truthful about it, the Reflector never tried a
compression test on a vintage engine, but a study of early manuals
and engineering books shows that opinion differed greatly among
designers and manufacturers. Roberts’ Gas Engine
Handbook
of 1917 states the 85 psi is the best pressure for
medium speed engines. We would guess however, that design pressures
probably varied at least 15 psi either way from this figure,
depending on the notion of the designer.

2I/7/18 Q. Is there anyone in Engine Land that
has or perhaps has had a Faultless washing machine, s/n CC38337. It
has a Briggs & Stratton engine FH54955. It was made by Vulcan
Mfg. Co., Kansas City, MO. I restored it some years ago and am
trying to track it down. Niels Ebbesen, RR 2, Box 25, Hurly, SD
57036.

21/7/19 QCan anyone provide information on the
Crude Oil Mfg. & Engine Co. of Muncie, Indiana. They built
crude oil engines with glow plug ignition. Fred G. Rohde, 16244
Wallace Street, South Holland, IL 60473.

A. The Reflector is no help at all on this
companynever heard of it before, but perhaps someone else can
provide some information.

21/7/20 Q Can anyone provide information on a
United engine, Type F, 4 HP, s/n 62876 (see adjacent photo). Who
built it and when? What was the original color? L. H. Reed, North
Central Agency, Box 331, Cadillac, MI 49601.

A. From all indications we have seen, this
engine was built by Associated Manufacturers, Waterloo, Iowa.
Actual assembly was probably made at Associated’s nearby plant
in Independence, Iowa. Dupont’s 8554 Red is probably a close
match. American Gas Engines includes numerous historical points
on the United line under this heading.

21/7/21 Q Page 557 of American Gas Engines
gives Trademark No. 197,975 as being the number for the Witte
engine. Since this appears to be incorrect could you supply the
proper number. I am intensely interested in any and all of the
Witte models, and would enjoy hearing from anyone with information
on the Witte line. Russ Casky, Box 27354, Concord, CA 94527.

A. You are correct197,995 is the serial number
for the Witte Trademark. This number was used when the mark was
published for opposition in August, 1924. When the mark was issued
in October, 1924, it acquired T.M. No. 190,936. Kindly refer to our
opening statement at the head of the Reflections column for further
information on Witte.

21/7/22 Q Can anyone help us identify the
engine shown in the adjoining photo? Obviously it is a railway
handcar engine, but beyond that we have no further information.
There are no marks or numbers anywhere on the engine. Peter
Nortcliffe, Box 723, Blairmore, Alberta, Canada.

21/7/23 Q Tom Milke, 37 Huntley Rd., Marion, NY
14505 would like to know the horse power and approximate age of a
Waterloo Boy gas engine with a 4 inch diameter piston, 22 inch
flywheels, and using a Wizard magneto. Would also like to
correspond with someone who has a Crofton ‘Bug’ built
between 1959-1961. Tom’s is Body #1017, Engine No. 200880.

A. The Waterloo Boy is probably a 2 HP Type H
engine built from about 1918 into the early 1920’s.

21/7/24 Q. Wallis F. Altom, 1127 Evans,
Kirkwood, MO 63122 is restoring an Oliver Cletrac HG68 tractor with
a Continental engine, and needs to borrow shop manuals, parts books
etc.

21/7/25

Dr. Paul Detloff D.V.M., Route 3, Box 189, Arcadia, WI 54612
sends us some detailed information regarding a new association he
has helped to organize this one is dedicated to the preservation of
vintage cream separators. Dr. Detloff indicates that there has been
a surprising amount of interest shown in this project, so the
Reflector suggests that if you find yourself interested, contact
Dr. Detloff for further information. This new club is also
publishing a quarterly newsletter.

21/7/26 Q Where can one find repair parts for a
Fairbanks-Morse 3 HP ‘Z’ engine? Ronnie Thompson, RR 1, Box
717, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.

A. May we suggest a ‘Wanted’ ad in GEM
or perhaps some of the regular GEM advertisers might be able to
provide what you need.

21/7/27 Q I have 2 Associated engines, a 6 HP
and a 2 HP size. The problem is that the unions from the carbuertor
body and check valves are to me unidentifiable threads. Can you
advise of the threads used, and a possible supplier of suitable
taps and dies. Alan Richins, 2 Rose Cottages, Village Road, Denham,
Uxbridge, UB9 5BH England.

A. We assume you are referring to the pipe
threads from the union to the check valve. This should be either
1/8, NPT or NPT. These are standard pipe
thread sizes in the U.S., with both the taps and dies, readily
available. To be sure, measure up the fittings, and with a thread
gauge in ‘threads per inch’ check the pitch. If you
don’t have Machinery’s Handbook or a similar U.S.
title, perhaps your local library might have same. Most of the
larger machine shops in the U.K. will also have this information we
believe.

21/7/28

Ray Hudson, Box 1, Site 2, RR 3, Coronation, Alberta T0C 1C0
Canada notes that he can find no specific data on the cast-frame
Case 9-18 tractor. Did this tractor have a smaller motor than the
later 10-18 or was it re-rated. Any information will be
appreciated.

21/7/29 Q Clayton A. Carr, RD I, Box 400,
Bucksport, Maine 04416 would like to know more about a Brownwall I
HP engine, including proper color.

A. We don’t believe the Brownwall to be
especially plentiful, at least not in the Midwest. So far as we
know, they were blue, comparable to DuPont 7165.

21/7/30 Q  I have a Sprywheel Garden
Tractor of about 1920, but it is a basket case. It was built by
Sprywheel Division, H. C. Dodge Inc., New York City. Any
information regarding this unit will be greatly appreciated. Doug
Tallman, Route I, Box 33, Greenwich, OH 44837.

A. Mr. Tallman writes extensively of this
tractor and its condition, but the Sprywheel is a new one for our
column, so if anyone can be of help, kindly contact Doug at the
above address.

21/7/31

Jack Versteeg, 1215 Jays Dr NE, Salem, OR 97303 notes that many
people write in requesting information on Fairbanks-Morse engines.
He writes:

‘From time to time people write in requesting information on
when their Fairbanks-Morse was made. In a lot of cases they
can’t find a serial number, so they look at the name tag, and
it shows the patent dates. They then figure that this date is when
the engine was built. This does not necessarily mean what they
think. All it means is that this type of engine was patented on
that particular date. In most cases the ‘Z’ line has a
raised spot on top of the hopper with a six digit number on it. The
Eclipse is also numbered this way. The ‘N’ line will
probably have it stamped on the end of the crankshaft, the date of
manufacture is usually found here.

‘There are a lot of good literature sellers advertising in
GEM and I would say that most can help with Fairbanks-Morse
literature. Power in the Past, Vol. 2 is a must for any
Fairbanks-Morse collector.

‘There are a lot of exceptions to the above, i.e., the
crankshaft might have been replaced and not restamped. But
don’t despair, there is help out there!’

21/7/32 Q M. C. Saville, 2826 Minerva Lake Rd.,
Columbus, OH 43229 would like the dimensions of the atomizer hole
in the brass nozzle carburetor assembly as used on the
Fairbanks-Morse 1 HP Mode! ‘Z’ battery-equipped engine
(dishpan flywheels). Also what is the correct color of red paint
for these engines?

A. Since we don’t have one of the above
engines, we cannot give you the correct dimension, but surely
another owner might take time to measure it up and provide the
information. We believe the Fairbanks-Morse red enamel closely
corresponds with DuPont 674 Red.

21/7/33 Q  I am trying to find information
on getting a license to run steam traction engines. Where can I get
this information to study for the test to apply for the steam
engine license? Mark E. Brandt, N. Rt. Box 228, Nashua, MT
59248.

A. Since licensing requirements are different
in each state (in fact, many states have no license requirements at
all), we suggest you contact the Chief Boiler Inspector in your
state as a start. Meanwhile, several good titles are available,
including Steam Engine Guide from Stemgas Publishing Company,
publishers of GEM.

21/7/34

I recently traded a Model 92 Maytag for what I thought was an
upright Maytag. It now appears to be a HP Elgin. I am missing the
carburetor (see ad in Wanted column in June issue). I tried a carb
from a Model 82 Maytag which would not fit. Also need information
on how to make the fibre contact wheel for the timer, and timing
instructions. Marvin Frahm’s book on Maytags has a good picture
of my engine on page 104. This book does not however, give the
proper color for the Elgin (Redemotor). Also would like a sketch of
dimensions for a small engine cart like used on the 1
McCormick-Deering or 1 HP Deere. Monte Shockman, 5021 Peg Street,
Boise, Idaho 83705.

21/7/35 Q  The below photograph, shows a
large continuous-type cement mixer we are presently restoring. This
mixer was used to build much of the south half of St. Cloud,
Minnesota in its day. The large 12 x 18 inch name tag is gone,
although the 6 HP engine still has its s/n of 80258 in place. The
lower frame, axles, and wheels were painted red. What is the proper
color of the engine house, drum, and framework over the drum? We
would like further information on the mixer as to the manufacturer,
dates built, etc.

On another subject, the DuPont Dulux numbers have been referred
to quite often, so I went to the local DuPont distributor to get a
color chart. The results… He has an old Dulux chart with the same
numbers being referred to in GEM, but he can not get a new Dulux
chart for me after contacting DuPont factory reps several times. Is
the Reflector or GEM readers aware of this problem? Craig Fiedler,
1713 South 8 Avenue, St. Cloud, MN 56301.

A. We are aware of renewed interest in
acquiring vintage cement mixers, but unfortunately we failed to
acquire any of this material in years past. The result is that our
files have very little to offer, so we must pass this one along to
our readers.

Over the past several months, and especially since we began work
on a color guide for engines and tractors, the Reflector has
learned a lot about the paint business! Several DuPont distributors
tell us they are contemplating the complete elimination of the
DuPont Dulux line in favor of the DuPont Centari Acrylic enamels.
As we understand it, the Centari line should be available in the
same colorsour assumption is that this is a matter of converting
Dulux numbers to Centari numbers. Having used a little Centari
acrylic, we would suggest using this product or similar products by
Ditzler, Sherwin-Williams, and other manufacturers. As a footnote
to the matter of developing a paint guide, the Reflector also
discovered a numerical error on the part of one of the paint
manufacturer’s recently the number given in the book was
somewhat different than that shown on the chart! Thus, assembling a
reliable paint color guide has indeed been a challenging and
time-consuming task!

21/7/38

Walt Celley, RR 1, Cabot, VT 05647 writes: I’ve recently
come onto some information that I think would be of interest to
many collectors. Although I have never owned a ‘Miami’
engine I have had several ‘Woodpecker’ engines, both tank
and hopper cooled, and wondered why the Miami tag on what appeared
to be an identical engine to the ‘Woodpecker.’

21/7/39 Q. I have four Caterpillar tractors and
the engines have seized on two of them. I had engine oil in the
cylinders but two seized anyway. It has been suggested that I use
Diesel fuel to free them up. I did this and they are still seized.
Other suggestions include WD-40, brake fluid, etc. What is the best
thing to try? Can you give the name of some company that can help
solve this problem? What should I do to keep this from happening in
the future? Ken Irby, Box 15, Baker, OR 97814.

A. Over the past year the Reflector has heard
of more ways to free stuck engines, than there are engines. In
other words, there seem to be a lot of approaches to the problem.
However, in the ‘Readers Write’ section following, you will
see a solution that might make good sense. So far as the engines
seizing to begin with, that’s another issue. Storing engines
within closed steel buildings seems to aggravate the problem, at
least in some cases. If the building is closed up tight,
condensation becomes a problem, and with sudden temperature
changes, the inside cylinder walls likewise become good condensers
for the excess humidity. We would suggest putting a mixture of oil
and STP in the cylinders when laying up, or even using straight STP
or similar products. The STP leaves a film that is very difficult
to remove, and this might be helpful in preventing the seizing.
After putting these products in the cylinders, it would be
necessary to turn the engine over several times. We know of no
consulting company offering a solution to your problem
specifically.

21/7/40  Q. What year did
Minneapolis-Moline change the logo from ‘M-M Twin City’ to
‘Minneapolis-Moline.’ What year is an FTA s/n 156841; an
MTA s/n 527388; JP s/n 550828. What color are the wheels on these
tractors, and were any decals used? Also need information on a
Cletrac, s/n plate gone, but motor is stamped with date of 6/2/27.
W. P. (Bill) Wiske and son Bill, 509 N. Oak, Medicine Lodge, KS
67104.

A. The FTA is a 1937 as is the MTA. The
Universal JT is a 1935. We can’t give you an exact color for
the wheels, nor for the decal scheme. Need more information on the
Cletrac to determine the model etc.

READERS WRITE

Model T spark coils

Dick Hamp, 1772 Conrad Ave., San Jose, CA 95124 sends a clipping
from Vol. 12, No. 5 of the Vintage Ford Magazine. This article
details the use of 12 volts on the Model T to replace the 6 volt
system. The Editor of this paper notes that ‘using twelve volts
on ignition coils won’t harm them much faster than six volts
would.’

Tom Thumb Serial Numbers

Craig Fiedler, 1713 South 8 Ave., St. Cloud, MN 56301 writes
that the serial number for these engines is stamped on the end of
the crankshaft, per May, 1985 GEM, page 28.

Freeing Seized Pistons

Doug Tallman, RR 1, Box 33, Greenwich, OH 44837 gives his method
of freeing seized pistons: ‘Remove the head and pour in about
an inch of diesel fuel. Using a long lighted paper, light the fuel
in the open cylinder. DO NOT USE GASOLINE!!!! The heat generated
will expand the cylinder, and the heated fuel will have a tendency
to seep down along the cylinder walls. Usually this works the first
time, but sometimes two or three applications have been necessary.
However, it has never failed to work for me!’

(Ed Note) This novel method might very well be a good solution
to the problem, but of course it would be totally unsuitable for
closed head engines, since this could well lead to a disastrous
explosion! Because of the attendant dangers involved, the Reflector
includes this method only for your information. As the usual
disclaimer readswe assume no liability, express or implied by or
through the use of this process!

20/3/1 June 1985 GEM

The air cooled engine in the truck was made by Clark Engine Co.,
Toronto, Ontario. Ray Hudson, Box 1, Site 2, RR 3, Coronation,
Alta.

21/4/10 Case RC paint colors

In repainting my Case RC I matched the original paint and came
up with Ditzler fleet finish #33406 Gray. The color on the Case CC
on the back of the June 1985 is not right for the RC, or at least
it does not match either the original paint or the pictures of my
tractor taken when it was new. Bob Dutton, Box 15, Taftsville, VT
05073.

21/4/10 Case Serial Numbers

The RC Case s/n 317942 is a 1936. To obtain the year from a six
digit number, subtract 3 from the fourth digit, then use the first
and fourth digit for the year. Example: s/n 317942. Three from nine
equals six. With the first digit 3 and the fourth digit 6, the year
is 1936. On later seven digit serial numbers, subtract four from
the first two numbers in the serial number. Example: 4416143.
44-4=40, or 1940. John R. Heath, 494 Twp Rd., 232, Sullivan, OH
44880.

Nelson Bros. Engines

Croswell B. Sheeley, Box 132, Cottekill, NY 12419 submits this
list of engines built by Nelson Bros., but marketed by other
companies under the following trade names:

Bohan Dixie King

Mandt

Detroit

Minnekota

Dunn’s

Monarch

Efficiency

Maynard

El Bro

Ontario

Essex

P&O

Ever-Ready

Samsco

Franklin

Sandow

Gray

John M. Smythe

Hush

Sunpower

Little Jumbo

Sun

Little Trojan

Trojan

Jumbo

Unito

Lyons

M-M ‘Z’ Tractor

Drew

Engines

Regarding the MM ‘Z’ tractor on page 26 of May GEM it is
probably right to assume that the engines were of German origin, as
according to automotive literature I have it was invented by the
Duesenberg brothers, which I believe to have been in St. Paul,
Minnesota at the time they first got their start. That engine won
many races for them in the early days of motor car racing. Arthur
H. Anderson, 25275 I pava Avenue, Lakeville, MN 55044

21/3/23Terratrac GT-25 tractors

These were built through 1954, the equivalent models of 1955
were built by J. I. Case. Leigh B. Dennison, Box 873, Delta
Junction, Alaska 9737.

International Harvester Blue Enamel

IH #360 Blue containing lead, or #460 blue with no lead is
manufactured by Van Sickle Paint Mfg. Co., Lincoln, NE. Eugene
Thompson, 105 Hawbrook, Jerseyville, IL 62052.

21/4/25IH Plow Colors

The main frame, including depth adjustment and leveling lever
were IH red. Axle shafts, including brackets and clutch, tail wheel
assy, mold- boards were all IH blue. Drawbar including brackets was
black. Wheels, including tail wheel was ivory. When IH painted a
component a different color, the attaching brackets were also that
same color. Harlan McCall, 2000 Oakton Rd., Savanna, IL 61074.

21/5/27Jacobsen

I believe the engine is a Jacobsen. The April, 1929 National
Geographic shows a similar engine on a Jacobsen mower. Jim
Robinson, 46 Branch St., Scituate, MA 02066.

21/5/26Aermotor

It appears that Aermotor changed from the two flyweight governor
on the end of the camshaft to the single flyweight governor in the
flywheel sometime during 1910 or 1911. The fluted cooler engines
were built during the same period as the eight-cycle pumping
engines. Early fluted coolers used a single flyweight mounted near
the hub of the flywheel. It appears they changed the governor
design at the same time the governor system was changed on the
pumping engines (about 1910 or 1911). Regarding proper colorsome
were painted red, and some were gray. So far all the fluted coolers
I have seen were red with black striping. R. D. Hamp, 1772 Conrad
Ave., San Jose, CA 95124.

21/3/18REO engines

The 45 degree cast iron engines were built approximately from
1947 to 1958. REO itself remained in business until 1964 as a
division of Wheel Horse. REO also made aluminum block engines under
license to Tecumseh from 1957 to 19063. REO and Continental have no
connection. The Continental is being built today under the DECO
label. (Detroit Engine Co.) The Continental was first built in
1946.

21//5/27Jacobsen

This is a Jacobsen four-cycle engine as used on the 4-Acre
Lawnmower. The above two items submitted by Andrew K. Mackey, 26
Mott Place, Rockaway Boro, NJ 07866. (Due to the large amount of
material this issue, we couldn’t include all of Mr.
Mackey’s letter detailing the various REO models. Ed.)

21/5/11Asbestos Sheet Packing

Mr. Lee Pedersen, 78 Taft Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11573 kindly
submitted a response to this subject, and included a good-sized
sample of asbestos sheet packing. Mr. Pedersen writes: ‘I have
sold sheet asbestos, and will continue to sell it through my GEM
advertisements. In a time when many companies have dropped asbestos
from their sales line, I realize our need for this
product.’

Lest anyone raise their hackles over what might be called
‘boosting’ a competitor, in all fairness, it should be
pointed out that the increasing scarcity of asbestos sheet packing
on a local basis makes the continued availability of this material
a welcome sight. Additionally, since Mr. Pedersen took the time and
effort to forward not only a letter, but also a sample of the
material to the Reflector, we felt obligated to present his letter
in the column.

THE FINAL WORD

Due to the large amount of material this month, a couple of
longer letters will be delayed until the next issue. With many
shows going on, and of course, a certain amount of engine trading,
we offer some tips on moving engines:

If possible, place a chain around the cylinder, up close to the
engine frame. Be sure you are INSIDE of all linkages, throttle
rods, fuel lines, etc., or they will surely be damaged. Now run a
separate chain around each flywheel HUB, again being especially
careful of governor mechanisms etc.

This gives a three-way pick, and allows you to move the engine
with relative safety, both to yourself, and to the engine. Never
pick up an engine by the flywheel rims! There are two reasons one
is that a sudden jar or bump is more than likely to spring the rim,
and that’s almost impossible to repair. Secondly, the rims
already have plenty of casting and running stresses built in, so
why add to what’s already there, especially when you can pick
it up by the hub instead. We like the comparison to lifting your
car. You always lift it by the bumper or under the frame, but you
wouldn’t think of picking it up by the door handle! In the same
way, think of the flywheel rim as the door handle, and leave the
lifting hooks off. A final point vintage engines often weigh as
much as 400 pounds per horsepower, so be careful in moving and
handling them. By using a little care, mashed fingers and hernias
are less likely. The resultant pain sure takes the fun out of
playing with old iron!


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  • Published on Jul 1, 1986
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