Many, many thanks to all who have called us or written letters
regarding our column. It is indeed gratifying to know that we have
your support. We will endeavor to give Reflections our
best, and hope you keep your letters coming in to the
GEM offices.
Several dozen letters and phone calls have come in regarding the
new book, John Deere’s Company by Wayne Broehl. These
communications have ranged from high praise to heavy criticism of
the book. May we suggest that your comments be directed either to
the Author or to Deere & Company. This column nor this writer
have any desire to assume the role of mediator or feather
unruffler.
Many replies have come in regarding the questions raised in the
last issue, and several people have sent original materials or
photocopies on electric plants and other equipment. This material
has already been filed for future use, and we thank everyone for
their help. As we noted in the last issue, unwanted or duplicate
literature regarding virtually any phase of the gas engine or
tractor industry will be greatly appreciated. Special thanks to an
Illinois reader who has offered us a large number of Implement
& Tractor magazines.
Eventually we hope to enter much of the data into a large
computerized database with extensive indexing. Thus we will be able
to access a wide range of information almost instantly.
Although GEM is intended primarily for the gas
engine and tractor fraternity, several people have asked us about
patterns from the Corliss-type steam engines, among other things.
Apparently, those now available from Cole’s Power Models are
too small to suit many model builders, so there appears to be a
demand for somewhat larger patterns and/or castings. Also, we would
greatly appreciate hearing from anyone offering castings or
replacement parts of any kind, including your current catalog. This
information will be put on file, and may be helpful to those
submitting questions to GEM. With sufficient
response, perhaps GEM will include a master
listing of suppliers as an added feature.
20/2/1 Q. We have a Cushman vertical engine,
S/N 67887, 5-6 HP, speed, 1,000/1,300 rpm. It is Model 6C-34. This
engine uses an external rocker arm and push rod assembly, Wico
magneto, and Tillotson magneto. Has anyone else got one of these
engines, or can you give us any information on it? Also, we have
seen a Cushman labeled: Cushman Engine Works, Topeka, Kansas. Any
information on this one? Bob Seeley, RR 3, Box 176, Warrensburg, MO
64093.
A. Probably the 6C-34 Cushman was one of the
last models produced at Lincoln, Nebraska before the Cushman family
lost the company. We suggest that the Topeka, Kansas engine was a
shortlived version produced before E. B. Cushman ended up with Bean
Spray Pump Company. (See American Gas Engines).
20/2/2 Q. We have a two-cylinder two-cycle
engine with extended shafts. We believe it may have been used in a
direct-drive railway section car. Any information on these? G. K.
Duncan, 11834 O ld Belding Road NE, Belding, MI 48809.
A. Mr. Duncan submitted a Polaroid photo, but
it was too dark for reproduction. The engine of which he speaks is
likely for railway work, but we have virtually no data on this
style. Perhaps some of our readers have the data on various handcar
engines.
20/2/3 Q. Here are two pictures of an engine we
cannot identify. There is no name on the engine. Arthur Volbrecht,
463 Valley Road, Brooktondale, NY 14817.
A. Obviously this one is air-cooled, and
obviously it used an auxiliary exhaust much like the Gade. The
remaining fan shroud and fan make it unlikely to be a Gade, nor a
Gilson air-cooled. Also, the auxiliary exhaust is on the opposite
side of the cylinder from the Gade style. Two excellent views of
this engine might provide the necessary clues. Let us know if you
can identify this one!
20/2/4 Q. We need help in locating a Novo 10 HP
engine, 1915 vintage; a Franklin tandem gasoline-driven air
compressor, 7 by 9 or 7 by 10, Model GHSG; and a Fairbanks-Morse
inboard marine engine, single-cylinder, two-cycle, 5 by 8 inch bore
and stroke. These units are all needed for restoration of the Split
Rock Lighthouse on Lake Superior. Al Galbraith Jr., Artifact
Collection Mgr. Minnesota Historical Society, Fort Snelling History
Center, St. Paul, MN 55111.
A. Mr. Galbraith and the Minnesota Historical
Society have indeed undertaken a huge project. As the accompanying
photograph shows, two of the Franklin Tandems were installed
originally, being used to operate the huge fog horn. Should one
unit fail, the other stood ready as a backup. While this column is
not to be used for commercial advertising, this request from a
non-profit society endeavoring to preserve the past calls for an
exception to he rule. Should any of our readers be able to help MHS
in location the above items, please contact Mr. Galbraith directly
at the above address.
20/2/5 Q. We have a New Way, Model E, Type C, 4
HP vertical engine, and are looking for any information on same. We
once heard that the company was purchased by Deere & Company,
but learned from Deere that this was incorrect. Vance O.
Frederickson, 1269 McKinley, Enumclaw, WA 98022.
A. Aside from various catalog data, we have
very little on New Way’s day-to-day operation. Apparently the
company folded during the 1930’s. The Farm Implement News
Buyer’s Guide for 1931 still lists the company at Lansing,
Michigan. However the Guide for 1943 notes that the only
available parts could be secured from G. G. Vermette, Grand Isle,
Maine.
20/2/6 Q. Here’s a picture of a Genco-Lite
generator we recently acquired. Would like more information on the
company. Kenny Horn, 2745 Mackville Road, Harrodsburg, KY
40330.
A.The Farm Implement News Buyer’s
Guide for 1931 still lists the company, but like many, many
others in the light plant business, the advent of rural power lines
brought about their not altogether painless death. In fact, the
entire industry reached its epitome and nearly vanished within
twenty years’ time. Possibly one of our readers has something
on the Genco as built by General Gas & Electric Co., Hanover,
PA.
20/2/7 Mr. Max Farwell Jr., 505 Adams,
Fredonia, KS 66736 sends us an interesting photograph of the Belt
engine. This model, not illustrated in American Gas
Engines, was built by Percy Porva Belt, Fredonia, Kansas
between 1890 and 1904.
20/2/8 From Frank Evenden, RD 1, Box 4088,
Ulster, PA 18850 comes a series of interesting photographs, one of
which is shown here. This unit began life as a personnel carrier,
and was later converted to a log carrier. Upon failure of the final
drive it was retired. Note the fifth wheel mounted on the rear of
the machine.
20/2/9 Q. Has anyone ever heard of a four-cycle
Maytag engine? We have what appears to be such an engine, but have
no further information on it. Don Riley, 21224 Placerita Cyn. Road,
Newhall, CA 91321.
A. We have heard that Maytag did in fact build
such an engine, but our files are barren of any pictures or data to
confirm it.
20/2/10 Q. We have a Champion Haymaker mower…
the machine with the ‘wobble-gear’ principle designed by
William N. Whitely, the Reaper King. Since we will be restoring it
in 1985, can anyone loan us a color lithograph, or give us colors
for this machine? Also enclosing a photograph of our Oliver 70
Standard model. These were built from 1935 to 1937, with production
totaling about 1,800 units. Bob A. Bilden, RR3, Box 390, Bagley, MN
56621.
A. Locating very early farm implement catalogs
is indeed difficult. Possibly one of our readers might have some
information. We have a number of such items, but nothing on the
Champion line.
20/2/11 Q. Can anyone date the Economy gas
engines from the Serial Numbers? Evans G. Larson, RR1, Box 57A, New
Lisbon, WI 53950.
A. While there may be an Economy serial number
listing someplace, we have never seen or heard of one, and have
doubts that any now exist. Upon ending operations, most companies
destroyed these records since they had no further use for them.
20/2/12 Q. We need information on a Viking
Garden Tractor built by Allied Motors Corporation, Minneapolis,
Minnesota. Thomas Melville, 6383 Imhoff Road, Oxford, OH 45056.
A. Perhaps you might obtain the required
information from: Minnesota Historical Society, Division of
Archives and Manuscripts, 1500 Mississippi Street, St. Paul, MN
55101.
20/2/13 Q. Did International Harvester provide
a Service Manual for the F-12 Farmall Tractors? If so, we would
like to obtain one or a reprint of same. Karl Johnson, 1807 Arthur
St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418.
A. Chances are that Harvester did in fact print
a dealer’s service manual, or at least provide specific data
sheets regarding certain phases of the overhaul process. We make
this assumption based on the fact that the company provided this
sort of material to their dealers for the earlier tractor
models.
20/2/14 Q. Since most of the hood side sheets
are missing from the 10-20 and 15-30 McCormick-Deering tractors, we
are considering a setup to duplicate these. Before doing so, we
would like to know how much interest there might be among present
owners. Nick Jonkman, RR 2, Wyoming, Ontario NoN 1T0 Canada.
A. Write directly to Mr. Jonkman if this would
be of interest to you. Perhaps he will favor us with a progress
report from time to time.
20/2/15 Q. What information can anyone provide
on a Coldwell lawn mower powered by a Fuller & Johnson headless
engine (with radiator)? Gordon Braislin, Jericho Road, Sherman, CT
06784.
A. We know there are Coldwell partisans, so now
is your chance to help get another unit restored.
20/2/16 Q. In the Nov/Dec issue of
GEM, Gary Burger’s article noted that the
Model B Allis-Chalmers had a production run of 130,000 unit after
19 years and that no other A-C tractor to date had macthed this
record. However, Bill Huxley’s book on Allis-Chalmers notes
that between 1933 and 1948 the Model WC had a production of 175,000
units. Since these figures do not match, we are wondering who is
correct. Donald W. Griffith, 8780 Hwy. ‘N’, O’Fallon,
MO 63366.
A. Getting production figures to match up is
often times a most frustrating job. Many companies used devious
methods of hiding their actual production by juggling serial
numbers each year, or even by changing within a year. As to who is
right and who is wrong here, we don’t know. In fact, both
parties may be at least partially correct for all we know. Mr.
Huxley and/or Mr. Burger might be able to set the record
straight.
20/2/17 Q. Could we find someone with more
information on the Sieverkropp two-cylinder, two-cycle engine
pictured here? The cylinders are of 2-inch bore and stroke. Chester
A. Carpenter, 339 Union Street, Newport, VT 05855.
A. According to the Farm Implement news
Buyer’s Guide For 1931, parts only were available from
Seaman Motor Laboratories Inc., 610 Cherry Street, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. No listing appears in the 1936 Millard’s Implement
Directory, so it is assumed that the Depression removed all traces
of the company. Literature on these engines is scarce…in fact,
all this writer has ever seen consists of magazine
advertisements.
20/2/18 Q. Can you supply the paint color for a
1 HP IHC Mogul engine? John W. Stauffer, 7 Fairview Road,
Brookfield, CT 06804.
A. So far as we can determine, this olive green
shade is comparable to Dupont Dulux Enamel, NO. 93-29609-H. This
color seems to apply equally to all sizes of IHC Mogul engines. For
some styles the flywheel rims and the matching flange for the
cylinder and crankcase were painted with either IHC blue (DuPont
No. 93-1032) or red (DuPont No. 93-1863-H. While these colors may
not be an exact match, we consider them to be reasonably close to
the original shades.
20/2/19 Q. Is anyone familiar with the IHC
McCormick-Deering FA-122 side-connected (front-mounted) row-crop
planter? It was used by IHC from 1930 to 1941 and designed to be
mounted on the Regular, F-20, or F30 tractors. Does anyone have one
of these or know of another? Also, is there anyone around who may
have used one of these? Towering Oaks Farm, David W. Morrison, RR
1, Box 214, West Concord, MN 55985.
A. Certainly these are a rarity, and in fact,
the book 150 Years of International Harvester missed it
completely. Therefore, if any of our readers have one of these,
have any literature on them, or have used them in years past,
please contact Mr. Morrison.
(Ed. Note… Although Mr. Morrison had suggested we print his
entire letter, we have included only the most pertinent data so as
to have room for other letters. Should your original letter be
edited. please understand that we are trying to make the earliest
possible response to your query, and must necessarily conserve
space wherever possible.)
20/2/20Mr. Judson Tracy, 174 S. 5th Avenue,
Carrington, ND 58421 sends an interesting photograph. Pictured is
an Aultman-Taylor tractor with eight grain wagons. Apparently the
crew was moving to another job- there are three boys, two women,
and fifteen men in the picture. Mr. Tracy notes that his father was
a photographer in Linton, ND about 1900. He believes this picture
was taken southeast of Linton, or perhaps north of Eureka, SD. It
is Mr. Tracy’s understanding that upon arriving in town they
rented horses from the livery, unhooked the tractor, and pulled
each wagon the rest of the way with horses.
20/2/21 Q. I need help, especially with the
wiring for the light plant illustrated here. It is a Gomelits,
Model D, 32 volts, 500 watts, S.N. 2152. Merl Barnes, 7013
North-view, Boise ID 83704.
A. Here is yet another light plant on which we
have absolutely no data, so the answers will have to come from our
readers. Mr. Barnes also has built the gear cutter shown in the
accompanying photograph. It will cut spur, helical, or bevel gears.
Mr. Barnes notes in his letter that he has shipped gears from
California to Vermont. His advertisement appears in the ‘For
Sale’ columns. This writer heartily commends Mr. Barnes on
building such a machine. Those acquainted with gear cutting know
full well the difficulties in making spur hears, much less bevel
and helical types. Thus anyone with the ambition and know-how to
build his own machine for this task instantly gains our
admiration!
20/2/22 Q. Is any information available on the
Holland Engine Company, Holland, Michigan? We have one of these
engines, 3 H. P., S/N 16871. Jim Richard, 1510 Demosthenes Street,
Metairie, LA 70005.
A. The connection between Holland Engine
Company and Brownwall Engine Company remains unclear to this
writer, although it seems certain that there was indeed a
connection. Possibly one of our readers may have researched this
firm and can share it with us.
20/2/23 Q. What is the proper paint color for
the Famous Junior Vertical Hopper Cooled Engine? How many were
built, and how many are left? We have a Famous Vertical that
appears to have been bluish color, rather than red. Any information
on this? Richard Proctor, 333 Colborne Street, Box 38, Port
Stanley, Ontario NoL 2A0 Canada.
A. Once again the matter of IHC Famous paint
colors appears. While we cannot definitely determine all the styles
used, it appears that those engines sold by the Osborne Division
were of the IHC blue color. In fact, we have a Famous Jr. 2 HP
vertical hopper cooled, unrestored that is unquestionably BLUE!
Possibly this extended to the Famous Verticals as well. We simply
don’t know, and given the many years since their production, we
wonder whether anyone will ever REALLY know! Again, some of the
Famous Verticals appear to have had black flywheels, some were the
familiar olive green, but these had the remainder of the engine
finished in the usual red so far as we can determine. Refer to
20/1/18 for a further discussion of IHC engine colors.
20/2/24 Q. We need literature and parts
information on an IHC 6 H.P. Titan Sideshaft engine. Also, we can
confirm that at least five engines still exist as built by Southern
Engine & Boiler Works (see American Gas Engines, p. 474). The
Heathcock & Rush Company of Jackson, TN does not appear in this
book, but we can confirm at least five of these engines still in
existence. Billy O. Britt, RR 1, Box 336, Beech Bluff, TN
38313.
A. The IHC Titan Sideshaft model is indeed a
rarity we doubt any great number were built. We would welcome
additional data on both other companies mentioned in Mr.
Britt’s letter for future use in Reflections.
20/2/25 Q. Could we see some information on
rotary engines such as the WW1 airplane type, Gnome rotary, etc.?
Dale Wright, 1495 NE 181st, No. Miami Beach, FL 33162.
A. The rotary engine represents an unusual and
innovative approach to internal combustion engine design. While
very popular for aircraft, it saw almost no use in stationary
design, and very limited used in automobiles. American Gas Engines
lists but one, the Adams on p. 11.
20/2/26 Q. My 1 HP John Deere engine, S/N
239560 has a large brass nameplate at the bottom of the base
instead of the usual location. Is this engine different from the
usual style, and if so what makes it unique? Jack Ghere, RR 1,
Odin, IL 62870
A. This is a derivation of the Deere Type E
engine of which we were unaware. Perhaps one of our John Deere
enthusiasts can light up this situation.
20/2/27 Q. We need the years built for an F-12
Farmall, S/N FS21704 and an F-14, S/N FS131397. Steve Reedy, Box
51, Norton, KS 67654.
A. The F-12 is a 1935 model, and the F-14 is
1938 version. A rather complete listing of Farmall tractor serial
numbers may be found in 150 Years of International Harvester.
20/2/28 We need information or the whereabouts
of a 7 HP Majestic engine missing some parts so we could get
pictures etc. to restore it. Mike Schneider, 7621 Tabernacle NE,
Louisville, OH 44641.
20/2/29 Q. Can anyone supply us with a good
picture of the decal used on Fairbanks-Morse Type ‘H’ gas
engine? Andy Bolinger, 48 Lighting Drive, Eaton, OH 45320.
A. We agree that Fairbanks-Morse used a
beautiful decal on the Type ‘H’ gas engines, and it seems a
shame that so far no has reproduced it. Perhaps someone has done so
or is working on one. If so, let us know.
20/2/30 Q. We need the paint colors for the
Fairbanks-Morse Type Z engine and the R & V (Root &
Vandervoort) engines. Jay Johnson, 3561 Village Green, Dayton, OH
45414.
A. Our records indicate the the Fairbanks
‘Z’ closely approximates Dupont No. 93-5316 green, while
the R &. V ebsely resembles Dulux No. 93-5316 green.
20/2/31 A letter from Ed Wheeler, Sibley,
IA 51249 notes that he would like to correspond with Maytag Engine
Collectors in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and
Nebraska.
20/2/32 Q. When did production cease on the
Case 9-18 tractor? Encyclopedia of American Farm Tractors states it
to be 1918, but should it be 1919.7 The company has indicated that
6,686 were built, with 501 in 1916, 2,550 in 1917, and 3,635 in
1918, after which it was replaced with the 10-18. George
Muggeridge, The Laurels, Petworth Road, Chiddingfold, Godalming,
Surrey GU8 4UA England.
A. The exact changeover date between the 9-18
and 10-18 has not so far been determined. More than likely the
change was made late in 1918 or early 1919 so as to be ready for
the summer sales season.
20/2/33 Q. I recently picked up a Wonder
Gasoline Engine, 3 HP, with a tag reading: Waterloo Cement
Machinery Corporation, Waterloo, Iowa. Larry McKenzie, 613 Cook,
Lewistowm, MT 59457.
A. To our knowledge this firm did not actually
BUILD engines, but purchased them on contract from various
companies. Stover and Fuller & Johnson are likely candidates,
with Novo engines being used also. A photograph would be necessary
to help identify the actual builder.
20/2/34
Q. Does anyone know who bought the ‘Yellow
Boy’ thresher sold at a Hilpipre auction in June, 1981? Donald
‘Red’ Goodburn, 1803 Candi Lane, N. Mankato, MN 56001.
20/2/35 Q. Can anyone supply information on a
Lewis Gas and Vapor Engine, Patented 1891, 1893, 1896; J. Thompson
& Sons Mfg. Co., Beloit, Wisconsin, Sole Makers. James F.
Delahunty, 916 West G. Street, Ogallala, NE 69153.
A.American Gas Engines, pages 511 and
512 contains several illustrations and other information on the
Lewis sideshaft engines.
20/2/36 Q. We need the original color and other
information on an Alamo Blue Line engine. Dale C. Morse, RR1, Box
89, Bonfield, IL 60913.
A. Obviously they are blue, but we don’t
have a DuPont or other matching number. Perhaps someone can supply
this for future reference. Also, we recall that someone had Blue
Line decals made some years back, but don’t know whether they
are presently available.
20/2/37 Q. Emil Leimkuehler, Mt. Sterling, MO
65062 writes of his disappointment that so far no one has responded
to his plea for information on the LaCrosse Happy Farmer Tractor he
plans to restore.
A. The Reflector is possessed of an Instruction
Manual for this machine, plus a -small advertising folder of same.
Photocopies are available at nominal cost to Mr. Leimkuehler or
anyone else wishing copies of his data. Contact C. H. Wendel,
R.R.1, Box 28-A, Atkins, IA 52206.
20/2/38 Mr. Todd Ryker, 2 Clay Road, Bethany,
CT 06525 sends us this photograph of his homemade tractor. Starting
with the chassis of an old Wheel Horse tractor, he powers this unit
with a 2 H.P. Economy engine.
20/2/39 Q. Would anyone have an original
manifold for a 1923 Farmall Regular. This one was in a group of 500
experimental models. We still have the Ensign carburetor, but need
the manifold and muffler. Albert Fahrlander, 805 s. Main St.,
Sandwich, IL 60548.
A. While the odds of finding the above item are
perhaps not too good, maybe someone can help.
20/2/40 Q. When was a Detroit engine, S/N544 by
Detroit Engine Works built? More importantly, what is the proper
color? Hank Willman, 1675 Orchid Street, Aurora, IL 60505.
A. American Gas Engines, page 131 gives some
data on Detroit Engine Works, including that the engines of 1908
were finished in bright red enamel with a green battery box and
undercarriage. We recall seeing this engine pictured in an old
Detriot catalog, but had not the presence of mind to attempt a
color match. Since the serial number is quite low, this engine was
probably one of the very early ones Detroit appears to have had
considerable production for several years, ranging into several
thousand engines at least.
20/2/41 Q. Can anyone supply me with further
information on the Rathbun-Jones engines? Except for the data in
American Gas Engines we have found almost nothing so far. We have
one of these engines. Curt Kimball, Box 1191, Sterling, CO
80751.
A. Rathbun-Jones remains for this writer a very
elusive company. Perhaps we have never talked to the right people,
or been in the right place to learn more of the company. Should any
of our readers be privy to Rathbun-Jones Engineering Company or its
engines, kindly advise.
20/2/42 Q. We need information on a Fairmont 8
HP, Type QBR-B engine. It was made in Toronto. Steve McCann, R.R.
4, Site 21-single, Westbank, B.C., VoH 2A0 Canada.
A. We recently were told that Fairmont Railway
Moters is still operating at Fairmont, Minnesota. Perhaps they
might be of assistance.
20/2/43 Q. Did Ottawa Engine Co., Ottawa,
Kansas identify their engines with a name cast in the hopper? Or
did they use a decal? Are any Ottawa engine decals available? A
1923 Ottawa advertisement show the 4 HP single flywheel Ottawa with
‘Ottawa’ on the hopper. Was the 5 HP model identified the
same way? James A. Cavanaugh, 5905 Jester, Garland, TX 75042.
A. Since we have but one Ottawa Instruction
Manual in our files, this question will look for answers among the
readers.
20/2/44 Q. Can anyone give the age of these
engines: Waterloo Boy, Type K, 3 HP, s/n 215698; Waterloo Type E, 1
HP, S/N 244346: and Stover CT-1 S/N 206987? Guy Friis, hagagatan
486, S-60215 Norrkoping, Sweden.
A. The Stover CT-1 was built in 1929. We have
no production dates on the other two engines perhaps one of our
readers might have sufficient data to give an assist.
20/2/45 Q. We are restoring two IHC vertical
engines a 2 HP, S/N KA13891 E, and 3 HP, S/N L-518-E. Would like to
correspond with anyone having similar engines so as to restore and
paint them properly. Dave Wildgrube, RR1, Box 179, New Richland, MN
56072.
20/2/46 Q. Does anyone have any information on
the G-O Tractor built by General Ordnance Company, Cedar Rapids,
Iowa? 1 had one in the 1930’s and have never heard of one
since. W. D. Bailey, 1160 E. Columbus Street, Martinsville, IN
46151.
A.The Encyclopedia of American Farm
Tractors illustrates and discusses this tractor, but since it
was in production for such a short time, few were built and even
fewer still exist. We recollect seeing one nicely restored and
illustrated in one of the hobby magazines, but cannot locate it at
present.
20/2/47 Q. Here is a picture of our Taylor
Vacuum Engine. We would like to correspond with other owners of
these engines, and wonder whether there are any great number still
in existence. William Rogers, Independence Lane, Hannacroix, NY
12087.
20/2/48 Q. Does anyone have information
concerning: Frisbie Motor, Frisbie Motor Co., Middletown, Conn. S/N
162.? Carroll Chase, RD Box 51, Concord, VT 05824.
A. Hopefully an interested reader might have
some information on this onea photograph was not available to us,
but perhaps Mr. Chase might favor us with one.
20/2/49 Q. Need information on an International
Harvester LA engine, 1-2 HP size. Also need piston rings for same.
Lester E. Moen, 2725 E. Lewis, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.
A. Several suppliers regularly advertising in
GEM should be able to furnish information and/or
parts on this engine.
20/2/50 Q. I own a HOWE sideshaft engine,
#1302, 300 RPM, of 6 or 8 HP. Need to correspond with owners of
similar engines to find proper color, also need information on some
ignition and carburetor details. Engine was made by Middletown
MachineCo. and is similar to that shown in upper left corner, page
304 of American Gas Engines. Clarence Davis, RR 5, Brandon,
Manitoba R7A 5Y5 Canada.
A. Aside from the fact that this variety of
HOWE engine was built by Middetown, we have no other data. Perhaps
one of our readers can be of assistance here.
20/2/51 Q. Where can I obtain a harder grease
than ordinary cup grease as the open connecting rods in the open
crankshaft engines have a tendency to throw ordinary grease out. 2.
1 have a 2 HP International LB engine and would like to know where
1 can get new or secondhand valve lifters for it. 3. J would like
any manuals pertaining to age and maintenance for the LB engines.
Donald C. Johnston, 647 Butterfield Road, RR 1, Mill Bay, B.C., VoR
2P0 Canada.
A. Obtaining a heavier grease than ordinary No.
2 cup grease may well be a problem. Possibly a specialty refining
company might have such a product, and perhaps some of our readers
are familiar with it. To go a step further, the amount of grease
doesn’t seem to us to be as important as the quality thereof.
Many of today’s modern machines simply would not endure the use
of ordinary cup grease, requiring instead a grease with antiwear,
extreme pressure properties. Thus, it seems to the Reflector that
using the new types of lithium-based grease, especially those
containing molybdenum disulfide would be especially desirable on
engines that have only a fraction of the besting pressure
encountered in today’s machines. Questions 2 and 3 are best
answered through the ‘Wanted’ section of this magazine.
20/2/52 Q. Have a Fairbanks-Morse 3 HP Home
Lite Plant, Special Electric, S/N 638211, about 1925 vintage.
Generator is Fairbanks-Morse, No. 3 home light plant, battery
charging generator, S/N X42760, Frame 1H6, 1 K.W. Need parts or
operator’s manual, plus wiring diagram. No voltage is stamped
on unit.
A. There is a possibility you might get
something from Fairbanks-Morse on this unit, or perhaps one of our
readers can furnish you with photocopies of an original manual.
More than likely, this is a 32-volt machine.
20/2/53 Q. Can anyone tell me about the
operation and function of a Mietz & Weiss oil engine? It is
illustrated in American Gas Engines page 306, upper right hand
comer. Need information on how to make it run, proper paint color,
etc. Burton E. Marsh, RR3, Box 226-C, Madison, AL 35758.
A. We too would like to know more about these
fascinating engines. They are indeed a rarity among engines, and if
many early books on engine design are to be believed, here is one
that stands out for its innovative not discovered the slightest
trace of instructions or operator’s manuals. Mr. Marsh closes
his letter with a Mr. Marsh closes his letter with a ‘Please
Help!’ and since he now owns one of these rare birds, we hope
some of the present owners can come to his aid.
READERS WRITE
Here are some of the responses that have come in on questions
raised in the Jan-Feb 1985 issue of GEM:
20/1/3 Write Fairmont Railway Motors Inc.,
Fairmont, MN 56031 concerning your Fairmont engines. We understand
that by sending in the Serial Number, it is possible to determine
the age of the engine, and also you may be able to obtain
instructions and parts information. The serial number is stamped on
the engine block between the flywheels.
20/1/4By far the largest response came to the
query on freeing a stuck piston. Special credit goes to Philip B.
Gunter, Box 169-A, Hartley, DE 19953. Mr. Gunter explained to us
that cyclohexane is NOT the same as cyclohexyl chloride or
dimethanol as we suggested. In addition, Mr. Gunter supplied
extensive data from chemistry handbooks detailing the technical
side of this compound. He further states that cyclohexane is used
in many of today’s commercial penetrants, noting that ordinary
diesel fuel conditioner is a very effective penetrant. We are also
pointed to the article on page 7 of the Sept-Oct 1984 issue of
GEM for additional techniques on freeing a rusted
piston. Several readers commented on the process of filling the
cylinder with oil or grease and replacing the spark plug with a
grease fitting, after which a grease gun is used to build the
necessary pressure for easy removal. Other readers commented that
after having tried a great many penetrants, Kriol was their
favorite. One last wordwe are told that Moly Rust Penetrant is very
effective, but very difficult to obtain. Try writing to: Customer
Service Dept., Bowman Distribution-Barnes Group, 850 E. 72nd
Street, Cleveland, OH 44013. Packing the inside of the piston with
dry ice has also proved effective the subsequent contraction
breaking the rust bond.
20/1/5 The fluted hopper Aermotor is deep red
with black striping, and the name ‘Aermotor’ stenciled on
both sides of the crankcase.
20/1/9 Our apologies on this one! It is NOT a
Kohler as we suggested, but is an Onan. Harvey S. Hilands, 1917
S.E. 28th Ave., Portland, OR 97214 notes that these units were also
sold under the Montgomery Ward and Fairbanks-Morse tradenames. This
one got several letters, and several different photocopies. Thanks!
In this same regard, Robert A. Oliva, 144 Bay Road, Stoughton, MA
02072 may be able to offer some assistance on parts and/or
literature for Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and Tecumseh
engine.
20/1/17 Several people wrote us, and all were
in agreement that the motorcycle pictured is a ‘Nimbus’
built in Denmark between 1937 and 1959. One respondent noted that
he has seen a great many of these machines in Denmark.
According to Lynn Andersen, PO Box 81, Bisbee, AZ 85603, Fisker
& Nielsen of Copenhagen made the Nimbus from 1919 until 1959,
with a break from 1928 to 1934 during which they focused on their
other product, a vacuum cleaner. Unfortunately for lovers of fine
machinery, the vacuum cleaner won out.
20/1/19 One reader identifies this engine as a
Coldwell, used on Coldwell Power Lawn Mowers.
Because of the huge response, we are extremely crowded for space
and have abbreviated your letters as much as possible. Mr. Richard
Hamp, 1772 Conrad Avenue, San Jose, CA95124 submitted several
answers and also notes that Mr. Massinger’s engine of
‘Precision Mades Perfect’ (GEM, Jan-Feb,
1985) is probably a Cushman Type X, Model 21. While he gives the
Serial No. 185, Mr. Hamp suggests that this style was of later
vintage, since a 1903 two-cycle Cushman still in existence bears
the identical number. Also, the 8 HP R&V engine was not built
by John Deere only sold by them.
The purpose of the Reflections column is to provide a forum for
the exchange of all useful information among subscribers to
GEM. Inquiries or responses should be addressed
to: REFLECTIONS, Gas Engine Magazine, P.O. Box 328, Lancaster, PA
17603.
