Operating Instructions Palmer Marine Engine Models B. C. D and E
Circa 1895-1901
A reprint of two different editions of Palmer operating
instructions bound in 8 11 format with notes on Palmer history and
advice on restoring and preserving old marine engines. Published by
Heritage Engine Collection, 6 Windward Drive, Severna Park, MD
21146. Price $1.50
Restoration, Maintenance, and Operating Notes for Palmer YT-1
Marine Engines Circa 1921-1947, by Richard A. Day, Jr.
18 pages in 8 x 11 format, 7 pages of notes on the engine by the
author plus reprints of Palmer operating instructions, a catalog
sheet, a photograph of the spread-out parts, and a parts list.
Published by Heritage Engine Collection, price $2.00.
1907 Palmer Brothers Catalog A reprint of the 1907 Palmer
catalog in the original 5 x 7 format. 34 pages including notes and
Palmer history by Richard A. Day on inside covers. Published by
Heritage Engine Collection, price $1.25.
Dick Day is well known to collectors of antique marine engines.
Probably there is no one more knowledgeable as to history of the
manufacturers, technical developments, and good restoration
methods. This was acknowledged in Stan Gray son’s book, Old
Marine Engines The World of the One Lunger. By profession he
is an electrical engineer. Since his recent retirement, he has
begun to publish some of his information. These three booklets will
be followed by a fourth. That one will be on the Palmer ZR series
engines, considered the Cadillac of work boat engines.
The booklet on 1895-1901 Palmers covers their very early
two-cycle single-cylinder engines with make-and-break ignition. The
four models are of four different cylinder sizes. The primitive
fuel systems are especially interesting. They had several different
systems in use. One was called a ‘vaporizer system’ and
Palmer stated, ‘there is no regulation of air. Regulation is by
changing the quantity of gasoline.’ (The later of the two
instructions describes a ‘generator valves’ that includes a
‘slowdown valve’ to throttle the mixture intake.) Three is
also a ‘carburetor system’. ‘The carburetor is a tank
which generates gas by passing air through the gasoline.’
The instruction for recharging the ignition battery is equally
amazing: ‘To recharge batteries empty out the old solution and
thoroughly clean the jars and scrape and clean the zincs and
carbons. Use from 6 to 7 ounces of Sal ammoniac to each jar
stirring well. Replace carbons and zinc elements and connect up as
shown in diagram.’
This booklet will appeal to anyone interested in early engines
regardless of whether his interest is in marine, stationary, or
automotive engines.
The Palmer YT-1 built 1921-1947 was a popular small marine
engine and a lot of them are still around. They run well and they
have considerable polished brass so they look attractive. Anyone
who has a YT or hopes to have one will find in this booklet all the
information needed to restore and run one.
The 1907 Palmer catalog has been a rare book. Dick Day has done
us a real service to reprint it. There is a photograph of one of
the series B, C, D, E engines of the 1895-1901 operating
instructions. It looks remarkably like an early Lathrop; I wonder
who was first with this design. There are L and M four cycle
jump-spark engines of 1,2, and 4 cylinders. Introduced in the
spring of 1906 are the O, P, and Q, jump-spark two-cycle engines,
very different from the 1895-1901 designs. Next is a big model K
four-cycle two-cylinder with make-and-break. The B, C, and D (the
1895 engines again) are shown in stationary versions, with large
double flywheels. New for 1907 were models S, T, and U which appear
to be the O, P, and Q, with refinements such as detachable
make-and-break ‘sparkers’ and an improved oiling system. A
version of the M could be ordered with make-and-break and was
called Model R. It is interesting that this adds $10 per cylinder.
(The existence of this Model R indicates why the later T-head
engine were designated Model NR for New R.) None of these engines
were lubricated by oil mixed with the fuel. Dick Day notes that
this had not yet been invented. Other items in this catalog area
‘magneto sparker’ that could be belt-driven to save the
batteries, complete launches built by Palmer, and a portable saw to
cut firewood.
This 1907 reprint is a good addition to any engine
collector’s bookshelf.
This book review was written by Max F. Homfeld, R.R. 1, Box 697,
St. Michaels, Maryland 21663. Mr. Homfeld is a mechanical engineer
retired from General Motors where he worked on engine design and
development. He now does volunteer work for the Chesapeake Bay
Maritime Museum where he is directing the restoration of their
antique marine engines.
