The Foos Gas Engine Company was formed in 1887 by John Foos. Foos engine production included both Otto and diesel types and continued until 1941. For many years, Foos was the largest manufacturer solely devoted to the production of gas engines.
Features
Type SE (Special Electric) engines employ oversized flywheels for the close speed regulation necessary in the generation of electric power. The Type SE engine is distinguished by a patented low-tension wipe-spark ignition, three power-operated valves, throttle governing, and disc-style crankshaft. This 1901 engine design is a transition model between 1897 and 1904 Foos designs, examples of which are also on display elsewhere in the museum.
Company: The Foos Gas Engine Co., Springfield, OH
Year: Circa 1906
Serial Number: 26174
Horsepower: 40hp
Bore: 13-inch
Stroke: 20-inch
Owner: Paul Harvey
History
This particular engine reportedly first generated electricity at the Mail Pouch Chewing Tobacco factory in Wheeling, West Virginia. It was later used to pump an oil well in eastern Ohio. It was brought to Coolspring in 1971.
