16349 Lynch Road Holley, New York 14470-9375
Back in the October 1992 issue of GEM, I did a story about my
IHC orchard tractor, and at the end of my story I talked about help
in restoring a 3 HP International engine. Well, I finally got it
completed and here it is. I probably should have wiped the dust off
before I took the picture. It runs great and will be ready for its
first show this year. This engine has come a long way since, the
day my dad brought it home to me from the auction.
The engine needed a lot of work and parts and I could not wait
to get started.
The engine was disassembled to the bare block and hot-tanked.
Then the cylinder was honed, new rings were purchased and
installed, a new wrist pin was made. The flywheels were wire
brushed and primed along with the block. Before the water hopper
could be painted, a small crack in the outside corner was filled,
sanded back down, and the priming could be completed. A cylinder
head, mixer, fuel pump and mag had to be found. The fuel tank was
cleaned and sealed and put back in. The wooden skids are original,
as is the lettering. I just painted the skid and repainted over the
lettering. Some of the other small parts were found at the engine
shows in the area. Finally the engine was primed and
finish-painted.
After the fuel lines were installed, also the drip oiler and
muffler, it was time to start the engine. Fuel was poured in the
mixer and fuel tank. The battery and coil rewired, she was ready to
start. A quick spin on the flywheels and ‘bang!’ it fired
right up! I got so excited that it was running I almost did not
notice that there was no water in the hopper. But I shut the engine
down quickly and added the water.
Another spin on the flywheels and off she went popping along for
the first time in a very long while. I am now looking for a set of
wheels to make moving the engine around a little easier. If anyone
can help me, please let me know.
A special thanks goes out to all who called and wrote with parts
and help in getting this engine running. Also special thanks to my
dad for getting this engine for me. Thank you very much for getting
me started in this great hobby.
Before I end this story, I am now in the process of restoring a
6 HP Model ‘Z’ engine of the Fairbanks-Morse Company. If
anyone out there can help with parts and wisdom, please give me a
call or a letter. Thanks again.
