- Company: The Foos Gas Engine Co., Springfield, Ohio
- Year: Circa 1893
- Serial Number: 16
- Horsepower: 10
- Bore: 6-inch
- Stroke: 11-inch
- Owner: Todd Ryker
The Foos Gas Engine Co. was formed in 1887 by John Foos. Foos engine production included engines operating on either 4-stroke Otto or 4-stroke Diesel cycles. For many years, Foos claimed to be the largest company devoted solely to the production of stationary gas engines. During demolition of the Foos factory in the 1990s, Preston Foster was able to acquire the built-in office safe, which is now displayed in the Susong Building.
Features
This Foos gasoline engine has timed fuel injection rather than a carburetor. A small pump injects fuel into the air passage upstream of the intake valve as it opens. Another of several Foos innovations is the “wipe-style” igniter, in which a rotating electrode inside the combustion chamber wipes against a stationary electrode, creating a spark by discharging a low-tension coil.
History
The early Foos displayed here was used at the home of a wealthy Pasadena, California, resident. Driving an overhead lineshaft in his personal woodworking shop, it powered several woodworking machines.
Learn about this engine and 38 others in Coolspring: Discovering America’s Finest Antique Engine Museum, Vol. 2. Order your copy at the Gas Engine Magazine store
Flame Ignition: A Historical Account Involving the Internal Combustion Engine
History buffs and engine enthusiasts will love Flame Ignition, a scholarly work describing flame ignition as applied to reciprocating engines, from early experiments to later successes such as the Deutz and Crossley versions of the four stroke cycle perfected by Otto in 1876. Inside, author Wayne Grenning discusses problems encountered by the early entrants into the gas engine industry, highlighting solutions discovered by the various players. This book is available at the Gas Engine Magazine store or by calling 800-888-9098. Item #10329.
