- Company: Christensen Engineering Co., Milwaukee, Wis.
- Year: 1915
- Serial Number: 9495
- Bore: 4-inch
- Stroke: 5-1/2-inch
- Weight:
- Horsepower: 2-1/2
- RPM: 450
- Flywheel: 20-1/2 inches tall by 2 inches wide, 56lb.
- Governing: Hit-and-miss controlled by side shaft, flyball
- Ignition: Buzz coil, spark plug
I purchased this circa-1915 Christensen on eBay. The previous owner had it for a few years but never had it running, so I had my work to do. It had very little compression, the rings were stuck, the intake valve was hanging up and needed cleaned, and the spring was weak. The time side-shaft gear was off so that was next. Also, the shaft was worn and needed replaced. Once the gas line was cleaned, I gave it fresh gas and a good battery and it was ready to start. After a few turns of the flywheel it fired up. I knew then I had a good engine. I disassembled it completely. Glass beaded some parts and soaked others in paint thinner.
While it was apart, I painted it then reassembled it. I had to build a new cart. The gas tank is made from 6-inch stovepipe end caps soldered with fittings. I tried to keep it as close to original as possible. The gas line is made from a 1/4-inch copper tube and soldered. I made a new crank guard.
The Christensen mixer had to be replaced with a Lunkenheimer. The original drooled more than it burned, maybe it just wore out. My son-in-law made a new battery box and did a great job. The pinstripe is by Dan Nunemaker of Honey Brook, Pennsylvania. I made the slide-out hand lifts at each end (shown in the photograph).
I am pleased with all my work and the way it runs. It was well worth the effort.
Originally published in the April/May 2023 issue of Gas Engine Magazine.
