This headless hopper-cooled Jacobson came from the Arcade area
of western New York, and then traveled to southeastern Arizona.
It is 48 inches long, 22 inches high and about 36 inches wide,
with a 12-inch diameter friction brake clutch pulley. It has a
5-1/2-inch bore with a 4-inch stroke. The flywheels are 84 inches
in circumference and 2-1/2 inches wide.
The castings on the engine are rather rough, giving the
appearance of having been out in the weather. However, in critical
areas, the castings are still machined smooth. Only the base has a
clear casting number: K753. The bore diameter suggests a 5 HP
engine. The Jacobson Gas and Gasoline Engines manual lists the 5 HP
engines at 350 RPM, not the tagged 400 RPM. The tag, showing the
engine’s manufacture in Titusville, is of some interest as only a
few Titusville engines are known, with the majority coming from the
Warren, Pa., plant.
Another unique feature is the Wico magneto – most Jacobson
engines feature the Webster magneto. The Jan. 12, 1924, Renewal
Parts for Standard Jacobson Engines 2-1/2 HP to 16 HP Engine, lists
the Wico magneto as a $22.50 option.
Some Jacobson experts I have talked with speculate that this
engine may have been the 15th engine to have come from the
Titusville plant. I have learned that the plant was opened in 1923
after a fire in the Warren plant the same year. If this is true,
this engine may well have been assembled from parts on hand,
providing an explanation for some of the different features. The
extra 50 RPMs may have also been added to boost a 5 HP engine to a
6 HP engine, with the increased price.
Many Jacobson engine enthusiasts have looked at this engine with
a shake of the head. Even so, it is an easy starter and will run
all day long, or until it runs out of gas. It has a hearty thump
that thrills even a skeptical Jacobson fan.
When the engine came to me it had a brass pipe with a foot valve
as the mixer. The crankguard was missing, as was the correct water
drain plug. Don Worley, of Warren, Pa., was most helpful in
researching the correct mixer and having a new one cast. Don also
provided recastings of the crankguard and the water drain plug. My
many thanks to Don.
Contact enthusiast Chuck Ostrander at: 10248 E. Calle Tejas
Lane, Hereford, AZ 85615; ostrander@aztelnet.com