The 7 HP Hercules screen cooled engine replica project is
nearing completion, and to prove it we have a picture of the
project as it looks now with but a little pin-striping yet to be
done.
But, as with many projects of this type, the real moment of
truth arrives when it comes time to add up all the costs incurred
in the process. Some of you have probably wondered just how much it
has cost to get this far, so this month I’ve pulled together a
ledger of expenses so far.
As with probably most projects of this kind, there seems to
always be more involved than originally expected, and this time is
no exception. The table at right gives a breakdown on expenses.
Not included in the table is any allowance for my own travel,
shop use, on-hand supplies or labor. The cost of an original 7 HP
half-base screen-cooled Economy engine from Sears & Roebuck (on
a straight cart with igniter and battery and coil ignition) in 1915
was $159 plus shipping.
In addition to local suppliers of goods and services, a lot of
the gas engine hobby suppliers were also needed, including
Starbolt, Hit & Miss, Calvin Brookover, John Wanat, The Hobby
Shop (castings), Ken Meeks, and Otto Gas Engine Works.
Half-Breed Project Expenses to Date:
7 HP half-base hopper-cooled engine
$600
Redi Strip (paint and rust removal)
85
Cart iron, wheels and axles
162
Igniter
125
Screen cooler
175
Fuel tank and spout
83
Castings for water jacket
160
Muffler
60
Cost to bore and sleeve cylinder
350
Pulley
50
Piston rings and spacers
51
Miscellaneous supplies
122
Correct oiler
35
Less extra parts sold or saleable
-150
Total Expenditures
$1,890
Even though the engine was operable as it was, it was decided to
repair the cylinder and piston because both were quite worn. A
special bump has been added to the cam to make it possible to start
the engine by the back-kick method. Although this will affect the
exhaust valve timing somewhat, it will still operate quite well as
a loafing show engine.
Glenn Karch is a noted authority on Hercules engines.
Contact him at: 20601 Old State Rd.. Haubstadt, IN 47639, or e-mail
at: glenn.karch@gte.net
