My Winter Project: 3 HP International BOOSTER

By Staff
Published on July 1, 1999
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During the restoration
During the restoration
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Shows paint going back on the engine.
Shows paint going back on the engine.
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Shows paint going back on the engine.
Shows paint going back on the engine.
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Shows the engine as it appears today, ready for exhibition.
Shows the engine as it appears today, ready for exhibition.
6 / 6
Shows the engine as it appears today, ready for exhibition.
Shows the engine as it appears today, ready for exhibition.

18230 se 315th Street Auburn, Washington 98092

Traveling near Sandpoint, Idaho, a few years ago, I stumbled
across a 3 HP International Booster, manufactured by the
International Harvester Company of Chicago, Illinois. The two-cycle
engine was sitting in the bushes by a woodshed and was in a sad
state of disrepair. I was able to make a deal with the rusty
engine’s owner and hauled it to my home near Auburn,
Washington.

I decided to make this little engine a winter project. The
piston was frozen solid and the block was badly broken. The piston
had to be broken to take it out. Mike Moyer, a friend and excellent
machinist, made a new piston for me out of aluminum. I had to weld
up the block and bore and sleeve the cylinder. The gas tank was
totally rusted, and Mike Green of Des Moines, Iowa, fabricated a
new one of galvanized metal.

The first debut of this engine will be at the Antique Farm
Engine & Tractor Show in Roy, Washington, July 10 and 11. I
also hope to take it to several northwest shows this summer.
Hopefully, I can find out a little more of this engine’s
history or uses. If anyone has any information, please don’t
hesitate to contact me.

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