(as translated by his wife, Wendy)3325 N. 65th St. Wausau, WI
54401
On the day I purchased my 1927 1 HP Sattley, I woke up early,
for it was a three hour drive to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. I wasn’t
sleeping much anyway. I was like a kid waiting for Christmas
morning.
Upon arrival I surveyed the engines, tentatively deciding on a
Fuller & Johnson or maybe a Lauson. As it was, I had come with
a limited allowance and got outbid a half dozen times. Then came
the Sattley, and I got it! I was so excited that when it came to
loading it into the car, I would have picked it up myself. Some
good (and sensible) people stopped me and helped load it, probably
saving me from serious back strain.
After getting it home, I steam cleaned the engine and noted the
paint and striping scheme. Then I completely disassembled the
engine. After that, I stripped the old paint and grease with oven
cleaner. Please note that oven cleaner attacks brass and babbit, so
these areas should be masked.
After inspection, I noted the engine was complete but quite
worn. A new oversize piston pin was made and fitted. The valves
where shot also, so I installed a set of 354 Perkins diesel exhaust
valves. These valves have a slightly larger stem and head. The
guides were reamed to fit, the valves ground and the exhaust seat
had to be installed.
The governor, located in the cam gear and shaft, was worn badly.
All the pivot points were brazed, drilled, and repinned. The EK
magneto had a weak spark. After installing a new set of points and
condenser, however, the spark was good.
The rings I purchased were ten thousandths oversize. I had to
file the rings for proper end gap because the cylinder was worn but
not enough to warrant boring and sleeving.
For finish I applied three coats of fast buildup primer, sanding
between each coat, then two coats of primer sealer and two coats of
paint.
After final assembly, it was time for the big moment I had been
waiting for. To my deep disappointment, the engine failed to start.
After considerable investigation, coaxing and contemplating on its
worth, I discovered the magneto trip spring was weak. Upon its
repair, the Sattley started! It now runs like new and is ready for
exhibition at this year’s shows.
