Happy New Year to each and every one of our Gas Engine Family
may 1981 be a blessed year for all. And Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
said’ Look not mournfully into the past. It comes not back
again. Wisely improve the present. It is thine. Go forth to meet
the shadowy future, without fear, and with a manly heart.’
And now we must get to the letters, as there are many questions
to be answered which means many letters for you to write
Beginning the year comes a letter from ALVA M. McCOY, 5128 N.
Cannon, Spokane, Washington 99208he has many things on his mind:
‘I would like to hear from someone about Associated Mfg. Co.,
Waterloo, Iowa gas engines.
I have a Hired Man, S.N. 147069 water-cooled that seems to be as
it should be. Also an air-cooled engine that I thought was a Chore
Boy, but it is 4′ bore, 5′ stroke and 8′ flywheels with
bronze rod which makes it an air-cooled Hired Man.
Also about the guard, both engines have the holes in cylinder by
the drip oiler but no holes in base for other end of guard how was
the guard attached if it had a guard?’
The air-cooled engine has no nameplate and I have found no
serial number. This engine is reported to have been used on an
orchard sprayer and has a silver cylinder assembly and green base
and flywheels. Could this be original paint color?’
CHUCK CHALDWELL, 284 Bard Lane, Ventura, California 93001 is
searching for information on a Union four cylinder diesel, four
cycle marine engine. Size is. estimated at 12′ bore, 18′
stroke, about 400-500 HP and maximum speed to be about 450 RPM. The
engine is believed to be built between 1930 and 1940. Help will be
most appreciated.
A newcomer to the Gas Engine Family writes: ‘I’ve
acquired an old G.E.M. from 1975 and it sure is interesting. I live
in north central Montana, about 30 miles east of the continental
divide. I’ve recently retired so I’ve a lot of time on my
hands. I have restored an F-20 Farmall 1936. Now I have just
acquired a 15-30 McCormick Deering, the year I don’t know yet.
It has been a lot of fun and when a guy gets them to run for the
first time in 20 to 30 years it is quite a thrill!
Also, I have been thinking of forming a Threshers Bee or
whatever. Does anyone know how to go about such a thing? I have
several friends interested. What are the legalities, etc.? (There
you go fellas, and I know there are many of you out there who once
felt that way so why don’t you drop BILL OBERNOTTE, Choteau,
Montana 59422 a letter and help him get started?)
Looking for information on Unito and Allway engines is GERMAIN
SMITHBOWER, 3768 Meadowbrook, Murrysville, PA 15668. (Write him if
you can help him, please.)
W. H. BAUGHMAN, #15-2nd St., S.E., Cut Bank, Montana 59427 would
surely appreciate your help as he tells us: ‘I recently
acquired a couple of old tractors and I would like to know what
year they were made and how many? One is an old international Titan
10-20, S.N. TY 62629. The other is a Fordson and I found a number
on top of the radiator tank just ahead of the fuel tank. It is Ford
1416A. Also there is a number on the engine right side just above
the exhaust manifold, 139495.’
‘Hey Fellows! How about some help?’ asks THE SCHAPPERT
FAMILY, Rt. 2, Box 776, Beaverton, Oregon 97007: ‘These
Sieverkrop engines had a reunion at the 1980 Antique Powerland show
at Brooks, Oregon. The one on the left is owned by Sue Keith of
Beaverton, Oregon. The center one, a two cylinder engine, is owned
by Clyde Shurman of Woodland, Washington. The one on the right is
owned by Bob Miller of Bingen, Washington. We have compared parts
on the two small engines and hopefully will come up with the
necessary timing parts that we need. Can anyone help us on a
detailed diagram of the timer parts? Would be interested to know
how many of these are still in existence.’
DICK VALINSKI, 72 Derick Drive, Fishkill, New York 12424 would
like to correspond with individuals with knowledge of Standard
Garden tractors of Standard Eng. Co. of Minneapolis and New York;
and hopper-cooled Fairmont engines. For the Standards, he is
looking for serial numbers and year of production, colors,
production figures, etc. For the Fairmont engine, he is looking for
the age and color of an 8 HP, S.N. 78245.
BILLY LIDDY, Sect.-Treas., Box 524, Chesterland, Ohio 44026
would like this in the column, so here ’tis! ‘We would like
to know if you would make a public announcement for the Historical
Engine Society, Inc. of Kirtland, Ohio.
This past show season we sold raffle tickets on a 2 Jaeger
engine, wagon mounted with its own weather cover. The engine was
displayed at many Ohio shows. With so many engine fanciers
subscribing to GEM, we figured this was the ideal spot to tell them
all we appreciated their patronage and that the winner was Bill
Jones of Lisbon, Ohio, and a mighty pleased winner he was.’
Another fella needs help in restoring his engine BERT DADO, Box
621, Beecher, Illinois 60401 writes: ‘I am restoring an
Associated 2 HP, S.N. 133814 Hired Hand and am in need of
information as to the complete ignition system. This engine is
equipped with a Wico magneto mounted in Rube Goldberg fashion. The
igniter has been drilled and tapped to accommodate a spark plug,
which I will have to replace. If some good buddy can help with
prints, pictures or details on the magneto mounting, trip mechanism
and pushrod assembly, I hope to put this engine in its original
condition. I also would like to have the color of engine and year
built.
I have been collecting and restoring for about four years and
have been going to bed with GEM for the same length of time. I will
answer all correspondence and return all prints or pictures on
request. Thank you for an excellent publication.’
R. D. BASSETTE, 742 12th Street, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401 is
interested in obtaining tape recordings from some of the old steam
and gas engine shows. Any of the clubs out there lend them out?
Please write R.D. if you do.
GERALD L. HORNEY, 217 Linthicum Drive, Cambridge, Maryland 21613
sends this: ‘I just recently purchased a single cylinder marine
engine. The engine is a two cycle and runs very well. My problem is
identification. Half of the original brass nameplate is missing. I
have copied the remaining part of the plate and filled in the
obvious parts of words partially missing. Can any of your readers
help me? I would also appreciate any information as to color and
year of manufacture.’
Help FREDERICK GRAEBER, 32 E. Allen, Fairhaven, Massachusetts
02719 with his 6 HP Fairbanks Morse engine he recently purchased,
if you can! He would like to know the year, model and color and
anything else you think he should know.
A letter of appreciation comes from ALLEN HANFORD, R.R. 9, Box
16, Bridgeton, New Jersey 08302: ‘I am writing this letter to
thank both GEM and all of its readers that responded to the letter
and picture that was on page 12 in the May-June 1980 issue.
I have received dozens of letters and phone calls from all over
the country and snapshots of people’s engines, even packets of
photo copied sales literature. Needless to say, I was amazed at the
response I got.
The engine for which I sought information was made by Jacobson
in either Warren, Pa., or Titusville, Pa., depending on its age. It
was probably sold under the name Bulls Eye by Montgomery Ward &
Co. My engine is a 5 HP with 32′ flywheels and is still stuck
very tight. By the way, that picture was taken by a 40 year old
camera. Thanks again for a great magazine and all those who helped
me.’
Seeking the reader’s help is LANE SCHMITZER, 7300 Sheridan
Road, Millington, Michigan 48746: ‘Recently I have restored a
1937 English Fordson and was wondering if any GEM folks might be
able to clarify the exact color of the tractor and wheels.
Also, would anyone have information on a 10 HP Spence-Smith
& Kootz natural gas, oil rig engine and the Model 62 John
Deere, of the supposed 79 made. We have #27. Help will be greatly
appreciated.’
A picture and a short letter from DAVE BOULAY, 22 Wentworth St.,
Worcester, Massachusetts 01603 as he says: ‘I’ve been
getting GEM for two years now and have been meaning to write in
about these two engines I have. First one, an Alpha DeLaval, Type
F, speed 465, HP WB 3, No. 45658. I’d like very much to know
the year this engine was made. The other one is air-cooled and was
sold by S.B. Church of Seymour, Connecticut and Boston,
Massachusetts. Would like to know the year and make of this engine.
I think it is around 2 HP, 18′ flywheels diameter, face 2′,
weighing about 62 lbs. each. bore 3′ and 5′ stroke.
Ignition is make and break, with battery and t-coil. Be glad to
hear from the readers.’
This next informative letter comes from DAVID W. EDGINGTON,
Lodgewood Farm, Hawkeridge, Westbury, Wiltshire, England: ‘May
I help you by identifying the very interesting engine of George
Govel, which appeared on page 62 of the July-August GEM. The engine
was made by the well known firm of J & C. G. Bolinder of
Stockholm, Sweden. It is known as the BETA Lightweight and would be
rated at 6/7 b.h.p. It was designed mainly for marine use. It is a
surface ignition/hot bulb engine, hence a blow lamp is required for
starting purposes the lamp carrier can be seen in the photograph.
These engines were manufactured from about 1925. This style of
engine (surface ignition, hot-bulb, crank-case scavange two-stroke)
actually originated from Sweden with Bolinders being the first
company to market such an engine in 1903. The demand for surface
ignition engines soon became very great and most other countries
soon joined this up and coming market with some little variance in
design between the different makes.’
EDWIN H. BREDEMEIER, R.R. Box 13, Steinauer, Nebraska 68441 pens
this note: ‘Greetings from hot dry Nebraska land. Hope some of
the readers read my want ads and can help me. Can someone tell me
the age of an Advance Rumely separator, all wood, size 22′ x
36′, feeder No. 1859, separator No. 23281, blower No. 18486? I
just finished helping paint one.’
CARL M. RUSTINE, Reeders Run Road, R.D. 3, Box 3201,
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18360 needs information on the 6 HP
Fairbanks-Morse engine No. 344045. Spark plug in the block. Appears
to have two fuel lines. Water hopper has slanted straight sides. Is
it the early or late model and about what year?
WILLIAM C. KUHL, 464 S. 5th Street, Sebewaing, Michigan 48759
has two questions for the column readers: ‘I have a Robert
Baesch magneto model FU4AR from Hart Parr tractor. This magneto
fires good when spark is in retard position, but won’t fire in
advance position. Why not? Question No. 2 After taking a Madison
Kipp Model 50 lubricator apart to clean and since putting it back
together, now it siphons or drains the lubricator empty when
setting over night. I don’t know how it can drain itself empty,
but somehow it drains back through the feed pipes into the
crankcase when tractor is not running. Anybody out there that can
help?’
Lots of questions from WAYNE GRENNING, 318 Summit Street,
Boonville, New York 13309, phone 315-942-2352: ‘I have just
purchased a 4 HP Bull Dog hit and miss serial no. 34925 400 stamped
over 300 r.p.m. It is equipped with a Webster Tripolar Oscillator
and has reverse trip. It appears from what little paint is left,
that the engine was painted with two colors. The border between
colors was pin striped and the boxed-in areas were painted green.
However, it is not certain that any of this is original due to the
fact that the engine was repainted. I would like to know with the
greatest detail possible what parts were pin striped, the design of
the pin striping and the color(s) of the engine. Were the flywheel
surfaces painted a different color than the rest of the engine?
The brass tag on the front of the water hopper says Fairbanks,
then Bull Dog. Did Fairbanks make Bull Dog? What other engines were
made by Fairbanks, if any? Is Fairbanks related to
Fairbanks-Morse?
My Bull Dog runs fine except for one problem. One flywheel
wobbles because of a bend in the crankshaft. Is there a remedy for
this? Can it be fixed in the home shop?
Any help will be greatly appreciated and answered.’
Many questions on his engine in this letter from HOWARD SINS,
R.D. 1, Box 67, West Leyden, New York 13489: ‘I have a
Fairbanks Morse Z, 3 HP engine with make and break magneto ignition
no spark plug. The magneto is on the side of the engine near the
head, unlike other Fairbanks engines with the magneto between the
flywheels. The engine was made in 1917. My questions are How is it
painted? What color, pin stripes and decals does it have? What kind
of magneto does it have? How do I get the fuel pump plunger out of
the carb? It is stuck in, but it moves and pumps. What was the
shape of the fuel inlet jet on the carb? And how do I get it timed
properly? I am a newcomer to the hobby and know very little of
throttling governed engines. Any help will be appreciated!’
PAUL HANSON, Route 1, Box 83, Moose Lake, Minnesota 55767 would
surely appreciate your help as he writes: ‘I receive the GEM
and enjoy it very much and I hope never to be without it. I have a
1 HP Challenge gas engine S.N. 26,630, manufactured by Challenge
Co., Batavia, Illinois. When was it manufactured? What was the
original color? It is now black.
I also have a Galloway 2 HP S.N. 3029. Can anybody tell me when
this engine was manufactured and is red the right color?’
This letter comes from BOB CORYELL, 4 Edgewood Avenue,
Merrimack, New Hampshire 03054: ‘I became involved in old
engines about 15 months ago. I visited an engine show at Chester,
N.H. and met a fine gentleman known as the Old Engine Man. He has
been involved in repair of old engines for over 30 years. Oscar
Lovering helped me in purchasing 12 good operating engines and has
taken time to teach the fundamentals of hit and miss operation.
I have a few questions. I plan on moving to St. Augustine,
Florida in about 18 months. Should I sell out before I go? Can I
get a better price in Florida than New Hampshire? Is there a club
near St. Augustine, Florida that I might join? I would like to hear
from any readers in the area where I am going to live. I don’t
want to give up all of my engines as I will keep about 6 of
them.’ (Bob, we would not presume to tell you what to do as to
sell your engines here or in the South perhaps someone can give you
some ideas, someone who would be experienced in this field. As for
clubs in Florida, there are, in our Steam and Gas Directory two
museums listed and three other clubs that hold reunions. Maybe
someone will write you from Florida with some more
information.)
ROBERT MAYEUX, 2204 Comanche Street, Sulphur, Louisiana 70663
would like any information on the Nash engine mfg. by the National
Meter Company way back yonder. He has one spotted on top of a R.R.
bridge and now in the process of negotiating for it. He’ll
appreciate information.
JIM BROWN, 7239 Walker Avenue, Lincoln, Nebraska 68507 writes:
‘Your magazine is a tremendous help for the beginning gas
engine enthusiast, and through a previous ad in GEM, I have gained
many new friends and a great deal of needed help.
I have two questions for your readers regarding my 1 HP
water-cooled Associated engine Can anybody give me an idea as to
the age of my engine, S.N. 337257? And on the side of the water
hopper, above the igniter, there is a faded decal which says The
Iowa Line. Does this preceed the Associated line, does it follow
it, or are they one and the same? Also, is anyone making these
decals?’
CARL H. BOGARDERS, Box 1746, Anthony, Texas 88021 is waiting
your replies: ‘As a newcomer to rebuilding old engines, I need
help. I was given a Witte 5 HP, S.N. B29722. My first problem is
that it is frozen up and my soakings of diesel and penetrating oil
have not freed anything any hints anyone? Also, I don’t know
what style of ignition it had, or the original colors of the
engine. Will water glass seal a crack in the water hopper? Also, I
need help with governor details and type of oiler. Would appreciate
any help with my project.’
LEE HETTERLY, 4141 S. Pass Road, Everson, Washington 98247 sends
this picture with some description: ‘Enclosed find a picture of
my 7 HP Lister, No. 1913 eng. that I have restored. It runs very
nice. We have it belted up to a corn grinder. My wife and two girls
help me grind corn meal at the different shows we attend. This is
the second year I have shown the Lister. We have had many nice
comments on the engine. It came out of Fort St. John, B.C. and was
used on a fanning mill until the man I got it from pulled it out of
a junk pile in back of an old grainery and painted it up for a yard
ornament. Oddly enough it was complete and for sale. The engine was
in Aug. Custom Rodder and also on a 1981 calendar in Canada. I
would like to hear from any other collectors out there in Engine
Land that has one like it. No one I know, has seen one just like
it.’
JIM CWACH, RR 2, Yankton, South Dakota 57078 needs help in
restoring his Graham-Bradley tractor. What are the proper colors to
paint it? He would also like any other information on it and would
like to correspond with other owners.
Needing help on a restoration job, CHRIS C. BURNS, RR 1, Box
227, Oswatomie, Kansas 66064 turns to our readers: ‘I
especially need help on a 4 HP 2 cycle Cushman upright, S.N. 2273,
RPM 950. I believe it is probably a Marine engine as there is a
thrust bearing on one end of the crank, single flywheel. I’ve
been to a lot of shows in the last 10 years and have never seen one
like it; however, some tell me they are common in the East. Need
information on the timing device, reversing lever, carb, pump (see
want ad) color anything will be helpful. Thanks for GEM and IMA we
like the beautiful covers, too.’
A man needs some assistance in connection with his log sawread
and write if you can help JOHN VIALARD, 10273 E. 12th Road, Argos,
Indiana 46501: ‘I have recently acquired a two cycle 4 HP log
saw that was made by the R. M. Wade Co., Portland and Spokane in
1918. The name Multnomah is on the Pitman sprocket. A 5187 is
stamped on both pieces of the engine castings. I need help in
determing the size and shape of the wood skid. It is completely
missing. Any help or information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the helpful service of Smoke Rings and for a fine
magazine.’
‘Enclosed is a picture and description of an engine I
can’t identify,’ writes DARVIN E. JAHNKE, Box 21, Rochert,
Minnesota 56578, phone 218-847-6993: ‘There is no tag or i.d.
plate on the engine. The S.N. 35430 is stamped in the end of the
crankshaft on governor side. There is a timing mark on the face of
the flywheel, same side, marked Ignite Run. All parts have numbers
cast in them with the prefix A.K. The base is AK-1, bearing caps
AK9 etc. The hopper and base have the letter L cast into them. The
bore and stroke are 3′ x 4′ with 15’ flywheels. It is
open crankcase with oiled main bearings. No grease cups. The
cylinder and hopper are cast together and bolted to the base. It is
throttle-governed with a flywheel governor similar to an Alamo or
Rock Island. The throttle valve is mounted in the head like an M.
McCormick except that the throttle shaft comes into the side of the
head instead of from the front. The head is very similar to a 1 M.
McCormick with the carb on top and the exhaust out the bottom.
I would like to hear from anyone that can identify this engine
or give me some clues. I also need descriptions of the parts that
are missing. The original color was green. Thanks and I really
appreciate the great job you’re doing at GEM.’
Another newcomer sounds excited with his new hobby as he writes:
‘I just received my first issue of GEM and it is
great! I had never heard of a hit and miss engine
a month ago. Then I stumbled across a 3 HP Fuller and Johnson gas
engine, point type, a Delco light plant and a Western Electric 32
volt generator. With your help and help from the fine folks
subscribing to your magazine, I hope to get these running and start
building a collection. Where have I been?
I’d like to correspond with anyone having one of these units
I listed. And also it looks like GEM is one of the best ways to
learn as much as I can.’
‘I’ve enjoyed the Gas Engine Magazine for a number of
years now, mostly Smoke Rings and the stories you have on how to
make items,’ says FRANK BRENNEISEN, Box 274, Chebanse, Illinois
60922. He continues: ‘I’d like to see more articles on
making things as it makes restoring engines, etc. more interesting,
when you can say I MADE IT!
The thing I’m interested in right now is information on how
to make an ignition coil. I know you can buy them, but like I said,
it’s more fun to make them. Anybody have any information??’
(If you can answer Frank, send us the article too.)
RAYMOND LOCKWOOD, Star Route 4, Box 5170, Hernando, Florida
32642 bought a light plant about three years ago and hasn’t had
time to really work on it. Now, he would like to get started and
needs instructions on how to wire it. It was made by Sunbeam
Electric Co. 32 volt, 27 amp. Model D, S.N. 5551. If anyone can
help him, please let him hear from you.
Do you have any information of any kind on Hurst-Greyhound
engines made by H. L. Hurst Mfg. Co., Canton, Ohio? What year were
they made? Any other data will be appreciated by BERNARD F. FULTON,
SR., 570 Mercer Road, Greenville, Pennsylvania 16125.
We hear from another new member of the GEM family as TODD
WARRINER, 2682 Erie Road, Lambertville, Michigan 48144 writes:
‘I’ve been a subscriber for a short while. When the first
issue came, I bought my first engine. Enjoy your magazine very
much.
Would anybody out there in Engine Land know anything about the
Craig Machine Co.? They built gasoline engines for Navy and marine
use, also built a four-stroke diesel with auxiliary exhaust ports
in the lower end of the cylinder liner. The firm went out of
business in 1927 and the patents were purchased by the Craig
Foundry. I would like to know where the company was located and
anything else I could find out about the firm. Thank you!’
LYLE CUMMINS, Carnot-Press, Box 1544, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97034
extends his comments in the following letter: ‘What a pleasant
surprise to read the excellent reprinted article in the Nov.-Dec.
GEM by my good friend John Rowell on early Cummins Hvid-type
engines.
I would like to add my own comment that amplifies John’s
last sentence. H. L. Knudsen was an excellent engineer, who,
without doubt, contributed greatly to the building of the company.
Yet, in the fuel injection system area, it was Clessie Cummins who
supplied the ideas. His witnessed sketch books (which I have) and
his 22 patents on fuel injection alone that issued while he was
still with the company up to the late 1940s all testify to
this.
Dad and Mr. Knudsen together made a team: the idea man (who was
also trying to keep a fledgling company going) and his engineer who
took an idea and fashioned it, with give and take by each (!) into
a workable design. Each needed the other. Both were special
people.’
Expecting your replies is CHARLES D. RAKES, P.O. Box 445,
Bentonville, Arkansas 72712: ‘I’ve been receiving GEM for
about three years now and have wanted to write Smoke Rings from the
time I received the first issue, but just now doing so.
I would like to know if any of the GEM readers could tell me the
year the following engines were produced. Hercules 1 HP ‘E’
S.N. 75963; Economy 1 HP ‘E’ S.N. 58593; Economy 1 HP
‘E’ S.N. 145299; Jaeger 3 HP ‘S’ S.N. 335898;
Cushman 4 HP Vert. S.N. U997 with radiator; and a vert. Novo 3 HP
S.N. 42952.
I also have a horizontal steam engine manufactured by the
English Iron Works Company of Kansas City, Missouri, size 6×7 S.N.
1746, and would like any information on this engine. Sure look
forward to each issue of GEM.’
Some questions from DAVID REMUS, Box 103, Princeton, Missouri
64673, who is a member of the GEM family for one year now: ‘I
need data on a LeRoi 2 cylinder engine Model MH2, S.N. 3461. This
engine is mounted on a table saw. First, on the engine; was this a
popular engine? What is its horsepower? How old is it? What color?
What RPM did it run? Did it have any decals or striping? This is
the first engine of this kind I have seen and also the first
tank-cooled engine I ever owned.
Now, the sawit is 54′ long, 31′ wide and 36′ high,
factory built. Has a 12′ blade. Who built it? What was its main
use? Also, age? This engine runs real good after freeing up valves
and filing magneto points. Any letters would be very
helpful.’
‘I need some information on a Gade Bros. gas engine. It is 1
HP at 500 RPM and the S.N. is 2881, writes MICHAEL BOST, 3465 North
Meridian Road, Rockford, Illinois 61103. ‘What I need to know
is there a book out on the Gade? Also what color should I paint it?
What year was it built? I also need to know what the gas tank looks
like.’
Another enthusiast writes his name and address RICHARD A. KANE,
P.O. Box 17, Leicester, New York 14481: ‘Being a new ‘gas
engine’ nut, and taking the magazine for about one year, I must
say I do not know what I would do without your information.
My partner and I have been seriously collecting for about two
years, at this time we have three buildings full of tractors,
engines and all the good stuff that goes with them.
They range in condition from show quality to basket cases and
number about 25. We find that we can fully restore one in about
five weeks of spare time work. The largest is a 6 HP McCormick and
the smallest is of course a Maytag.
Now to business, I noticed in the last issue an inquiry on a 10
HP IHC. Victor built by Thomas Kane & Company of Chicago.
For obvious reasons I would like to acquire a Kane Engine. Do
they exist?
Keep up the good work, it is surprising to learn how many people
enjoy this hobby. Some day we should all rent the state of Ohio and
hold the world’s biggest gas-up.’
DAVID M. RUSCONI, 260 Upland Road, Redwood City, California
94062 wishes you to read his want ad in classified section and
write him and help him if possible. He says: ‘I am trying to
restore this Model W.S. Vaughan Flex Tred tractor and I would
appreciate hearing from any of your readers who have a similar
tractor or could furnish data about its history, original color,
options, etc. Will answer all letters. Enclosed are some pictures
of my tractor.’
ROY C. KACHEL, Route 1, Box 47-L, Long Beach, Washington 98631,
phone 206-642-2787 would like to correspond with someone who would
have information on a Smith Motor Wheel, #21151.
Again, let me remind you folks that the column is only for
questions and answers, lending pictures, etc. no advertising for
parts, books etc. That must be done through the classified ad
section. I’m sure you understand. So, if your letter does not
get in just as it was written, many times this is the reason. If
you are asking for special parts or etc. that cannot be listed in
the column.
A note from the state of Minnesota written by LEONARD GERBER,
Marietta, Minnesota 56257: ‘We had a gas engine on the farm in
the 1920s. I don’t know what became of it, but I’ll never
forget it. I now have some bangers of my own.
Thinking back, the one in the 20s was an Associated engine.
A question is a flywheel supposed to slide on a crankshaft? I
have a flywheel that won’t go on. If I tap a chisel in to
spread the hole, the hole gets smaller on the other side of the
flywheel and it still won’t go on. Thanks to Smoke Rings for
many handy and friendly tips.’
Getting results with questions he asked before, BOB BRIGGS,
7601-22nd Ave., Kenosha, Wisconsin 53140 has some new queries:
‘I want to thank you, GEM, and the many friends who responded
to my questions about my air-cooled Stover. It was more than one
could expect. I would like to try your readers on another engine I
found. It is a small engine that is directly coupled to a
generator. Both units are mounted on a large cast iron base that
also serves as the gas tank. I am sure the motor is a Johnson Iron
Horse and the generator puts out about 300 watts at 115 volts AC.
It has a 6 VDC starter winding in the generator that recharges the
battery after the engine starts.
One unique feature is a flywheel with fan spokes that is outside
of the regular flywheel housing. There is no identification
anywhere; however the whole thing is in mint condition and runs
very good. It is painted battleship gray. I hope some of the
readers can give me some information on what this motor generator
is and what it was used for. I will answer all letters.
What would we do without GEM?’
RONNIE THOMPSON, Route 1, Box 717, Fitzgerald, Georgia 31750
writes Smoke Rings: ‘I bought a gas engine and I think it is a
Fairbanks Morse and some of the original green paint is still on
it. I think it is fired by igniter. The only markings on the engine
is as follow stop of water hopper S.N. 276151, on engine base ZB636
or ZB626,I just can’t make it out. On flywheel ZB13B&C,
SFCO-M, ZB-3B or E. On the cylinder head ZB31, about 5 or 6 HP. The
gas tank is gone and I don’t know where it is supposed to
go.
Also, I would like to know if all the Maytags single cylinder
engines were Model 92. I have one that has a metal tag on it with
the word Model 31. I was told they were 92 and that Model 31 was
the type of washer it went on I’m new to GEM and I love it and
old gas engines. Thank you for your time and GEM.’
The following letter and inquiry was referred to us by Donna M.
Hull of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers of St.
Joseph, Michigan 49085. The letter comes from GEORGE J. FAUST, #45
McDonald Mt., Columbia, Missouri 65201 so if you can assist this
man, please write to George, not the American Soc. etc. ‘I am
trying to locate some information on a tractor built way back in
the early 1930s or maybe a little earlier. It is an eight cylinder
gas-driven tractor and has a huge hand clutch, set of brakes, steel
seat, steel steering wheel with steel spinner and which the average
person would have to operate it standing up. This tractor is as
tall and as long as the average size steam engine. The tractor was
called the Baker 25-50, which were one of the best I’ve ever
seen. I don’t remember the horsepower of this huge tractor.
(George, I think the 25-50 is the HP.)
I do remember it could outdo the steam engine which was still in
use at that time. This tractor had a crank on the front of it about
2 feet to 3 feet long and you could not but only make quarter turns
to start it. First you had to prime it with a squirt can of gas
beneath the eight spark plugs which were the primer cups location.
It was the prettiest sounding tractor I’ve ever heard. I’ve
seen this tractor run grain and bean separators and also could run
the biggest sawmill you ever could mention. This tractor also had
its own gear shift to throw the belt drive pulley in and out of
gear. It also had its own gear shift to throw the belt drive pulley
in and out of gear. It also had its cab built over it from front to
back and extended from side to side. It had two large slide windows
you could open and two stationary windows on right and left side in
front of the two huge fenders which cover the rear wheels.
This tractor is very interesting, because I was raised up with
the steam engine I know a lot about them. I also take in The Old
Threshers Association show every year and enjoy every bit of it.
This tractor was manufactured in Cleveland, Ohio or
Cincinnati.’
JOHN RASMUSSEN, 6750 Rattalee Lake Road, Clarkston, Michigan
48016 tells us: ‘A request in Smoke Rings to owners of Cat 10
Crawler tractors brought many letters. I’m sending copies of
the letters since they may be helpful to all your readers,’
(This is fine John, but I cannot begin to print them all at once I
will however use a few at a time, if possible, in the following
issues. I just could not run them all at once.)
John went on to say in his letter: ‘Thank you all for
sending so much information on Cat 10s. I really started out to
just make a list of owners and machine serial numbers, but as you
will see, all the letters were too good not to pass along. Sorry
about getting this back to you several months late. Vacations,
broken typewriter, many tractor and engine shows, and just plain
procrastination is my excuse. We can thank my poor suffering wife
for the excellent typing job poor suffering because she does not
share my enthusiasm for collecting tired iron.
I have two Tens, one regular for parts and one Hi-Clearance
model that is 100% complete and in good running condition, except
pins and bushings. Some other Tens I’ve seen or heard about
are: A.G. (Andy) Innes, 1589 McGee St., Sarnia, Ontario N7S 2J5
S.N. 2523, regular, restored, a very nice real 10. Mike Nolan, 3147
Bronson Lake Road, Lapeer, Michigan 48446, S.N. 2169, wide track
with front blade. Ralph Corey, 3650 Green Corners Road, Metamora,
Michigan 48455, Hi-Clearance, restoring and Charles Morris, 615
Rockhill, Kettering, Ohio 45429.
P.S. One of the Cat-Ten steering clutch lever knobs is
hex-shaped to aid the operator when he is backing up. He feels the
knob and knows he has the correct clutch lever in his hand. Which
lever should the hex knob be on?
Serial numbers are located in two places on Cat-Tens: left side
top of transmission case just behind shift lever cover. It’s
there, just keep scraping till you find it. If the engine has not
been replaced, a matching serial number can be found on the left
forward side on a large flat spot just below the head.’
Following is one of the letters written to John and it comes
from KEN ROBISON, 20531 Black Road, Los Gatos, California 95030:
‘We noted in an issue of GEM your interest in the Cat 10 and
the offer to get up a ‘Catalog’ and as owners of such a
‘critter,’ are intrigued by your concern with these little
jobs.
As we don’t get our magazine until late May, obviously it
was impossible to get our serial number to you by the date
suggested, so here’s our number anyway! Number PT717 is our pet
and was bought from an elderly man who was getting out of the
orchard business and wanted it to have a good home. We also bought
an old Republic 1915 truck at the same time. He asked what the
chair was for and was quite insulted when told it was to tow the
truck. Gave the truck a twist, fired right up, so we put the Ten
aboard and drove home. Both had been owned by him since new and in
fine shape, clean and always stored in a dry, locked, concrete
floored building, with heat of all things! Heck, there isn’t
another heated garage in this part of the state. Anyway, there is
another to add to your list. I hope your response has been
great.
Several years ago we bought the remains of an old Centaur
tractor from a guy at a private dump. He didn’t know what it
was and became interested as we restored it. Runs fine and is
always a good show at meets. Have since been in touch with over 60
owners throughout the country, a few in Canada and three in
Australia. Hope to have a roster of all these completed this
summer.
I wonder if it won’t be the same with the Cats? What I
thought was rare, turns out to be known at least by many. I think
there are several Tens within a few miles of us and probably a
couple of dozen here in central California. Most owners aren’t
a bit interested in letting go of them, but don’t really use
them.’
The final letter this time comes from H. P. STEINER, 307
Bluebird Lane, Folsom, California 95630 and he writes: ‘Some
time ago you published a short article I wrote, and to my
amazement, I received a response from a subscriber in England! Not
only that but, in your Nov.-Dec. 1980 issue the first article is
about this man Charles Doble! The fact that he is establishing a
‘Cletrac’ tractor collection is most remarkable!
It so happened that I was for a time connected with that sales
organization as a dealer and a ‘blockman’ covering northern
California. Having lived thru the competition era of Holt and Best
Companies, then to find the companies merged and learn that Holt
made fine equipment, (I was a serviceman for the Best dealer) it
was no shock to find Cletrac also made excellent tractors.
While there was an entirely different approach to the method of
steering and one could argue long about this, there were features,
that I was told, drew royalties from other tractor makers. I
certainly enjoyed my connection and left only when deliveries were
cut short because of the war. Months later I received checks as
payment were made on the tractors which were purchased on deferred
payments. In my dealings, all persons I contacted in the
organization were interested in the successful service their
equipment gave the customer.
I am particularly delighted in seeing this tractor line brought
before the readers, and shall do all I can to find the literature
and the ‘Angel’ for Mr. Doble.
And that dear friends about winds it up for this issue. In
ending though I leave you with this thought for the New Year, from
Charles H. Spurgeon Be good; get good, and do good. Do all the good
you can, to all the people you can, in all the ways you can, as
often as ever you can, as long as you can.
See you next issue God bless and I love Y’all.
