The clock of life is wound but once.
And no man has the power.
To tell just when the hands will stop.
At late or early an hour.
NOW is the only time you own;
Live, love, toil with a will-Place no faith in TOMORROW For the
clock may then be still.
And I think that’s a good bit of advice to start the New
Year-I don’t know what’s in it for you and me, but
here’s wishing the best in’83! Hope you have been enjoying
the Holidays and may we all look forward to a bright New Year! And
enough of this and on to the many communications.
BOB ETMAN, P.O. Box 346, Stockbridge, Massachusetts 01262 sends
this: ‘I have an old engine that I hope someone can give me
some information on it. It is a Fairbanks Morse Model Z, 3 HP at
475 RPM. It is complete and runs well on either gasoline or
kerosene. I am presently using it to power a saw rig. The thing
that is unique about this engine is that it was made in Canada. The
brass plate on the head end of the water hopper reads-Made in
Canada, by the Canadian Fairbanks Morse Co., Ltd., Toronto, Canada.
Patents Dec. 25, 1917, Feb. 5, 1918 and April 2, 1918. I have been
to four old engine shows this summer, talked to a lot of people,
but no one has heard of this engine being made in Canada. The
serial number is C-22776. I certainly would appreciate any data on
this engine or company.
‘I am also interested in information about a ‘Mity
Kat’ Tractor Co., Medford, Massachusetts. I have one of their
Mity Kat bulldozers made about 1948 and have never seen or heard of
one before I got mine. It is quite small, 2300# and has a 4
cylinder, water-cooled Hercules engine of 18 HP. I would like to
hear from anyone who has one of these crawlers, or has any
knowledge of the company.
‘I’d like to say you have a terrific magazine with a
world of knowledge for the old engine fancier.’
Hoping for a lot of answers, we hear from MICHAEL BURDGE, 1229
Huntington Road, Stratford, Connecticut 06497: ‘I enjoy your
magazine very much and have recently become interested in gas
engines and already have acquired three-a 3 HP Domestic, 4 HP Novo
and a 2 HP Fairbanks which is mounted on a Paasche air compressor.
I hope someone can give me information on this for I have never
seen one like it.
‘The compressor and motor are mounted on a 3-wheeled caret
with the tank mounted underneath. It is long and narrow. The motor
is a 2 HP dish-wheeled Fairbanks and it is belted to a Kellog
compressor. On the cart it reads Paasche compressors and it
develops 150 pounds of pressure. Would like to hear from anyone
owning one of these so I can find out where they were made, how
many and what was the original color?
‘I would also like some help on my 3 HP Domestic, S.N. 8093.
What year was it made and how many were manufactured? I would also
like to know the best paint for the burgundy Domestics.
‘My 4 HP Novo is S .N. 87303 and I would like to know the
year and how many were made. I will appreciate any
information.’
‘First of all I would like to commend you on your GREAT
magazines,’ says BILLY HART, Box 319, Rugby, North Dakota
58368.
‘But my problem is more complicated, as a few years ago I
purchased a stationary water-cooled engine. I do not know the year
it was made, the manufacturer, the color, pin stripes if any, nor
not much other information. I would like to know if anyone knows
what kind of engine this is. I copied the only identification tag I
could find. It reads: ENGINE No. 76648 R.P.M. 550 H.P. 1 E. The tag
was on the water hopper and looks to be brass. The color of engine
seems to be a pink, orange or red. It does not appear to have any
pin striping. I’ll be happy to hear even some slight
information on this engine.’
JOHN ZALABAK, 305 Ernst, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366 needs to
hear from you about his engines: ‘I have been collecting old
engines a few years and have some questions! I have a 2 HP Famous
S.N. 32085. This engine uses a water pump. I would like to know the
year and what color to paint the engine.
‘Next, I have a 1 HP and 3 HP FM Light Plant. Both
engines are 1924 and both use a condensing unit. It looks like the
head, mixer and several other parts were painted black on these
engines-does anyone know? I also need some information on the
dynamos on these two engines; one looks good, but the wiring on the
other needs help.
‘One last question-I recently bought a 1 HP FM (1925) dish
flywheels. The engine is painted the normal FM green, except the
ends of the crankshaft, which appear to be red. Does anyone know
why or what color red? Any help appreciated and thanks, GEM, for a
great magazine!’
Waiting for an answer to his letter, BOB BRIGGS, 760122nd
Avenue, Kenosha, Wisconsin 53140 writes: ‘I am continually
surprised by the variety of engines made by Stover. About four
years ago an old friend told me about a small engine he had in a
barn in Northern Wisconsin. I had forgotten all about it until this
summer when he stopped by and said he had the engine. From a
distance it looked like a Briggs FH because of the two outside push
rods. On closer look, it was entirely different. It has an overflow
carburetor and many other unique features. It must have an internal
fuel pump because there is nothing showing to get gas to the
carburetor bowl. Maybe someone can shed some light on this one. The
name tag reads Stover, Model 2VB, HP, Serial 5634? RPM1750.
‘I also have a Rex Cement Mixer with a 1926 Model K Stover
on it and an air-cooled Stover coupled to a water pump. I am also
restoring another Model K. I will answer all letters.’
I want to go on record as stating that I am not for all, some
but not all, this Women’s Lib demands, but I do think it is
great that we have the freedom to do and choose almost anything we
desire. For example, our hobbies, and here comes a letter from one
of the younger engine enthusiasts and the letter is
self-explanatory. Welcome to the Smoke Rings column, Rhonda.
She writes: ‘RHONDA CLAY, P.O. Box 277 New London, N.C.,
28127. I am a 15 year old girl and a collector of old Maytag
engines. I have just recently bought an Eshelman toy car frame from
a trading post, and it is in very good condition. The motor goes on
the front with a belt attached leading to a pulley in the back.
There are two sprockets on the back wheels and one has a chain on
it. The pedals and other parts were included with it. It has been
painted red, but the color is rusting off, and I would like to know
its original color. I would also like to know what kind of motor
and H.P. went on it and decals if any. Thanks to the person who
lets me know!!! Luv dis magazeen! Thanks a lot- Rhonda
Clay.’
‘P.S. The car also has solid rubber tires.’
EDW. G. HOOVER, 10040 State St., N.E., Louisville, Ohio 44641
needs a little help with his 1 HP Type M McCormick Deering with a
Bosch mag., S.N. AA5222 built early in 1924. No. on mag is
FX4-ED-1. ‘The gear is shot on mag and cam gear is broken so I
will have to retime the engine when I replace gears. Can anyone out
there send me a good drawing on how to do this. It’s not quite
the same as ‘M’ engine with Wico EK mag.-You have a great
magazine.’
‘I believe we’ve found an old whatever,’ says BILL
OBERNOLTE, Box 569, Choteau, Montana 59422. His letter continues:
‘Enclosing pictures of an old tractor my friend, Ove Larson and
I found out of town on an abandoned homestead. The tractor rear
wheels are 6′ in diameter and about 9-12′ wide. It has a
4-cylinder motor, about 4’ bore. The head is missing and block
cylinders are cast in pairs, has what looks like two clutches, but
has chain and roll steering and flywheel start by crank and rachet.
A lot of broken parts and some missing but somewhere out in
GEM Land, there might be someone who can put a
name on it.
‘I would also like to thank the folks that have replied in
connection to me when I’ve asked for serial numbers, etc.’
(Bill also tells us that he and his friend are starting an old
engine club-let’s hear more of it as it progresses, Bill, and
when you get it organized, don’t forget to list it in our
Directory).
‘I would like to say Thank You for the sample copy of
GEM. I am so pleased with it. The engines I have
are Rock Island made by Rock Island Plow Co. 2 HP, Rock Island,
Illinois. Then I have a Fairbanks Morse, Model Z, 3 HP and lastly
an International LA, 1-2 HP.
I acquired these engines in about 1960. The Rock Island was
stuck when I got it. I freed it in the fall of 1960 and acquired
the F-M and Int. Neither of these engines were stuck. At that time
there was very little interest shown by anyone in my area to
engines. I tried to find out information, but no one knew anything
or seemed to care. So, my engines were stored out back in one of
our sheds. In the past 3 or 4 years, when we would attend a fair or
homecoming, I would see engines running and think ‘Some day I
am going to dig mine out and try to get them running
again’.
‘This fall while we were going on Spoon River Drive, there
was a display of some engines. I took the time to ask some
questions. I was told, above the noise of the engines, that there
was a publication on Gas Engines. I waited for over an hour for
someone to dig up your address. I wish I had had this happen years
ago!
‘Just imagine! I have had these engines for over 20 years
and I know nothing about operating them. After reading my sample of
GEM, I was like my little boy on Christmas
morning. The engines were just setting there, after 20 years, still
covered up as I had left them. I hope you can feel the joy I am
trying to put into words.’
This letter came from JAMES A HERRMAN, R.R. 2, Box 68, Manito,
Illinois 61546. I thought you would like to hear from an excited
engine enthusiast who just hasn’t met up with the rest of the
gas buffs yet. He did not ask for anything in particular, but as
happy as he is, I believe he would be overjoyed to hear from you
readers that might have the time to write him and help him get
started with this dormant hobby that has been resting for far too
long. You know he’s going to love it!
‘I have been a subscriber to your magazine for two years and
have just gotten my first engine to rebuild. I could use some help
from the fellows out in Engine Land,’ says BOB HART, 1520 N.
Sycamore, Herman, California 93630.
‘I have a Fuller & Johnson 8 HP S.N. 53036. Numbers on
the castings 8N2. It has a Wizard magneto, Type 250, #186437
oscillating type. The numbers on the carburetor are 8N110A. It has
36′ flywheels. I would like to know the color and when it was
made. I need a drawing or help on knowing the way the magneto was
driven. What type fuel did it use? The carburetor is one piece and
has a reservoir like it may start on gasoline and run on something
else. Would like to get in touch with anyone who knows Fuller &
Johnson engines. Thanks for a swell magazine!’
‘See picture of an old DRAG saw, short the wheels and drive
pulley, no blade. Name is Culver, patented Jan. 4 and Nov. 22,
1870, no part numbers. Nearly all parts are hand-welded in a coal
forge and homemade bolts, etc. The wheel is 23’ diameter. The
rule or the stick in photo is a yard stick for comparison size. I
need lots of information on this saw, such as number of RPMs I
should run. Will a 1 or 3 HP L.A. International be satisfactory?
What was its original color and proper size of wheels and driver
and drive pulleys? What was it powered with at time it was in
use?
‘Someone must have one of these or at least know about same.
Thank you!’, says THAIN WHITE, Misery Bluff, Dayton, Montana
59914. (Lots of questions for you to answer on this one).
ALLEN S. RORICK, Route 1, Box 524, Cleburne, Texas 76031, phone
817-645-3851 writes us for the first time: ‘I need some help on
three engines I now have, a Domestic 1 HP with pump jack, side
shaft, plug fired, S.N. 28937, no model on tag. The next
Associated, Hired Man, 2 HP, ignitor, S.N. 130364. The third is a
Jumbo, Model T mfg. by Nelson Bros. Co., 1 HP, S.N. 18495, plug
fired.
All three engines are now in excellent condition, but I
don’t know anything about them. I need to know the year made,
colors and striping and any other information about them.
I need information on how to build a good simple magnet charger,
and info on the care and repair of an American Bosch AB-33 ED-1
magneto. All calls will be appreciated and letters
answered.’
BILL HAMILTON, Route 2, Quincy, Illinois 62301 has a couple of
questions he would like answered: ‘I have two Economy gasoline
engines: Improved Model No. 21828 and No. 12919, 2 HP. I had been
wondering for a long time what the water hopper ever looked like
till I bought the 12919 s.n. engine at a sale recently. It is
complete and running on the original truck which brings me to my
first question. It appears that on the truck at the head end, that
the skids have been cut off. Did the battery box go here? And what
did it look like?
‘My next question is that on the engine that has s.n. 21828
the pushrod is square and on my 12919 engine it is round with a
guide rod attached at the governor bracket. What does the square
pushrod governor and governor bracket look like? Could someone
supply a detailed sketch? I also would like to know the original
paint color. Anyone have the complete history of the Economy
Company?
‘One more thing-I have recently purchased a Delco Light
Plant. The tag on the block reads Delco Light #299945.I would like
to know how to hook up the batteries to get it to run.’
ROGER W. NELSON, Route 1, Box 160, Harrisburg, South Dakota
57032, has a problem he would like to discuss: ‘One problem
facing the collector of old tractors is what to do about oil and
filter changes. One cannot really go by the owner’s manual as
it may recommend oil changes every 60 hours, with filter change
every other oil change. If a man has several tractors and maybe
occasionally enters a parade or just drives around the yard a
little, it could take years to accumulate 60 hours on a tractor. To
change oil every year on several tractors regardless of hours used,
seems rather expensive with the price of oil today.
‘If once a year a man drains about a pint of oil out of the
crankcase of a cold engine, that should remove some of the moisture
that has settled to the bottom. By doing this, it seems to me that
a seldom used engine should be able to go 3 or 4 years without a
complete oil change.
‘I would like to hear from someone on this subject, whether
they agree or disagree with me.’ (Fellows, either write Roger
or send me a short notice of how you feel on this subject.)
‘Here is a picture of an engine that probably no one else
has, and it runs nicely and is built from an old air compressor and
has round profile flywheel rims off an old corn chopper and was
built by Bert Waller of Mendota, Illinois in the Tower and Waller
Repair Shop. Bert calls it the old Vander snort. No relation to
Root & Vandervoort of East Moline, Illinois.
‘He drilled a hole for a spark plug and made the camshaft,
carburetor, rocker arm, push rods and everything else to make it
run and it even runs backwards. You could almost classify this in
What is It department. It is magneto fired for ignition.
This letter was sent by EVERETT ALTHAUS, 706 Pennsylvania
Avenue, Mendota, Illinois 61342. He sent it in for Mr. Waller.
Comment on colors comes from ROBERT A. JOHNSON, Route 2, Box
358, Canyon, Texas 79015 as he states: ‘I am writing this
because there seems to be some confusion about the proper color for
Monitor engines. I have some N.O.S. Parts and they are painted two
different colors. Some are close to the I.H.C. red. The others are
a dark grey, about the shade of Rustoleum’s hotrod grey primer,
except it is glossy.
‘I own a 4 HP #6914 which was built in 1912 that is red. I
also have a 1 HP #39092 which was built much later that is
grey. I have no idea when the color change was made. I hope this
will help some of the people.’
Here comes our paragraph of short letters which I’m sure
will help those requesting information. First one comes from KEN G.
LINNUM, W227N4027 LN TR LN, Pewaukee, Wisconsin 53072 who has two
engines he has restored, but doesn’t know the year of
manufacture and would like some help. One is a 2 HP Witte, S.N.
B20338. The other is a Lindsay Alamo Type A, 1 HP, S.N. 78260. CARL
HATCH, R.D. #4, Box 277, Towanda, Pennsylvania 18848 wishes someone
out in Engine Land would show him how to wire up a Model T coil to
run an engine that has a Webster magneto and igniter as magneto is
dead. He would appreciate a diagram. JACK L. ALEXANDER, 92 North
White Road, San Jose, California 95127 has a 1920 Aermotor pump
engine and the Aermotor pump and he would like to know the original
colors. Also would appreciate knowing if anyone is remanufacturing
gas tanks for Model GP John Deere tractors. BILLY BRITT, Box 336,
Beech Bluff, Tennessee 38313 is planning a vacation to Raymond,
Washington next year and would like to correspond with individual
collectors and clubs nearest to Raymond to find out show dates in
that area. MARK C. PACK, 737 Stratford Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah
84106 has acquired an 8 HP Ingeco gas engine with hit and miss
governor, ignitor with battery and coil, RPM 325, NO. 4024 Type AN.
He would like to hear from someone that has one like it. BRUCE
CROWN, 3333 Main Street, Chula Vista, California 92011 recently
acquired a horizontal cyl. 2-cycle engine, bore 9′, stroke
12′, flywheel 54′ O.D. fuel injection, make unknown (maybe
F-M) has casting numbers preceded by the letters YG. Any
information in identifying this engine will be appreciated. JIM
OSNES, 16420 Fillmore, Brighton, Colorado, R.R. 2,80601 needs to
find information on a 20 HP Cushman 2 cylinder vertical headless
Model 77, S.N. 520. Would like year of mfg., color and how to set
it up as it is a basket case, but complete. It has a magneto and a
pair of coils and would like to know if they are used together or
separately. He also thanks those who helped identify his Stewart
Little Wonder Sheep Shearing Engine. EARL LOAR, 308 E. Harvard,
Fresno, California 93794, 209-222-4668 would like to know if
someone could help him with data on the Bates and Edmonds Motor Co.
of Lansing, Michigan and when they built the Bull Dog and Bull Pup
engines., When were the different models built? H. ROSSOW, Box 15,
Weston, Idaho 83286 would like to hear from someone who has an F-M
Model 1B-1, 2 HP engine and anyone who has a Wisconsin, Model AN4.
EUGENE THOMPSON, 105 Hawbrook, Jerseyville, Illinois 62052 would
like to correspond with other Rock Island owners. He recently
purchased one of these engines and needs help. The identification
tag is missing from the engine and he desires to know the HP,
original color, striping, etc. S.N. is stamped on water jacket and
is 89362. The bore is 41/8‘ and stroke is
5’. BURTON E. ALDRICH, Box 129, Farnham, New York 14061 needs
information on the New Way Motor Company, Lansing, Michigan,
especially on their water-cooled vertical engine. JAMES C.
BEAUCHAMP, 27855 West California, Lathrup Village, Michigan 48076
has been attending shows for about 15 years but just recently
purchased his first engine. He needs help as to color, striping,
age, etc. and also tank information. The engine is a Witte with the
magneto in the flywheel, throttling governor, S.N. 92744X Special.
VICTOR TAYLOR, Route 2, Box 323, Faison, North Carolina 28341 has
just purchased a Freeport engine mfg. by Stover Engine Works,
Freeport, Illinois-2 HP, speed 375, YA600, S.N. VA 15622. He would
like to know how old the engine is and any other data. PAT
JENNINGS, Box 45, Murrieta, California 92362 recently acquired a
Wallis tractor of 4-wheel design, 15 HP, S.N. 23344 and would like
to know the original color, approximate year of mfg., type of
carburetion and any other tidbits. THOMAS E. STRANKO, 2478
Stephanie Lane, Binghamton, New York 13903 collects inboard marine
engines and would be happy to swap, free of charge, catalog and
manual information or pictures with anyone out in
GEM Land.
‘Over the years I have answered many of the Smoke Rings
articles offering help to the restorers out in Engine Land. It is
now my turn to ask for help,’ says JAMES P. RILEY, 294 New
Bridge Road, Rising Sun, Maryland 21911.
‘I plan on restoring two engines, one a two cycle single
vertical cylinder inboard boat engine with one flywheel on which is
cast in raised letters-Detroit Caille Liberty Drive. The other is a
1 HP Gray hit and miss single horizontal cylinder flat head
water-cooled engine. Both engines have parts missing which I will
have to make and any information on them particularly the original
paint color will be greatly appreciated. I will answer all letters
and return postage.’
‘HELP! I have recently acquired this tractor and I am hoping
you or one of your readers can tell me what it is. The only
markings on it are Vaughn Flex Tractor,’ says LEWIS BREEDEN,
15044 Howellhurst Drive, Bladwin Park, California 91706, phone
213-962-0016.
W. B. DAVIS, 1601 Millers Ferry Road, Lat 229, Wilmer, Texas
75172 has a John Deere engine, 1 HP hit and miss, #359277, Type E,
600 RPM. It has ignitor and gear-driven magneto. He has been
running it with 6V battery and coil but has been unable to operate
on magneto. When running, the magneto will light up a small 6V bulb
a little.
He goes on to say: ‘I took the permanent magnet off the
magneto and had it recharged. The timing marks on the magneto gear
and the gear that drives it are lined up O.K. Now, I am wondering
if the crankshaft gear and the gear that it drives, or middle gear,
must be in time also. Sure would appreciate anyone who can tell me
what to do. I’m new to your world of engines and I am certainly
having fun. I’ll do my best to answer all.’
‘Pictured is our 2 cycle IHC 3 HP Booster engine, but we
know very little about it, except it was used on a railroad hand
car in the era 1914-1917. The only literature we have found on it
is in a book 150 Years of IHC by Wendell. I would like to learn
more about this engine and how many are in the hands of other
collectors. Will be looking forward to hearing from you fellow IHC
collectors,’ writes DALE PETLY, Route 1, Box 25, Pasco,
Wisconsin 99301, phone 509-547-9914.
KEVIN BEHNKE, 1106 Prospect Avenue, Wausau, Wisconsin 54401
says: ‘Perhaps some people out in Engine Land can help me with
some information. I would like the year of manufacture, paint
number, and striping, if any, for the following engines: Hercules 3
HP EK Engine No. 119413; this is a kerosene engine with Webster
ignition. Monitor upright made by Baker Mfg. Co., Evansville,
Wisconsin, 1 HP Type VJ, Engine No. 13508; this is a pumpjack
engine with hit-and-miss battery ignition. Galloway 2 HP Engine No.
02817 with Webster ignitor.
‘I will gladly answer all letters. Also, I would like to
know if any of these companies still exist under same or different
names.’
The following letter and picture comes from WRIGHT L. TOWERS,
1800 East Graves Avenue, Lot 168, Orange City, Florida 32763:
‘I have a one HP Mogul Jr. (1915) that is well restored and
running with the combined efforts of my brother, Perry Towers of
Deland, Florida, Paul Whittemore of Rutland, Vermont and myself. In
the process of restoration we found a faded decal on the side of
the hopper that read as follows: ‘Awarded Grand Prize, Highest
Possible award, Panama-Pacific International Exposition, San
Francisco-1915’. My question is: Did this particular engine get
this award or was it given to include all Mogul Jr. engines?
‘I have been a subscriber of the GEM for
about ten years and look forward to each issue.’
GILBERT IRPS, 3156 Waldron Road, Kankakee, Illinois 60901 has
some information to give the readers and would like a few more
questions answered as he tells us: ‘In the March-April issue of
GEM you published an article on An Experimental
I.H.C. Engine, written by me. In the article I requested that I
would like to know of any others that still existed. I thought that
your readers would like to know that two others do exist. They are
owned by Boyd Beach of Rockford, Ill. who has engine #558, and by
Don Landis, also of Rockford, who has engine #568. My engine is
#563. The three of us have become friends since the article
appeared in your magazine, and we have had the three engines on
display at the same shows several times this summer. Quite a few
people comment on seeing three experimental at the same show!
‘Can anyone tell me the difference, if any, between a 1 HP
I.H.C. TITAN and FAMOUS? I have been told that the Famous was the
earlier one, and that I.H.C. changed the name to Titan in 1913, but
have no verification of this. Can anyone date my engine, which is
Ser. # VC 34373? In the book 150 Years of International Harvester
the serial numbers are not given for the 1 HP Titans or Famous. My
engine has an Accurate Engineering magneto on it, which seems to be
rather scarce, as most of the other Titans are battery and coil
jobs.
‘If other owners of 1 HP Titans will write to me, and list
their serial numbers, and type of ignition, I will compile a list
of serial numbers, and owners, which will be available to them
free, if they enclose a SSAE with their information. I can also
furnish information as to correct paint color and striping, and how
to time a magneto engine, if anyone is having a problem with their
Titan timing.’
‘Enclosed please find a picture of my Kinkade gas engine
tractor made in Minneapolis, Minnesota,’ says E. WM. TIMMERMAN,
R.F.D. #1, Box Ill, Oakley, Illinois 62552.
He continues: ‘It has a large spiked wheel that does the
pulling with an engine mounted inside the wheel called a one-wheel
tractor. It is a rare kind of tractor and I only know of one other
one. A friend in Minnesota has one. I wonder if there are any more
out there?’
I must comment on the fact again that I cannot list parts
manuals or etc.-any items that should be bought, as this column is
a medium for information, story telling, anything pertaining to our
hobby. But if you are looking for parts or items, please try our
classified ad section. We have many good results from the ads.
I’m sure you understand-it would not be fair to the advertisers
and truthfully, we do not handle any parts here and we do not have
the volume of information that our readers do-so if you need help
with questions or want to know something about your engine-the
column does give a lot of satisfaction. Keep writing!
C. GEORGE LYNN, 806 Briar-wood Ct., Lake Saint Louis, Missouri
63367 asks for your assistance: ‘I sure need help! I recently
acquired a 6 HP Dayton Gas and Gasoline Engine manufactured by the
Dayton Globe Iron Works, Dayton, Ohio. It is a horizontal engine
with separate tank-cooling and push rods for each of the valves and
ignitor. I need to know any information about how the engine
operated and what was the original color?’
Perhaps the John Deere lovers could help WARREN J. JONTZ, 629
Hilliard Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035 as he is restoring a 1926 J.E.
‘E’ Type 1 HP Spark Plug engine. He would be happy if
someone could help him with sketches, drawings or information to
enable him to build an original type truck to mount this engine. He
would also be interested in knowing how many of these engine
originally had spark plug ignition, how many were built and what
years.
Our next writer is anticipating a lot of answers as FRANCIS W.
KELLEY, 39 Charlton Street, Lunenburg, Massachusetts 01462 says:
‘I am another new member of the antique engine crew and also a
new subscriber to your magazine. I must agree with all the others
that your magazine is outstanding as a source of information,
especially to a real novice. I have completed two small engines and
have made the move up to a much bigger engine but I need help.
‘I have just acquired an engine manufactured by the G.D.
Thorndike Machine Company, Gasolene and Oil Engines, Portland,
Maine. It is a 7 HP engine, Number 600531, for Water Supply,
Spraying, Hoisting, Wood Sawing. The engine has an igniter and it
has a carburetor made by Marvel Schebler. The engine also has a
compression release valve in the cylinder wall. The assembly that
holds the cam gear and push rod on the governor side is machined
and drilled and appears to have had a magneto mounted on it.
‘I am asking for any info on the engine, year, company
colors and markings, electrical system, carburetor, gas tank and
supply system, starting procedure and anything else anyone might
know. Thanks much in advance.’
LOUIS G. SHAFER, 7125 Old Clinton Highway, Knoxville, Tennessee
37921 has a few questions he would like answered. His letter
follows: ‘I recently purchased a PFAU air compressor,
manufactured in Milwaukee, Wis., with no serial numbers. (Picture
enclosed.) The original owner said that it was used to put air into
a large tank to force water to their home. The water was very
bubbly, he said. It was powered with a 4 HP Reeves engine. The
compressor has vertical cylinders and the pistons are made like
engine pistons. The valves are in the bottom of the cylinder. I
cannot determine just how the pistons and pins were oiled. Can
anyone on your staff tell me?
‘The Reeves engine was manufactured by Reeves Pulley Co.,
Columbus, Indiana, serial #5552, speed 400 R.P.M., 4 HP. It has a
1/8‘ exit from the gas tank and ‘
going into the carburetor (Brass Lukenheimer carb). Can anyone tell
me why this should be? Could there be something missing from the
carb where the gas line enters? The original owner said the unit
was installed in 1915. I would very much appreciate any information
you might give me about the engine and compressor.’
A few issues require your attention as GARY KAPPEDAL, Route 1,
Box 163, Lengby, Minnesota 56651 writes: ‘I have a couple of
items that I hope some of your readers can give me more information
on. I’ll make a couple of drawings to help describe these
items.
On the side of the transmission it’s cast in ROCKY MOUNTAIN,
it’s not too clear but it looks like it says 3 SPEED
TRANSMISSION, possibly 2 SPEED TRANSMISSION. Under that it says,
LOS ANGELES, CALIF. Also under that, Serial No. 7-40909. Is it
possible this is a transmission which could be placed behind the
other one, on a Model T car or truck, or some other vehicle?
‘The other item is a generator, in fact 2 generators of the
same. There are a few differences in the two, but very little.
Here’s a drawing of it.
‘On the tag it says this: North East Electric Co.,
Rochester, N.Y., U.S.A., Serial No. 226, Model GA, Type 3804A,
Volts 12. It’s a 3 brush generator, and on the back of it, it
has a lock screw, and an adjust screw for setting the 3rd brush. It
has some patent dates, and I think 1919 and 1920. I’m sure they
are old generators, but what piece of equipment years back would
use a big 12 volt one such as these?
‘I’ll appreciate any and all information I can receive
on these two items, as I’d sure like to know their
purpose.’
We hear from the HICKOKS, Box 360, Amboy, Minnesota 56010 as the
letter states: ‘Well, the season for showing engines is over,
unless we have visitors or an interested party. We have only bought
two additional engines this summer. One of these has the name of
Flour City, but it’s not really all Flour City. Mr. Henecker at
Mankato put this engine together and we think it was quite an
accomplishment. Now, Mr. Henecker can do just about anything
that’s possible with a gas engine or anything that runs.
‘He used the base, the 42’ flywheels, the crankshaft and
rod from the Flour City and he mounted the block and water hopper
from a Fuller & Johnson to make it into an engine. He made up a
timer from a Model T Ford. There had to be an extra inch of casting
put in between the block and head to create enough piston travel.
He made several other adjustments to come up with an engine that
isn’t exactly like the original Flour City or Fuller &
Johnson but we think it’s one sweet running engine and one of
our best show engines. It’s mounted on a Flour City truck which
is a must with engines that are moved a lot.
‘Now, what should we name it? Can we call it The Henecker or
the Fuller-City; or Johnson-City? How would Flour-Johnson sound? Or
perhaps the Henecker-Hickok or maybe Henecker-Half Breed-maybe just
plain The Half-Breed? (Have fun deciding on the name-sounds like
you’re really enjoying it.)
‘We’ve been to a couple of sales and price of engines
seems to be holding pretty steady, but price has come down a bit on
old tractors. We came home with only five more engines, but we had
a wonderful time. Met lots of old friends and made a few new ones
and really that’s what it’s all about.
‘Well, fall is here and winter and snow aren’t too far
off so it’s time to change oil in the pick-up, check it over,
inspect the travel trailer wheels, borrow some money from the local
bank, and head south and west.’ Signed, NATE, TOM, and LITTLE
BILL.
‘Just a short note to say how much we enjoy
GEM,’ says HEC POMEROY, 175 Morenz Cres.,
Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 1J9. He continues: ‘Your staff
must also be commended on the super job they do on putting this
magazine together.
‘Could you put out a word for ‘help’ for me on my
Witte Drag Saw Serial No. 53643, 2 HP? I have completely restored
this saw and brought it back to its original condition as close as
I can, from pictures and the original brochures I have collected. I
would like to know the year this Saw was manufactured. I have been
told anywhere from 1913 to 1920. This would complete my history of
the saw.
‘Again, many thanks for your magazine and the information it
provides to the ‘Antique Buffs’ of the country. Keep up the
great work!’
Sometimes this column gets to be quite lengthy, but we’re
glad you keep the letters coming. I try and use them all and look
forward to hearing from you. I’ll just leave you with a few
thoughts to start the new year-If you want the world to heed, put
your creed in your deed.-The smallest good deed is better than the
grandest intention.-Bye, bye-love you all-do a lot of good deeds in
1983-big or little!