Hi to all the family of Gas Engine Magazine-well, we’re into
the Holiday Season before you know it. My how the years do fly-the
older we get, the faster they go-so if you haven’t started on
your Christmas list, why not now-get started, but then leave some
Christmas shopping and all the trimming and things we do for nearer
to Christmas-and above all, let’s not forget the true meaning
of this Holy Day. We tend to be so worldly, we too often miss the
real presence of Christmas-And now onto all these letters-I know
many of you are anxiously awaiting answers and suggestions through
this column.
Get ready! Here come the questions! BRAD L. RODENKIRCH 3674
Badger Road, Kewaskum, Wisconsin 53040 writes: ‘I’ve been a
subscriber to GEM for quite a number of years and this is the first
question I have sent. I recently obtained an early engine
manufactured by the Rawleigh and Schryer Co. of Freeport, Illinois.
It is a 1? HP hit and miss, serial number AA11995. I’ve never
heard of this one. Is it fairly rare? What are its colors? How old
is it, and are decals available? Your help will be appreciated.
Thank you!’ (He’s talking to you folks for I don’t know
the answer-so if you can help him-please do, he’ll be really
happy.)
LOUIS MILLER, 807 Pine Street, Georgetown, Texas 78626 would
like to know what color green was used on an 8-16 Mogul and what
color were the wheels? Says Louis, ‘Help! Please!’
JAY TOUSEY, Box 205, Suring, Wisconsin 54174 just acquired a
25-45 cross motor mount Case tractor. Serial number T300170. ‘I
enjoy reading your magazine and I am looking for someone to
correspond with that has an engine like mine.’
Next statement comes from RICHARD NIELSEN, 9122 W. 66th Place,
Arvada, Colorado 80002: ‘I would like to say thanks to all the
readers who answered by last request for information. Once again I
need help!
I have a Briggs & Stratton Power Charger complete and
running. The nameplate is missing so I would like to know
approximate age and need the wiring diagram and how it works for
the Power Charger.
Next, I need the age and color of an 8 HP Witte, serial number
86644. Last, what is known about gas engines made at Union Foundry
and Machine Co., Ottawa, Kansas. Are these rare? Thank you very
much and I look forward to each issue of your great
magazine.’
(I would like to remind all of you folks that when you want
parts, manuals, etc. that would have to go in classified ad
section. The column is for comments, answers, pictures and letters
of interest.’)
A nice comment and also seeking aid, this letter comes from
ROBERT KOHLHAGEN, 69331 Grove Street, Richmond, Michigan 48062:
‘I enjoy your magazine very much and wish I had subscribed to
it years ago.
I need some help from the readers. Need information and
specifications for a one wheel Kinkade garden tractor.’ (Only
one question this time, guys, but then I know many of you love
answering these letters.)
Seeking answers is STANLEY SOSNOWSKI, Glen Rock Road, West
Kingston, Rhode Island 02892: ‘I would appreciate any
information your GEM readers could give me about my Sears, Roebuck
& Co. gas engine. The tag reads (Farm Master, Model 811-4,
Serial No. 4128676, R.P.M 850, H.P. 4.) I am mostly interested in
the date of manufacture and the correct color.
I would also like to hear from anyone who has actually used the
Ottawa tree falling attachment. I have many questions on the proper
operation of this unit.’
Some information and some questions come from JOHN S. MACK,
General Delivery, Carberry, Manitoba, Canada ROK OHO: ‘I have
an item for Smoke Rings-In the March/April, 1980 issue of GEM were
pictures of old single cylinder, 2 cycle, inboard marine engines;
some being the popular Evenrudes which has since built outboards. I
purchased an old marine engine which is similar to the GEM pictures
but has some differences. A nameplate on the crankcase cover states
it was built by The American Engine Company, Detroit, Michigan, but
no serial number, only a blank rectangular spot below the name. I
estimate it to be about 3 to 4 HP with a 12’ fly wheel, three
holes spaced evenly between the hub and flywheel rim. It has a
spark advance timer driven by a bevel gear arrangement; a Shebler
carburetor and a plunger type water pump driven by an
eccentric.
The previous owner bought it in 1930, second-hand and used it
until about 25 years ago when it was put into retirement under
their cabin. The little engine drove an 18′ boat on Lake
Mitigoshe at the Peace Gardens between Manitoba and North Dakota,
the lake spanning both U.S.A. and Canada. The previous owner gave
boat rides for 2? per person in the 1930s, with usually a line up
for rides.
I had some fun learning how to run the engine. First priming,
filling the oiler, then getting a few good shocks off the buzz
coil. Following this, were a few back-fires like a 12 gauge shotgun
going off. No police arrived, so I think the neighbors are getting
accustomed to my shenanigans. Before long the engine and I got used
to each other and it started running like a charm. It gives one a
great sense of accomplishment to bring some old discarded piece of
iron back to life after decades of being idle.
Before I get carried away what I really want to know is-has
anyone any information on the American Engine Company? Does the
company still exist?-or has it merged with another company or just
faded away as so many companies have in the past?
I have other stationary engines plus a 2-speed John Deere. Some
have interesting stories attached, but then, don’t all gas
engine enthusiasts have interesting tales to tell?
My hat is off to G.E.M. personnel which print a great magazine
and it is a good source of information with interesting stories.
Keep up the good work!’
And here comes a paragraph from LESTER RECKOW, 911 South 2nd
Street, St. James, Minnesota 56081: ‘I would like to know the
color, years of manufacture and any information that would be
useful in restoring an older Crawler tractor. The only
identification I have so far, is the name Allis-Chalmers on the top
radiator and number 35 on the side of the radiator. It has a
steering wheel to control the steering clutches. The engine is a
split head with 5′ x 6?’ B & S. Thank you!’ (Watch
the mail Lester, you’ll probably get some answers from our gang
of gas buffs.)
A note comes from JOHN W. BRULAR, Route 2, Box 114, Washington,
West Virginia 26181. Phone 304-863-5868: ‘I would like for
engine collectors in West Virginia to write me, so I can compile a
list of collectors of this state. I need name, address, zip, phone
number and area of special interest and any other information that
would be helpful. With the high cost of travel, we are taking
shorter trips. It would be so nice to have a list of collectors to
be able to contact or visit when we stay near their town.
After I complete the list, if people sending information will
send a SASE I will mail them a copy.’ (There, I’ll bet
there are some more engine fans just waiting to meet someone with
the same interest-let John hear from you and send your envelope for
a copy of collectors.)
If you are anxious to help your fellow engine enthusiasts,
please write to BOB BRIGGS, 760122nd Avenue, Kenosha, Wisconsin
53140-his letter follows: ‘I need some help again from your
readers. I picked up an engine with a 2’ centrifical pump, at a
local flea market. The engine is a Stover made in Freeport,
Illinois. Type DVA 1, serial DA 234399, 2? HP at 2,000 RPM. Piston
size is 2? with a 2? stroke. The pump is a Jaeger, model 2XP,
serial P6682, size 2.
I was surprised when I found the engine was a Stover because I
thought Stover only built flywheel types like my CT2 and model K.
This engine is air cooled. Maybe someone out there could give me
some history on this engine and when it was manufactured.’
A. HALL, 8525 Hwy #27, RR3, Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada L4L IA7
is looking for information on his Fairbanks Morse gas engine. It is
1? HP, 500 rpm, serial number C27979. He would like to know the
year this gas engine was made and what color it was and also if
there was any striping on it. Please write.
Know anything about a Bull Dog? Engine, that is-if so write JOHN
WILKINSON, 15 Rosemary Avenue, Steyning, West Sussex, England BN4
3YS: ‘I have unearthed literally, a Bull Dog Stationary engine
of American manufacture and it is equipped with low tension
ignition. I cannot find anybody here who seems to have any
knowledge of this particular engine and ignition. Perhaps your
magazine might deal with same, or know someone who has knowledge of
this engine and the workings of the low tension ignition.’
Are you good at identifying engines? TOM PEMBERTON, Route 2,
Centralia, Missouri 65240 needs help as he writes: ‘I enjoy
Smoke Rings very much and have answered some questions for some of
the engine nuts like myself- Engine Nut is my C.B. radio handle-now
I need help myself in identifying this engine.
It is two cylinder, about 2?’ bore, which fires alternately.
It has two 8′ flywheels, one on left is cast iron and contains
the governor. The one on the right is aluminum and contains the
magneto. The crankcase is enclosed and oils by splash system. Valve
tappets are enclosed with a cover on each side. I cannot find any
name or numbers on the engine, however, there is a small brass tag
soldered inside the radiator cover which has Mobine M.F.G. Co.,
Racine, Wis.-Model 2260-Serial #000317. I do not know if this
company manufactured the engine or the radiator. Would appreciate
any information from Smoke Ring readers.
I have also acquired a nice 1? HP Keller engine manufactured by
Bloomer Engine Works, Bloomer, Wisconsin-a rare engine in Missouri.
Can anyone tell me anything about the history of this company?
Thank you.
I like the colored cover on the GEM. It is a pleasure to enjoy
before you open the magazine-Thanks! (Many people like the colored
cover-we’re happy at this time that we are able to do that as
we aim to please in any way we can to our magazine family.)
DAVID P. SMITH, Box 237, Sand Hill Road, Gardiner, New York
12525 says: ‘I have found something that should interest a lot
of restorers. Please print in a conspicuous place in G.E.M. (Will
do-I’ll put it right in Smoke Rings as most everyone reads that
bit.)
Anyone who is rebuilding magnetos, including Wico EK, H, AH
& AP, IHC, E4A, F-4, F-6, H-4 and HI, and Dixie and Aero
Split-dorf, should order Service Manual #GSS-5035 from IHC Farm
Equipment Dealers. This is a manual printed up like any of
IHC’s service manuals and gives complete and excellent
information even on the old Wico EK. I think it sells for about
$7.00. It is one of the most useful pieces of literature I’ve
ever bought. They also have manuals available for all their old
tractors and one cylinder engines and many of their old
implements.’ (Now that sounds like many of you fellows will be
interested in this data-we do not usually run anything like this in
the column as it should be classified as an ad, but when you
fellows try and help each other with this kind of information we do
because the company is not interested in putting out ads on this
type of thing-I don’t believe. I think they do it to help those
who have these engines bought from there. If I am wrong please
correct me.)
JOE MENOLD, RR 4, Sabetha, Kansas 66534 needs help in restoring
an item as he writes: ‘Does anyone out in Engine Land have a
Witte ? HP log saw? If so, I need a photo of right hand side of
engine showing the linkage as it is hooked to the saw blade. I also
need a photo of the wooden frame that rests on the log as it is
being cut and how it is locked onto log. I would appreciate any
help you can give on this restoration job. I could use a sketch,
but photo would be much better.
You have a wonderful magazine for your readers, and to you (gas
engine maniacs) let’s fire up some more of those cast iron
jewels of the past. It is a wonderful hobby and is good for the
soul.’
Next communication is explanatory and comes from LeROY WONDER,
RR2, Danbury, Iowa 51019. ‘I read every word of your column and
have answered questions for several people; now here I am with
questions of my own.
At the present time, I am not working on anything as I had eye
surgery on July 9, but when I can work, I farm and restore old
tractors. It is hard to believe these lily-while dish-pan hands
ever toucher a greasy old tractor.
I need help with (colors), on a couple of tractors. No. 1 is a
Silver King with wide front, supposed to be a 1937, but I can’t
find a serial number on it. No. 2 is a Co-op No. 1. I have a friend
that has literature on this tractor. He says it is colored purple,
can this be? Also, I can’t find a serial number on this
tractor. Thanks for your help!
I own a MM Comfortractor and would really like to compile a
complete list of all owners of these tractors, along with the
serial numbers and would be willing to share this list with
others.’ (Anyone out there with an MM Comfortractor-list your
machine with LeRoy and also help him with his questions. He’ll
be mighty pleased.)
Good News! Another organization is born-DON LARSON, 303 Deschane
Place, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54302 writes: ‘Attention Wisconsin
Collectors! The Bay Area Antique Engine and Tractor Association has
been formed at Green Bay, Wisconsin. New members are welcome. For
more information contact Ed Zenko at 414-497-8866 or Don Larson at
414-468-4278. (We wish you best of luck in your new venture,
Fellows-hope we’ll be hearing from you and about you.)
Here’s one engine many may not know about-read B.
McNIECE’s letter-P.O. Box 746, Mildura, Victoria, Australia
3500: ‘I would welcome your assistance in providing any
information your readers might be able to supply on an engine that
I am about to restore.
There appears to be very few in Australia and I have not found
any mention in your magazine over the past 12 months-the engine was
apparently produced by Regal Gasoline Engine Company, Cold-water,
Michigan, U.S.A. The name-plate is missing, and the only marking of
significance is ‘1890 April, Dart’s Pat. The engine was
purchased second hand approximately 77 years ago.’
Feel helpful today? If you know the answers please write PAUL
BEST, P.O. Box 470, Waldo, Arizona 71770: ‘I would appreciate
any help from the readers of GEM with my latest project-a Novo
Model TU 33/8 x 4, serial #26420. The main
problem is several non-original parts. What type of carburetor did
this Novo use? (see Want Ad) Also, the engine now has a Wico Model
LD magneto-is this original? How do I time the magneto? I cannot
find any timing marks on magneto gear or splined shaft. Can anyone
tell me the age of this engine?’
If you are answering the above letter about the Novo, perhaps
you can also answer GARY FIKE, Route 2, Box 122, Hollenberg, Kansas
66946: ‘I would like some information on my Novo engine. It is
No. 37648 and develops 1? HP. I would like to know what year it was
made, what kind of magneto it had, and how the magneto was hooked
up?’
AL VERRILL, 26 Crestview Drive, Colchester, Connecticut 06415
needs an answer as he pens his letter to us: ‘I purchased a 1
HP water-cooled engine as a Tom Thumb and have since been informed
that it probably was a Titan. I feel certain that I saw a Tom Thumb
water-cooled 1 HP engine at the Argyle Antique Gas Engine Show in
Colchester, Illinois last year and, would like to receive some
comment on this question. Also, I would like to know if an igniter
was used. Also would like information on a 1? HP Wood, hopper
cooled. Thank you!’
From England, PAUL GRIFFITHS writes. If you want to answer him,
his address is Granville, Middle-wich Rd., Woolstanwood, Crewe,
CW2-8SD. Chesire, England. ‘I just noticed an ad for your Gas
Engine Magazine in the Stationary Engine Magazine and as I’ve
just purchased a Nichols & Shepard tractor and know absolutely
nothing about the machine-I thought this would be a good
opportunity to learn about American tractors and hopefully, a
little about my own. I would like to ask your readers for a bit of
help. If possible, I would like pictures to do with this particular
tractor.
A few details of my tractor- Nichols & Shepard, 16-32 works
Number, 3395, Model S9. Engine, Beaver Motor, by Leroi Co. clutch.
Twin disc clutch Co. (Eng. No. JAl 803-113. Air cleaner, Taco
siphon air washer. Unfortunately the radiator is not original and
the pipe from air cleaner to carb is missing. This is why some
pictures would be very useful. I would also like to know the year
of manufacture and type of magneto fitted.
I hope someone can help and I will reply to every letter.
Looking forward very much to receiving GEM.’
J. F. CREWS, St. Rt., Box 4, Arbovale, West Virginia 24915 asks
for your assistance: ‘I need help in regard to a Foos Junior
manufactured by the Foos Engine Co., at Springfield, Ohio. The HP
is 2? and the serial number is 38314. The engine is water-cooled,
hit and miss and has a spark plug. I have not been able to find
information on this engine and need to know original color and
trim, year manufactured and some details in regard to the
ignition-there seems to be something missing on the timer. Any help
will be appreciated and acknowledged by letter.’
DAVID GESSWEIN, 9805 Hawkins Creamery Road, Damascus, Maryland
20750 has a 1? HP Foos Jr. Number 50377 which he thinks was made in
1914. It is missing the gas tank and he would like to know the size
and shape of it. He will appreciate hearing from you.
‘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
Multno-mah is on the Pitman sprocket. A 5187 is stamped on both
pieces of the engine castings. I need help in determining 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.’
COLONEL R. L. KNAPP USAF (Ret), 188 West Rosemary Road,
Montgomery, Alabama 36109 says in his letter: ‘I restored an
old Fairbanks Morse gas engine and became interested in gathering
all the information I can on all the F-Ms that are staging a
comeback. The large amount of information available in Smoke Rings
and in the classified ads provides an engine description and serial
number for the various come backs. The big missing link is the date
of manufacture for this particular engine; with the serial number,
Fairbanks Morse can give us the date of manufacture-why they
don’t release this information for publication, I don’t
know, maybe they have and I don’t know about it.
More of your writers should give the serial number of the engine
they want to buy or sell or need parts for-this might cost a little
more but it would help everyone in the long run. Actually the make,
model, horsepower and serial number included in all ads and stories
would increase the desired results of many of us.
I believe that a sharp little jingle about serial numbers will
help get the idea of serial numbers to our friends. What would be
better than to let the engine write it? I asked mine about it and
here’s what he said- When ere you brag to friends of me, On how
you made me nice to see; Don’t cloud my comeback with a
blunder, Please include my serial number! Signed F-M T4 HP,
#108589. (That’s real cute and clever too, don’t you think
so fellows?)
P.S.-In fact he (the engine) wrote six of these. I think he is
wondering if there is any way you can use his first writing in your
GEM. What he is saying is that you can use it anyway you might
desire.’ (Good, I’ve just used it-send along the others and
we’ll put them in Smoke Rings-as most people read the column,
so what better place for this type of information and humor. I must
add though-I’ve never heard the engine called HE before-they
always use SHE-won’t SHE be glad to hear that??)
To Smoke Rings comes this letter from DON D. COLEE, 7728 N.
Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85020: ‘GEM is the only
magazine I read from cover to cover and I hope someone in Engine
Land can help me. Enclosed is a photo of a 10 HP Victor horizontal
made by IHC, serial number E 1887. It appears to be complete, but
we would like to know as much as possible about it before starting
restoration. I believe these engines were originally built by
Thomas Kane & Co., Chicago.’
‘I have just restored a 1943 Model L.A. John Deere and would
like to correspond with someone that has one with an electrical
system. Mine has a light on an arm mounted on the steering column.
Is this the only light it had?’ This letter came from CARL
BLACKWELL, Route 2, Box 206C, Wynne, Arkansas 72396-if you have the
answer, please write!
A letter for the readers from H. L. RITTER, Route 5, Box 127,
Fulton, New York 13069: ‘Hi all you folks out there with grease
under your fingernails or otherwise. October is nearly gone, snow
will soon be here. I have my engines nearly all stored for the
year. Didn’t do too much with them this year-maybe more next
year.
A friend of mine acquired a Johnson Multi-Motor. It was a basket
case. I don’t think a screw or nut was not removed. We have it
assembled. There are some bugs left. I would like to hear from
someone who has one running-maybe we can chase the pesky things
out. I will pay postage or cost for the letters.
It may seem a bit early to think about Christmas, but I wish
everyone out there the best wishes for the coming season and year.
(It’s not too early-this is the Nov.-Dec. issue- and many of us
have started our Christmas shopping.)
P.S. I wonder where we would be with our engines if it
wasn’t for the good book GEM. (You’d probably have more
money, but you wouldn’t be as happy-wouldn’t you say??)
Get your pens, pencils or typewriters out and help answer the
following questions that come from BILL REISER, Route 3,
Marshall-town, Iowa 50158: ‘I would like to know who made the
gas manifold for the early D John Deere before serial number 109943
that was in a parts catalog here in the midwest-I can’t recall
what catalog or the year.
Also, when did John Deere stop using the D104R crankshaft in the
D’s? I have two D’s serial numbers 54282 and 54864 that
have this crankshaft, but with splined flywheels. This is the early
crankshaft put in the early D with a keyed fly wheel. Also, how
many experimental D’s were put out by the factory before serial
number 109943 that had the center steering, like the later D’s?
I have seen one, a 28 model.’
MICHAEL CARWOOD, Stratford Lodge, Raheen, Baltinglass, Co.
Wicklow, Ireland encloses a photo of a small air cooled engine with
a generator built in, made by Gudell-Motoren Ges. Berlin. N. 65. A
Bosch oil pump outside the engine and a U.H. magneto. To give size,
a pint bottle of milk. This, to him, is a nice shelf pet.
A short message from NORMAN NYHOF, Route 1, Dostburg, Wisconsin
53070 asks: ‘Perhaps your readers in Engine Land can help me? I
am restoring two Associated gas engines; one Chore Boy, 1? HP and
one Hired Man 2? HP. They are water cooled. The only information I
can find in regard to color is red and black. Can anyone tell me
what part is red and what part is black?? Many thanks!’
HAROLD D. HARPER, 116 McBratney Drive, Hendersonville, Tennessee
37075 posted this communication: ‘I recently purchased a 1919
Samson Model M tractor. I am very much interested in restoring this
tractor to its original condition. I need some information, color
photographs and other necessary facts concerning this tractor. I
would like to correspond with anyone having data about this
tractor.
I would appreciate it if you would put this request in your
Smoke Rings portion of GEM. It is a great magazine!’
A regular subscriber of 11 years has this to say: ‘I am
looking for some information, but first I want to compliment you
and the entire GEM staff for a very good magazine. Your expressions
of faith add something special to Smoke Rings.
Now, the information that I would like: My mother had a Liberty
washing machine in the 1920s and early 30s; possibly it was bought
before 1920. Do any of these machines still exist? I would like
very much to hear from anyone who has one or even has pictures or
literature of one. Mother’s machine was powered by an Elgin ?
HP mounted to the side of the washer. With the wash tubs on the
other side, it sure took a lot of space. Thanking you, I am LLOYD
HALLEAD, 3194 Main Street, Marlette, Michigan 48453. Phone
517-635-2080.’
A letter of interest to many comes from BUD MOTRY, 20201 Arthur
Road, Big Rapids, Michigan 49307: ‘In the July-August issue of
1979, I wrote an article outlining a procedure for making check
valves for gasoline engine fuel lines. It has come to my attention
that the straight connector I have shown as an inverted flare
connector is a Hi-Duty connector manufactured by
Imperial Eastman Co. This connector is similar to the inverted
flare, but has a seat inside the connector for the proposed ball
check; the inverted flare connector has no seat for the ball.
Inadvertently, these Hi-Duty fittings were in the inverted flare
bin when I purchased them. Boty type fittings should be available
at any auto parts store.
Mr. Russel Eberle of Barryton, Michigan commenting on the
article, also suggested that a brass ball be used in place of the
steel ball. Further, the size of the check valve assembly may be
varied by using ?’ fittings, larger tubing and a ?’ check
ball.
I always look forward to the next issue of Gas Engine Magazine
and enjoy them very much.’ (Thanks Bud, that always makes us
happy to hear those kind of comments.)
This letter comes from ROBERTO CALDERON, Motores Y Equipos De
Puerto Rico, Inc., 1336 F. D. Roosevelt Avenue, Pureto Nuevo,
Puerto Rico 00920: ‘I am an antique collector and great
enthusiast of gasoline engines, and have a few already restored in
good working condition. There is one engine that I have not been
able to identify its make and model since it looks like many
different makes and perhaps you or someone in the organization can
help me do it. The following information-numbers-is all I have
found stamped on the engine: Cylinder block 9-21-25, over spark
plug; Cylinder head 9-19-25; Ex. valve rocker arm 2 F 28; Magneto
trigger arm or push rod, Oct. 30, 1923; Flywheels, both 2 F 68;
Name-plate reads-Engine No. 337943,600 RPM, 2? HP; Bore
35/8‘, Stroke
51/8‘. Any information will be greatly
appreciated, and thanking you in advance and hoping to hear from
you soon. (Readers-that’s you.)
From our neighbors to the North comes this letter from JOHN R.
MOORE, RR 1, Branchton, Ontario, Canada, P.C. NOB IL0: ‘I
received my first copy of the Gas Engine Magazine last month. It is
worth reading. I wish to thank you and your staff for the
dedication and hours you put in this magazine.
I just purchased a 6 HP hit and miss engine from a friend of
mine. It is a little Witte engine made in Kansas City, Missouri.
Could you help me? I need to know what year it is (approximate
1927); the original paint color; if there was a dealer in Ontario
and Quebec around 1927 and what kind of spark plug it takes? The
nameplate markings are very visible on the casting-Witte-Witte
Engine Works, Kansas City, Mo. U.S.A. – HP 6 – No. 97588K -Speed
480. I would appreciate any help.’
Another gas fiend seeking a subscription after reading three old
Gas Engine Magazines as this note comes from IAN S. CLIFTON, Royden
Hall Farm, Shardlow, Nr Derby, England: ‘I am very interested
in all types of gas engines, whether they are in tractors or
stationary or marine.
I own a 1942 International Harvester TD6 Crawler serial number
8775/T7 in agricultural trim, no blade. I would like to hear from
any of your readers who own one of these tractors, as not many
people in this country seem interested in crawlers. I also own a
Fairbanks Morse Z, Style C, 3 HP at 800 RPM. This is a horizontal
kerosene engine with enclosed crank which is in the process of
being restored. Hope to hear from you in the near future.’
From L. OVERTURF, 112 So. Jefferson Avenue, Loveland, Colorado
80537 comes some tips for many of the readers: ‘I have been all
over the country trying to find some John Deere mags. I have been
in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa and Bird City, Kansas and other places. And I
have found none. If I did find one, I think it would be so high I
could not afford it.
So, here is an idea that could help someone in the same shape I
am. Take a piece of oak board and cut a piece the same size of the
original mag for the bottom. Then you can drill two holes in the
piece just two inches apart; thread it and bolt it to your engine
just the same as the original mag. Make a box just like the
original armature box on that oak block. Make a coil by winding
insulated wire around a 5/8‘ bolt until
you get a coil approximately 3′ long and 2?’ across in
diameter. Put it in the box and run one end to the igniter terminal
and the other to the side terminal which goes to the positive
terminal to your battery. Then, ground the other side of the
battery to the engine.
I always run hot tar around any coil after I get the coil in the
box and wired up. I also make a set of points by drilling a hole in
my pushrod and put around head bolt to make a connection for the
ground wire when it ignites. This is to save a steady pull off your
battery.
Here is an interesting picture from SAM GRAHAM, Route 1, Box
116, Oconto, Wisconsin 54153: ‘I found a magazine in some old
papers that you might be interested in-a photo copy of front page.
I wrote to John Deere Company in E. Moline, Illinois and they
referred me to you. They stated that they couldn’t remember the
magazine so I sent them a photo copy which I should have done in
the first place.’ (Any of you folks remember this magazine, is
it rare? Did they print them for very long. Any data you have
please let us know and also Sam.)
Well, that’s about it for this time. Do have a Happy
Thanksgiving and Christmas. With times as bad as they are – stop
and count your blessings-we really do have so much to be thankful
for-and a few quotes: It is HUMAN to stand with the CROWD. It is
DIVINE to stand ALONE.-When you study the Scriptures ‘hit and
miss’, you missmore than you hit.–Let us be less concerned
what men think we are than what God knows we are. – – What you can
do, you ought to do, and what you ought to do, by the help of God
DO!
GEMuinely, Anna Mae
IRISH ENGINE ANSWERS SOUGHT
A college in northern Ireland has been referred to GEM by the
Smithsonian Institution, in its quest for information about engines
made by Harry Ferguson Motors Ltd. of Belfast.
Harry Ferguson, the Ulster tractor designer, is honored by a
small museum type exhibit at Greenmount Agricultural College in
Antrim. It is trying to trace the whereabouts of several tractors
and other items shipped to a dealer in New York in 1938 and
1939.
The pieces are: Tractor Type A, serial #717, #720 and #722;
general cultivator, #457; row crop cultivator, #319, #314; ridger,
#361, #363, #368; plough 12′ single furrow, #783; 10′
single furrow, #44, #423; 12′ two furrow, #868; 17′ single
furrow, no serial number, possibly a hand built prototype;
pneumatic wheels, 1 set; pulley, one.
If you can help, write to William Martin, Head of the
Engineering Department, Greenmount Agricultural and Horticultural
College, Antrim, Northern Ireland BT41 4PU.
Gerry Lestz
