Hi to everyone of you-hope you’re all having a great time
this summer learning more about your gas engine hobby-and hope you
are also making many new friends. The more you learn the more you
want to find out about your engines, tractors, etc. And it is so
much more interesting when you meet people who are interested in
the same things. And so, I’ll get on to the letters so you
folks can communicate through the Smoke Rings column.
First of all we have a letter from one of our newer subscribers
as JAMES H. ORSBORN, P.O. Box 598, Yazoo City, Mississippi 39194
tells us: ‘I have been interested in old gasoline and kerosene
engines for years and have built up a fair size collection. I
didn’t realize that so many shared my interest until about a
year ago when I met a man at an antique car show who had one of his
engines on display. He showed me a copy of GEM and I have been
reading it from cover to cover ever since.
I need some information on a couple of engines I have bought
recently and hope to find someone who can help me through your
Smoke Rings column. I have a 14 HP Waterloo Boy kerosene engine,
serial #201099, with patent dates August 7, 1900, December 1901,
October 7, 1902, and August, 1907. The other engine is a small IHC.
I don’t have a serial number on it, but H129 is stamped in the
head, and H161 on the main bearing caps. I would especially like to
know the year each engine was manufactured, the correct coloring,
and if the engine was battery ignited or if it had a magneto. I
would also like to know the type and horsepower of the IHC.
I would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone with these types
of engines. Thank you for a great hobby magazine, GEM.’
ROBERT MATEUX, 2204 Comanche Street, Sulphur, Louisiana 70663 is
in desperate need of information on the ‘Hallett’ Diesel
Engine Company in Inglewood, California. Please send answers to the
above address. His phone number is 318-625-4801.
Needing some answers is a note from CHARLES WILSON, 12515 W.
Graves, Waukegan, Illinois 60087: ‘I have an Empire 2? HP, S.N.
65427 and a Cushman Cub model R14, S.N. 145090 and would like to
know years made. It would be good to see a list of colors and where
they can be purchased for the different engines and tractors,
perhaps a few each issue. (Anybody out there have a list of this
type let us hear from you.)
You have a swell magazine!’ (Thanks Charles, glad you enjoy
it.)
LARRY DEIN, R.D. 2, Blair, Nebraska 68008 tells us: ‘I am
enclosing a picture of a small grinder I recently acquired. I am in
hopes that one of your readers may be able to identify it. It is a
small burr mill and the only lettering on it is Baker Mfg. Co.,
Evansville, Wisconsin. I would appreciate any information as to the
kind of hopper it would have had on it, the year and the color and
any data on the Baker Mfg. Co.’
A letter of appreciation comes from LEROY WONDER, Danbury, Iowa
51019: ‘This is just a note of thanks for the help I get from
your magazine. What a great bunch of people you have for
subscribers! We had a letter in your column and some ads in the
back, and we got letters from all over. One day we had three
letters, one from Canada with tractor for sale, one from Florida
with picture of his tractor so I could see the colors and one from
the northwest corner of Washington with serial number of his M.M.
UDLX or Comfortractor.
We now have a list of 23 Comfortractors, none listed in
Canada-we think there are surely some there.
Maybe I ramble on too much, but we even got a letter from a
fellow telling us he had seen a tractor like we advertised for in
Illinois-which we purchased last winter.
In the 35 years we have been married, I don’t know if I ever
wrote a letter, but now I have written up to five letters a day
answering people. We think it is very exciting corresponding with
people from all over the country.’ (That’s part of the
hobby fun, LeRoy, hope you continue many years with it.)
ED F. EDWARDS, P.O. Box 197, Big Bend, California 96011 has sent
us a write-up on his engine and two pictures: ‘I recently
acquired this engine and I would like to find out what it is, what
company manufactured it and about what year?
There are no casting numbers on any part of the engine and no
apparent place for a nameplate to go. There are several very odd
things about this engine. The cylinder from the head half way back
is tank-cooled; that is to say a water jacket is cast around the
cylinder, where as the other half of the cylinder is air-cooled
with rather wide, rounded fins that are spaced far apart. The
piston connecting rod is round. The intake valve is inside a
bell-shaped casting, which a 1?’ pipe screws into which the
carburetor is down at the end of, so that the gas and air mixture
is drawn up the 1?’ pipe and (around) the intake valve (stem
and spring) and into the cylinder. The bell-shaped casting also
serves as a folcrum or pivot point for the exhaust rocker arm.
There is a babbitted, cast iron guide which is bolted to the side
of the cylinder head which supports and guides the exhaust pushrod.
There is a single governor weight in the flywheel which operates
the hit and miss governor.
The flywheels measure 29?’ x 3′ and it has a 6′ bore
and 10′ stroke.
Perhaps the oddest feature of this engine is that both of the
main bearing caps are bolted on at approximately a 45° angle away
from the cylinder instead of directly on top or at an angle toward
the cylinder as on all other old engines. Both main bearing caps
are broken, but I have all the pieces.
I hope to hear from some of the experts out there. Maybe the
identity of this engine will prove to be somewhat of a challenge. I
will answer all correspondence.
‘I have just acquired a 6 HP open crank Dempster engine,
shop #15711, class 6H. There are many parts missing and I would
like to correspond with anyone having a similar engine. So I can
find out what parts I need.
If you feel you can help this man with his Dempster engine
please write ED PROSS, 931 Delphi, Lafayette, Colorado 80026. (Ed
would also like to see an article on pouring babbitt bearings. And
so would we-anyone out there have the time and ambition to send one
into us would be appreciated.) Babbitt Connecting Rod Bearings.
A few questions about a Monarch Standard garden tractor come
from KEN FRUTH, 1633 Twp. Road 1353, Route 1, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
He recently purchased one, serial number 406H2715. Says Ken,
‘The coil and points are inside the flywheel and the coil is
missing. Could someone tell me what kind of coil was in it? Also,
when I took the oil pump apart, a round dish with a slot in it fell
out. I think it is the pressure regular. Where does it go? The
tractor was painted green and red. What was the original color?
My boys, ages 13 and 14 and I collect John Deere L tractors and
Allis-Chalmers B tractors. We have a ’62’, 1938 and a L. I.
John Deere’s and a 1939, 1940 A. C. B’s. We enjoy the hobby
and the going to threshers conventions. Keep up the GEM. It’s a
pleasure to read it.’
A note from C. H. ROGERS, 229 Northfield Center, Hendersonville,
North Carolina 28739 tells us: ‘Enclosed are two photos of a
tractor I thought was built by Wheel Horse Company. The photos were
returned with advice to contact you for identification and
information. I am planning on rebuilding tractor and would like to
contact the manufacturer, and anyone with information.’
A newcomer has a few remarks worth reading and maybe someone out
there can give him some assistance. RICHARD J. NEDERHAUSER, 5349
Santa Anita Avenue, Temple City, California 91780 writes: ‘I am
a recent subscriber to your magazine and find all of the articles
and ads very interesting and helpful.
I am currently trying to restore a Jaeger similar to the one
featured on the cover of the January-February 1981 issue. I have
written to some of the ads but to date have had no success in
getting information on how to obtain parts or information. Any help
or suggestions regarding my problem would certainly be appreciated.
Thank you for publishing this fine magazine and for your attention
to my Jaeger engine project.’
RICHARD K. ERICKSON, Route 6, Box 235, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
54701 asks: ‘Can anyone out there in Engine Land help me? I
need to know the original colors of the following engines:
Worthington, 1 & ? HP #28070, type W; Fairbanks Morse, 1? HP,
type Z; Galloway, 7? HP, #15718; Novo, model K03X4, #16187; Sattley
Mont. Ward, 1? HP, #77389 and McCormick Deering, 1? HP, #W50998.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Enjoy your magazine very much, read it from cover to cover. Keep
up the good work.’
JAMES M. (JIM) ENLOW, Box 38, Monterey, Louisiana 71354 is one
of our newer members of the family and writes: ‘I have been
enjoying your magazine for just over a year now and only wish I had
known about it sooner. Although I had been interested in them for
years, I only started collecting engines about a year ago after I
got my hands on an old stone burr grist mill like my dad had when I
was a young lad.
My latest acquisition is the one I need some information about
such as original colors and anything else known about it. The data
plate has the following information: W. F. Taylor & Sons, New
Orlesna, La.; type Alamo; No. 105956; RPM – 500; HP 2?. It is in
almost perfect mechanical condition with just a little wrist pin
slack. The engine appears to be almost identical to one shown in a
1926 advertisement by the Rock Island Plow Co., Rock Island,
Illinois, as reproduced in a compilation of old ads by Alan C.
King. Did Rock Island manufacture the Alamo or did Alamo
manufacture the RI? Keep up the good work you are doing with your
fine magazine and your Smoke Ring feature.’
BOYD JORDAN, 406 Wisdom Street, Moberly, Missouri 65270 would
like some information on the Maytag washing machine engine. Is
there a serial list left to tell the years? Were they all painted
green? Does anyone know if there is a club or association of people
interested in the Maytag? If you can answer any of Boyd’s
questions, please drop him a line.
‘I enjoy Gas Engine Magazine very much. I would like some
help from any of your readers who may have a Majestic gas engine. I
just bought a 7 HP. Could anyone tell me the original color of
engine and any other data about engine as manufacturer, etc? Will
greatly appreciate it.’ (If you have the answers, please write
HARRY ELAM, 295 South 3rd Street, Greenville, Illinois 62246.)
WILLIAM W. BALLEW, 7812 E. 112nd Street, Kansas City, Missouri
64134 would like to know how long the Rock Island Plow Company was
in business. He has two Rock Island engines, a 2 HP, no. A24525 and
1? HP no. 108071. He would like to hear from other readers that
have his type of engines.
The following remarks come from H. L. RITTER, Route 5, Box 127,
Fulton, New York 13069: ‘Hi! all you engineers-just thought I
would drop a note. Summer is here and the temperature has been high
80s and 90s, which is quite warm here in central New York State. I
haven’t done much with old iron this year as it costs so much
to get parts reworked and gasoline is not cheap. (We’re all in
the same boat, as any hobby, necessity or wanted items seem to go
up every month-glad we can still enjoy the free air and the beauty
of God’s creation.)
My grandchildren live next door and we have a Go-Kart, small
tractor and an old riding lawnmower they ride, also their bikes.
Sometimes when neighbors come over, it is a regular
race-free-for-all with bikes and machinery? (Sounds like fun.)
In March-April GEM 1978 there was an article about making and
using a magnet charger. One thing was omitted-please make note of
this-Do not use house current-6 or 12 volt D.C. battery only. Use
in 2, second cycle on, one second cycle off for three times. Do not
use continuous cycle. The electric field off-on cycle makes the
iron molecules align themselves to correct polarity. If left on,
charger will overheat and burn up. I received letters one burned
up, the other works fine. Something went wrong. Also notice one
coil is wound in opposite direction from the other, thus N and S
poles.
Frank Brenneisen of Chebanse, Illinois wanted to know how to
make an ignition coil. I used the core and coarse windings ‘as
is’ from a ‘T’ coil and make your own box to suit. Fill
in space with roofing paint, let harden. To make from scratch, use
‘T’ coil core as a pattern. I also took apart a 12 volt
auto coil. Cut off ends of lamination and put in container of
choice. Also use a 12 volt car coil, put it in a spray paint can. I
removed top of can and run wires thru holes in a wooden plug in top
of can.
Does anyone know about the Maytag automobile. A picture I have
shows a touring car, middle or late teens.
Not much other news so will close for now. Summer will be mostly
over by the time you read this. The older you get, the less time
you have and the faster it goes, the less you are able to do-use
the time wisely.’
We are so happy to hear from so many new members of the Gas
Engine Family-following is a letter from C. A. POULSON, 2926 N.
16th Drive, Phoenix, Arizona 85015: ‘What a fantastic magazine!
I am a newcomer to the old Gas Engine Clan, but not a newcomer to
gas engines as I spent 30 years working on the big round engines
for the United States Navy and flying multi-engine aircraft. Our
engines were quite large as compared to my newly found love, the
old one cylinder engines of the one to ten horsepower type. I am
used to working on 9 to 28 cylinders from 450 to 3500 HP.
I need some help and information on two engines I have-first, is
an International L.B. 1?-2? HP, 0#LBA117210. What I would like to
know is when was it made? Second question is on my latest engine, a
Farm Master, model 811.2, 2 HP, 750 RPM. It is complete as far as I
can tell. I would like to have any information available.’ (Mr.
Poulson states he has never seen Farm Master mentioned in the
magazine, although he has only received a few issues. It is one
name not mentioned very much as I can recall-how about you gas
fans-have we had any pictures or notes on this engine. Please let
me know. It is not a familiar name to me.)
Next communication is from ROBERTO CALDERON, 703 Avenue, De
Diego, Puerto Neuvo, Pureto Rico 00921 and he needs some help in
identifying his engine. His letter follows: ‘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:
1. Cylinder block 9-21-25 (over spark plug)
2. Cylinder head 9-19-25
3. Ex. valve rocker arm 2 F 28
4. Magneto trigger arm or push rod, Oct. 30, 1923
5. Flywheels-both 2 F 68
6. Nameplate reads: Engine #337943, 600 RPM – 2? HP
7. Bore 3 5/8′, stroke 5 1/8′
8. Enclosed is sample of head gasket to actual size and a
photograph of the engine.’
DICK McCRAY, 202 Wynnbrook Drive, Hendersonville, North Carolina
28739 sends this letter in the hopes one of our more experienced
gas engine men will write an article for all to read: ‘I’ve
just been through my 8? year collection of GEM looking for
information about finishing a restored engine, but didn’t find
any articles that go through the whole process. ‘Course it took
me a long, long time to go through them, ’cause I couldn’t
help but read your interesting column in many of the issues. You
know that is the first thing I read when a new issue comes and
everything else except eating and sleeping stops until I’ve
read the whole magazine. If I get up in the middle of the night, I
often read good old GEM some more.
Anyway, since I didn’t find a whole lot on how to refinish
an engine, I’m wondering if one or more of the experts in this
line would volunteer to tell us how he produces some of the
beautiful paint and striping jobs we see in the shows. You know
they range all the way from the way they look when you drag them
out of the mud to showroom Cadillac jobs- which brings up another
question- should we reproduce the original finish or take advantage
of the modern day fillers, paints and striping to produce a slick,
shiny job that you like to caress?
If someone should offer to write such an article, I hope he
would include specifics such as types and brand names of products
so we would know what to buy. Step by step explanations beginning
with the initial washoff and ending with the protective coating,
sanding, grinding and what all else goes into making a good job
would make sure we dummies don’t mess up the work.
If I had this information now, I could make a real nice finish
on my 1904 4 HP Novo that is in good original mechanical condition,
ready to run the contractor’s hoist which it originally
powered. I, and I am sure many more would be most grateful if you
would publish this request and find some generous Enginite who
would share his expertise with the rest of us.’
HELP! I have recently gotten two engines and need some
information. I need to know the color and paint striping on a
Stover 2? HP Model CTZ and for a Jaeger (Hercules) 2? HP. I believe
this engine was built in about 1924.
Also, if any of your readers could help me-if there are similar
valves, either gas engine or automotive that are similar to the
exhaust and intake valves in a 2? HP Jaeger open crank.’ If you
have the answers on the questions asked, please write RICHARD LEHR,
4007 2nd Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21225.
A friendly letter comes from TOM CAMPBELL, 39443 Greenbay, Zion,
Illinois 60099: ‘It’s been a long time since I waged a
scribble stick in your direction. The last time was when my dad
wanted an answer to What Is It? We had a good response. Thanks!
Anyway we have a new problem! Brother Don and nephew, Skeeter,
have acquired a Fairbanks Morse, Model Z, 2 HP from Uncle Cecil
Gibbs of Spooner, Wisconsin- Hungry Hollow Show. We need to know
how it compares to the 1? HP and 3 HP in the article last issue of
GEM by Wayne Grenning. I think the mixer is not stock (?) and there
is a bracket over the gear that looks like where the mag was, but
it is gone and the plug is now fired by a T coil. Also the gas tank
is a substitute and we are not sure how the governor works. We
would like to correspond with anyone interested in helping. Thanks
in advance! Keep on Crankin!’ (Thanks Tom, we’ll keep on
a-crankin!)
LLOYD R. SANDALL, Bassett, Nebraska 68714 has a 1910 vertical
IHC ‘Non Panel’ gasoline engine ‘with cooling tank’
that can easily be made operable. He would like to know what valve
this engine would take. Please get in touch with Lloyd if you have
the answer.
Welcome to another newcomer as DANA A. BRINKMEIER, 3115 N.
Central, Rockford, Illinois 61103 writes: ‘I am a new
subscriber to your magazine and truly enjoy the fine articles. I am
writing to you and your readers for help.
I have restored a 1936 John Deere A last year. Recently I
purchased a 1929 IHC 10-20 for restoration. I am in the process now
of cleaning the tractor and sanding so as to be ready for painting.
I have located decals for this restoration project.
My plight is in the fact that I cannot locate any colored
pictures of the 10-20 and so am not sure of the paint scheme. Is
the tractor all IHC red or is there some black (wheels) mixed?
Also, I am not positive as to the correct location for all of the
decals. Any help will be much appreciated.’ (Hope you get your
answers, Dana. Our Gas Engine Magazine has a great group of readers
to help you.)
ROBERT WILLIS, 117 Jacksonville Circle, Pearlington, Mississippi
39572 has just traded for a 6 HP Novo engine which runs fine except
a part is missing. He would like to hear from other owners of
larger Novo engines.
Good News! Another new organization about to be born-read on:
‘Would you please pass on this information for our Central
Illinois readers in Engine Land. We are trying to organize a
Steam-Tractor-Gas Engine Club in the Tazewell County area (and
vicinity) of Illinois. We are trying to get things organized and
off the ground and can really use some help! All interested folks
(regardless of where you are) can contact me at this address or by
calling 309-925-3932. Thanks a heap!’ Write or call SCOTT LEE
THOMPSON, Rt. 2, Box 99, Tremont, Illinois 61568.
A picture and article comes from GEORGE CADDELL, RR 2, Box 255,
Westport, Indiana 47283, phone 812-591-2039. ‘I recently
purchased this engine and want to restore it, however, I am in need
of any information possible. I was told it is a Little Wonder,
however the identification tag is missing. It was located on the
top of the water hopper on the ignitor side. It was red, has a
4?’ bore, 6′ stroke, an Essex mixer. The casting number on
the head is KX10, KX2 on the flywheels, KX91 on the upper water
hopper and KX71 on the bearing caps.
I need to know what pin striping, if the name was painted on the
side, information on the identification tag and any other data.
I would like to say I enjoy the Gas Engine Magazine very much
and wish it was a monthly publication.
I would like to pass on a thought that may save someone a great
deal of trouble. If, for any reason, the cotter pin or in the case
of the larger Fairbanks Morse engines, the C clip keeper, comes off
the intake valve, it is immediately drawn into the cylinder causing
usually much damage. A safeguard is to drill a hole through the
valve, back a small distance so as not to interfere with the
opening of the valve, however insuring that the valve cannot be
drawn into the cylinder while the engine is running.’
Information is desired on Sattley Montgomery Ward & Co., 2
HP, speed 500, No. 1971 on governor and ignition system. See Want
Ad Section also for ad of RICH HOWARD, Hysham, Montana 59038.
‘Dear Smoke Rings’ writes F. C. WATTS, 83 Gordon Street,
Ormiston, Queensland 4163, Australia: ‘I thank you for
including my inquiry for help in your May-June ’81 issue. I was
silly enough not to follow up with an ad for the parts wanted. I
have since then placed an ad. May I make amends by adding a small
contribution to the hobby?
Down here we find that very rusty iron, or steel parts of
machinery are de-rusted within a few days if placed in a container
and covered by a mixture of one part molasses, (crude sugar cane)
to three parts water. My tank is stainless steel and kept in a shed
well away from the house, as in the past my better half, the wife,
has had words to say about the smell; but a jet of water on a metal
object so treated reveals the practicality of this method.
I know I’m not telling old hands anything new, but some may
have forgotten the idea.’ (That method is new to me, but How
Sweet It Is- musn’t smell good though. We learn something new
each day, don’t we?)
To the Gas Engine Friends comes the following letter: ‘I
recently acquired parts of a 16 volt D.C. generating light plant
manufactured by Brevard Electric Corporation, Detroit, S.N. 232.
The engine appears to be one cylinder, two cycle with the generator
on the crankshaft. Was it all green? What did the radiator or water
hopper look like? How did you start it? Does anyone else have one?
Any help would be appreciated. You may call collect after 5:00.
GARY GAUSERMAN, RFD 3, Luray, Virginia 22835. 703-743-5014.
ALLEN BROKAW, 3623 Co. Rd. 24, Cardington, Ohio 43315 is a young
man that sends this letter for your reading: ‘I am seeking help
with one of my graduation presents. It is a Novo Model KU 3X4
vertical hopper-cooled air compressor outfit. The compressor is a
Hobart Bros. 2 cylinder. I would like to correspond with anyone
that has one of these rigs. The engine is completely restored so I
won’t have that big job to undertake.
I also received two FY-ED4 Maytags. One is a Model 37 and is
running strong. I have to dig up some parts for the other one. I
hope to get caught up on my engine work next winter, but who knows
what the future holds?’ (Thanks for writing Allen, and
congratulations on your graduation-hope you have much fun in the
future with your engine hobby and are successful at whatever work
you might pursue.)
ATTENTION! Smoke Rings-‘I know you have had a lot of
articles on restoring an engine but I thought I would write mine to
show what a wonderful magazine GEM is.
I swapped a Maytag for the remains of an Int. Model M 1? HP. The
engine was missing the throttle control rod, ignitor, magneto,
connecting rod cap, and all bearings. The. fuel pump was beyond
repair and I ruined the cylinder head trying to remove a frozen
exhaust valve. The entire bottom of the gas tank had rusted
away.
I turned to the ‘For Sale’ ads in my latest GEM and the
results were wonderful. I got a piston and rod assembly from Ed
Deis in Ohio. The throttle rod also came from Ed. The piston rings
came from David Reed in Maryland, the fuel pump from George Wilson
in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, and the main and rod bearings from Wally
Steding in Fort Dodge, Iowa.
I saw your ad for the Sandwich, Illinois show and went there and
found a good cylinder head. I replaced the missing ignitor with a
plate for a sparkplug. Made a new bottom for the gas tank and put
on a spring loaded switch, that runs off of the exhaust push rod
cam, for a timer. After new gas lines and a coat of paint, the
engine started on the second pull of the flywheels and runs like a
new one.
What would we do without GEM? Thanks for the wonderful job you
are doing.’ (This is a terrific ad for our magazines on how
well our ads help others. It came from BOB BRIGGS, 7601 22nd
Avenue, Kenosha, Wisconsin 53140. Thanks Bob for the boost.)
‘I have just purchased an Economy engine, 8 HP, 400 RPM,
#00-XK 18112A found under some rubbish, in pretty bad shape, so
I’m going to need some help to restore it. I need to know some
fundamentals of Wico Type EK mag and operation of carburetor
mounted on it. It has, I presume, a throttle central governor. If
you’ll steer me in the right direction, it will be much
appreciated.’ (If you can help, please write DONALD R. ARNETT,
Emma, Kentucky 41625.)
One of our GEM members writes again, sending his appreciation
and asking for help: ‘I have another inquiry for Smoke Ring
readers, but first I want to thank all the fellows who identified
my Coldwell engine mfg. by the Coldwell Lawn Mower Company of
Newburgh, N.Y. picture in Nov.-Dec. 1980 GEM. This may help some
other collectors identify their engine. I also would like to thank
the ones that wrote me giving me information on my Keller engine
and that it was manufactured by Charles Keller, owner of Bloomer
Iron Works, Bloomer, Wisconsin.
I have recently purchased a Stewart Little Wonder engine sold by
Chicago Flexible Shaft Co. and was used as a two-man sheep shearing
machine. I cannot find any name or serial number on the engine. I
am wondering if anyone can tell me if Chicago Flexible Shaft
Company made the engine or did some other company make it for them?
I have the specifications from the company, now Sunbeam
Corporation, but they could not answer my questions, the engine is
a 2 Hp vertical, hit and miss. Water tank sets directly on top of
the flat headless cylinder. I would like to hear from anyone who
has one or can help with the information.’
(If you feel you can help with data on above request, please
write TOM PEMBERTON, Route 2, Centralia, Missouri 65240.)
‘I’m kind of new in this wonderful hobby,’ says MIKE
HOFER, RR 1, Collins, Iowa 50055, ‘but I have managed to
collect four engines of my own. I have a 1? HP John Deere, a 1? HP
International, a 1? HP Fairbanks Morse and a 2 HP Jaeger.
What I really want to know is if someone out there would like to
write an article on sand casting with brass and aluminum. I’m
sure there are other people who would be interested. (Send it to
me, and we’ll certainly try and print it-Anna Mae.)
I would also like to know the Witte manufacturing dates. Also
Jaeger manufacturing dates. Thanks for a wonderful
magazine!’
THOMAS W. ENDERSON, Route 1, Jim Falls, Wisconsin 54748 sends a
letter he feels will be helpful to the readers: ‘I have been
collecting gas engines about ten years and have spent about half
that time tracing the history of the Bloomer Machine Works,
Bloomer, Wisconsin. This machine shop manufactured the Bloomer and
Keller engine, and after the business failed in 1915 sold the
remaining stock under the name of Eau Claire engine.
The best place that I have found for information is at your
local public library. This system at Madison, Wisconsin is the
National Archives for all the newspapers in the United States. All
of these newspapers are on micro-film and you can get a list of
them at your library to check out and read. Most libraries have a
micro film reading machine and it is very fascinating looking
through all the old newspapers for ads and articles of the time.
Also check the old public directories at the library and the old
telephone directories can be helpful also. This is the best way,
rather than just listening to stories of the good old days.
If anybody out there in Gas Engine Land has any information on
Bloomer, Keller, or Eau Claire engines, please write me as even the
smallest bit of information can help out, because it all adds
up.’ (Tom, take note of Tom Pemberton’s letter two letters
above this one, perhaps you two could work something out
together.)
The enclosed picture comes with a letter from WILLARD WILKS,
Route 2, Box 221, Brinkley, Arkansas 72021: ‘Picture is of an
engine I just bought. I have been told it was made by Nelson
Brothers. It does not have a nameplate or decal on it but looks to
be about 1? HP, serial number is N625. Some of the part numbers on
the engine are, timing gear N2, Detente lever M4 and rocker arm M7.
It is painted red and has orange stripes on the flywheels. The
piston measures 3?’ and flywheels are 18′. The main
bearings use soft oil. I am missing some parts (see Want Ads).
If possible, I would like to know the age of this engine,
horsepower and if engine was called a Nelson Brothers or if it went
by another name. Thank you.’
LARRY HOCHSTEIN, Box 162, Wynot, Nebraska 68792 says: ‘Hope
Smoke Rings has room for a few questions and a bit of advice.
Questions first-I’ve just gotten hold of a 4? HP Sandow
horizontal hopper-cooled engine, serial number 57175. It is in bad
shape and I would like to find out how old it is and how rare?
I’ve looked through all of Alan King’s engine ad books and
a large stack of GEM without any luck.
I’m also looking for the right color of red and correct
decals and striping for a 4 HP Stover, model JR sold by Sandwich in
1913.
Now, the bit of advice! The grease gun method of pushing out
stuck pistons has worked many times for me with the exception of a
headless Fairbanks Morse. The inside ‘head’ of the cylinder
has little support and under the extreme pressure of the grease gun
the casting will crank as mine did. There is no way to get at it to
weld it, so you end up with just another parts engine. I have heard
of this same thing happening on another engine of the headless
type.
Thanks for the chance to add my 2? worth to Smoke Rings.’
(You’re welcome, without these letters, we wouldn’t have
much of interest to print.)
A letter of satisfaction comes from BILL CRONAN, 8471 Lemon
Avenue, La Mesa, California 92041: ‘I have received many
answers to my article in your section of GEM. I sincerely
appreciate all the people who have written and helped identify my
engine. You printed the picture of it in the July-August issue,
unrestored and now identified as a 1914-1915 Caille. It is also
restored now. Thus I send a picture of it along with many thanks,
hoping other GEM enthusiasts have equal rewards.’
LESTER D. UNRUH, Route 1, Box 10A, Copeland, Kansas 67837 says
he is looking to our great magazine for help as he tells us: ‘I
found a Dempster 2? HP, serial number 7759 in a salvage yard. I
need to know the color, pin striping and I would like to know the
year. It has an open crank. This engine is missing a lot of parts.
I have talked to some and some say they have heard about Dempster,
but do not know much about them. I need all the help I can
get.’
Lester mentioned a lot of parts that are missing-again, I must
caution you wonderful folks-I cannot mention parts wanted, books or
anything that could be sold. That must go in the Want Ads and
unless we hear from you as placing an ad, we must delete some
words. Sorry, but I’m sure you understand this policy. Keep the
letters coming and the ads, we’re happy for both.)
One of our newer members sends this: ‘I’m new at this
sport of collecting old tractors as I am only 20 years old, but I
already have a 1948 John Deere B which I put a loader on and use
every day. And, my real joy is a size C Case on original steel,
original paint and original owner’s manual. I don’t know
what year it is, but the serial number is C369954. If you could
tell me what year it is, I would really appreciate it. Thanks!’
(You would think the owner’s manual would have the year
wouldn’t you? Or, am I supposed to know that manuals do not
have the years listed. I’ve been with this communication for
quite a while and I do learn things from time to time. I understand
much of the lingo and numbers, etc. but I really wouldn’t know
much about the engines. I like to discover these new bits though-
perhaps the serial number will determine the year. I know that is
possible and thanks for writing. We’re so happy to have so many
of the younger generation joining our family. If you can help JERRY
GRAY, write him at 800 Milwaukee Street, Mauston, Wisconsin
53948.)
The following is a letter printed in March-April 1981 issue and
I somehow missed putting the name and address on the letter. This
does not happen often. I believe this is the second time.
Nevertheless, I will take 30 lashes with a typewriter ribbon for
punishment. Come to think of it, some of these letters are
punishment to decipher-only kiddin’ fellas, I love you all! The
letter is from GEORGE H. MILLS, Route 19, Box 69-1, Davis Road,
Iona, Fort Myers, Florida 33908. George wanted to know if this was
a joke on him. No indeed George, and I am truly sorry for my error.
I am just glad you wrote me and left me know about it. Otherwise, I
could not have printed it again. George writes:
‘Could any of our ‘antique engineers’ tell me the
dates of manufacture of Aermotors 8 cycle engines. No. CRAC has the
governor on the end of the camshaft. The other engine #84P has the
governor in the flywheel. These are fine little engines.
Wish you could try to make ‘our’ magazine monthly, but
hurry up as I am on the downhill side of life. I get anxious
waiting two months for it.’ (So please fellas, as a special
favor for me, get the information to George. He and I both will
greatly appreciate it. Help get me out of the dog house.)
This letter is also from GEORGE H. MILLS, same address as above
letter, but it is an answer to Sam D. Mendenhall, Galesburg,
Illinois who had a letter in the March-April GEM, page 12. George
thought others would like to read this information also: ‘Hello
Sam- You asked for information of the 8 cycle Aermotor. Bore X bore
X stroke X RPM X 1 cylinder = 13000 engine HP. The engine HP which
was printed in GEM 2 or 3 years ago. Also cu. in.. 15 = bore X bore
X 3.1416 = cu. in. Also B.M.E.P. 15 = 792.000 x HP/R.P.M. X cu. in.
= B.M.E.P. Also cu. in. x 16.39 = C.C. Also C.C. to liters = Cu. in
x .01639 = liters. Also liters = L. x .264 – American gallons.
Regarding date of manufacture-I was sitting half asleep along
side my little 8 cycle putt-putting away, when an old man came and
started to laugh at my Aeromotor. He said he had one his father
bought for him to pump water for his cattle ranch, if he could make
his proper marks when he went to school. He did and he used it
until about 1905 when he bought him another with the governor on
the camshaft in 1905.
I got hot and quizzed him about the age of these engines.
I’ll bet his age was about in the range of 95. He figured both
engines were about 1902 and 1905. His second engine had the
governor in the flywheel. These engines, I would say are
tricky!
I would say the first thing to do would be make a lefthand crank
to fit the left side of crankshaft-you probably can’t buy one.
Here is a sketch of my crank
I have found no data plate or a place to put one or fasten to
the engine. This engine runs over, not under. According to
literature, maximum RPM is 550. Your ignition timing is about 5°
BTDC. Your exhaust timing is about 10° BBDC. This can be timed by ?
bolt over exhaust with a lock nut on same. I adjust about 10° BBDC.
Price lists mag ignition at $50.00. Price lists battery ignition at
$44.00. Pump jack geared 15? to 1. Shipping weight 225. Flywheel
weight 48 pounds. My foundation frame was made of steel side rails
of a bed with 2 wheels. Carries about 2/3 of complete weight. A
5′ 1′ pipe slides in cylinder end of frame for moving
around. The Aermotor also made a double wheel engine 4 cycle
pumping engine 2? HP, 4 1/8′ x 6′, 400 RPM. 5′-5′ x
7? 360 RPM. As to the paint color, use not over six different
colors on different parts of your engine. Clean all your partly
used cans on your shelf and use them.
I hope you can get a little information from this letter
scratching as I have passed the 82 year mark and still going
strong. We hope to make Nova Scotia this summer. We are into
Connecticut so far. This is my answer to Sam. So keep them engines
poppin’.’ (This letter took quite a while to decipher but I
don’t mind as George is past 82. The printing wasn’t too
bad, but I believe it is the smallest letters I have ever seen. I
don’t see how he could do that-but I commend you George for
taking the time and effort. I am sure Sam and the folks that
understand it, especially all those numbers, will appreciate it.
This should square things between you and I George, don’t you
think-for my forgetting your address on the first letter? Have a
good time traveling-love ya!)
It’s time to close a long time ago really, and I was going
to give you a few good words of advice or humor that I usually did
up BUT here’s one more letter to print-and I think this will
take care of all the closing I need. I really thought this was
going to be a great historical piece of literature or something
very serious. Read it, enjoy it, take it with a few grains of salt
and lift your feet high-this masterpiece comes from JOHN N. KLASEUS
(The Baker Fan Maker) 641 Park Avenue, North Mankato, Minnesota
56001: ‘We enjoy reading GEM cover to cover. Smoke Rings
section is real good. (Thanks, but that is because you people send
all the good material.)
‘In the July-August issue the subject of the Baker Fan was
brought up. The true story of how the Baker Fan came about is like
this-Quite a few years ago, we were having an Old Time Threshing
Bee. We had contacted the local Baker to furnish rolls for the food
stand. Well, it so happened the temperature was right near 100
degrees and the rolls turned out to be a flop. They didn’t
raise, but spread out thin and tough. Not to be outdone by that
setback, we sold ’em to the people that come to enjoy the show,
to use as a hand fan to keep cool. We jokingly called ’em the
Baker Fan. Well, as they discarded ’em on the grounds, the
tractors with steel lugs picked ’em up as they drove around. We
discovered the more they picked up, the more power it took. Well,
we put two and two together, but before we got a patent on it,
somebody must-a slipped a few of them rolls in a gunny sack and got
away.
Anyway, I still have the original Baker Fan out back in working
condition. People come from all over to belt up to ‘er and
listen to their tractors work a little. The original blades made
from these rolls are still on it-I said they were tough!
The Baker himself, has either retired or went broke.’
(Come on guys, what do you really think of this? Any more true
stories, or how about the true story of the Baker Fan?)
Nuff said! Bye for this time-God bless you and keep articles,
letters and stories comin’-GEMuinely,
Anna Mae
