Smoke Rings

By Staff
Published on March 1, 1977
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Hi–to all our friends in Gas Engine Land – we have so many
letters requesting information and needs that I’ll just start
with a pretty good sized letter from ZANE L. RENDER, Box 248,
Temple, Texas 76501:

Dear Anna Mae,

‘I feel that 1 know you since 1 have read your column so
long and enjoyed every bit of information and letters in it.

I have every issue of Gas Engine Magazine since it started
publication. They are a prize possession of mine. I read every
issue cover to cover as soon as it arrives. I don’t have a very
large collection of old engines as I am cramped for space. At
present time I have 26 gas engines, a model ‘H’ John Deere
tractor, a Big Four John Deere Mower, also a 1905 model John Deere
riding sulky plow. As you probably guessed my main love is John
Deere equipment. I have four John Deere gas engines and several
Maytags. I do have several other brands. Since I do not have much
room, I trade quite often so I have had many brands at one time or
another.

Now for my request for information, I have written two times
before and both letters were published, but I did not receive even
one response to my questions. I have read of and talked to several
who have received fine responses, therefore, I will try one more
time. I acquired a ‘BEAN SPECIAL CUB’ 4 HP Model 1R6B made
by Cushman. I got this engine in Ohio and brought it home in the
trunk of my car. No one in this area has ever seen this particular
engine. I wrote to the Cushman factory but they informed me they
had no literature or information on this engine. We have everything
restored on it except the Wico Magneto which is evidently bad, but
we have found no way to check it. Visually inside it looks fine,
nothing broken, but it will not make a spark. If anyone has any
information on this, I shall be happy to receive it. I will answer
any correspondence that I may receive. Thanking you for your good
work and a very fine magazine, only wishing that it was published
every month.’

A friend of ours is seeking help in this letter from EDWIN
BREDEMEIER, Steinauer, Nebraska: ‘Can you help me find the
serial numbers of the following equipment that bore no serial
number plates or else they were missing, such as Farmall and F.30
and the following threshers – 26 x 46 Wood Bros., Port Huron 20 x
36, Wood Red River Special 32 x 54, Wood IHC 20 x 36 and Case 20 x
36 and 26 x 46. I would like to find out the age of the above
mentioned equipment that I own.

Recently, I read about an implement wrench collector wanting to
find a way to identify wrenches that came with new farm equipment.
I suggest he draw around the wrench and label it from what machine
it came from or came with, when new. I can visualize the
possibility of collecting a large number of wrench drawings of
original wrenches.’ (I can go along with that, but what if he
has some wrenches and does not know to what implement they belong,
would they be marked – I rather thought he was wondering how to
identify some of them.)

G. S. WEDMAN, Box 458, Drayton Valley, Alberta, Canada TOE OMO
says: ‘Just a few lines to say I enjoy your magazine and
pictures of the restored engines. My congratulations to all the
fellows who have done such an excellent job on their engines.

I have an Aermotor and it has one flywheel 1?’ wide by
20′ in diameter and the only markings are Aermotor Co., Chicago
and it has the #22 on one spoke. The cylinder is finned, the gas
tank holds about 1? pints. The camshaft and pulley are gear driven.
The piston is badly seized and I am in the process of restoring it.
The ignition system is missing, so if any of you can tell me what
type of ignition system was used, I would appreciate hearing from
you.’

Another new organization about to have their first gas engine
show is the Mid-Michigan Antique Machinery Association at Birch
Run, Michigan – June 18 and 19. For information write Merv Baker,
11481 Moorish Road, Birch Run, Michigan 48415. (We wish you folks
much success and may this be only the beginning of another active
organization.)

GLEN SCROGGINS, Box 93, Hope, Arkansas 71801 has an Ottawa Log
Saw and needs some he!p with it. It is a hit and miss gas engine,
s/n C26372, flywheels are 2 inches wide and 17 inches high with 4
inch bore. He would like the date and HP. His phone is
501-777-8396.

From THOMAS A. SCHEETZ, 405 Iowa Avenue, Streator, Illinois
61364 a missal: ‘I find your magazine very informative and
entertaining. I best like the technical articles dealing with the
workings and restoration of engines. Being of an age young enough
not to be raised with these mechanical wonders, these articles are
most valuable. Also any information on the workings of many of the
devices that the gas engines operated is appreciated.

As a sidelight, I have a restored 3 HP Witte engine running a
6′ IHC Burr Mill. This engine is now in use by two young men in
the Woodland FFA Chapter, Streator, Illinois. As Chapter Adviser, I
am trying to encourage these young men with their livestock project
(4 steers) and expose them to mechanical devices of the past. It
seems that the outfit does an adequate job, but the mill is a mite
too large and has to be hand fed slowly. But the old Witte pulls
like a champ.

I am restoring a New Holland 2 HP engine, Serial 9474 and would
like to hear from any collectors that could help me obtain a
casting or mold for the brass control plate mounted on the bearing
cap. Mine is broken and I need to recast one. Also, what type of
lubrication device does the con rod have?

I am looking forward to the summer and the engine shows. I am
the proud father of two boys who think the old one lungers are
great. My oldest, 2? years, can imitate the sounds of
‘Gramps’ hit and miss Galloway almost perfectly. Seems like
the letter probably over ran its welcome, but I wanted to
subscribe, ask for aid and brag a little. Also I want to tell you
that you have a great magazine.’

TOM WEBSTER, Box 81, Boones Mill, Virginia 24065 says: ‘I
need some help from someone out in Reader Land. I have a small
Aermotor engine that I think is an 8 cycle. Will someone help me
with information on the valve timing and the governor mechanism?
Also, I need to know the shape of the cam lobe. I believe someone
may have converted this engine to 4 cycle. The engine is an
air-cooled with a 3′ bore. Any help would be greatly
appreciated.’

Over the waters came this letter for help: ‘I received your
address from a friend of mine and am wondering if anyone can help
me with information on my engine. It is called The Pace Maker,
Engine No. 8500, 6 HP, Sole Makers, The Temple Pump Co., Chicago,
USA. To me, it’s a fantastic engine and I would like to see it
back in action very soon. What type of gas would it run on or what
to do to correct the modern type use?’

ROBERT P. DEAN, Route 3, Box 56, Centreville, Maryland 21617
wants help from anybody and so has requested his letter be put in
this column as well as I.M.A.: ‘I need information on the
restoration of a Peerless Steam Engine – It is necessary for me to
strip the boiler of all parts, what is the compound the
manufacturers placed between the brackets and boiler. Was this
material poured hot or was it a paste like mortar–and then allowed
to dry. This material will not melt, only burn slowly, and I am
having great difficulty removing it. Can anyone give me some help
on what it is and how to remove it and where can I get this stuff
when I replace the brackets and the two journals or cannon bearings
that carry the main axle and counter shaft. Please, some of you
older men, give me some help on this matter.’

BOB COURTNEY, 1525 Lincoln Road, Wilmington, North Carolina
28401 wants you to know: ‘I’m in bad need of advice from
some of your readers. After a long and desperate search, I recently
acquired an old hit and miss engine. It was found in the mountains
of Virginia and appears to be complete and in good shape. It has
been semi-restored and covered in a heavy coat of red paint.
Someone has stenciled on each side of the water hopper the name
ARCO. The gentleman I bought the engine from advised me he had
painted over a decal on each side with the name ARCO on it. There
is a brass plate on top with no name or patent date, but simply
states 1? HP, 550 RPM, Serial #252243. It fires from a Webster
Tri-Polar Oscillator Type AM and the engine runs well after I dry
out the magneto, as this area is very humid.

I would be most appreciative of any G.E.M. readers if they would
advise me if they have any information or have even heard of this
brand gasoline engine. It is not listed in any books that are
available to me, I am very inexperienced regarding old hit and miss
engines, but most eager to learn.

Also, your G.E.M. is a GEM. I reread each copy many
times.’

Next letter from E. A. BURLEY, 2121 Albertson Pky., Cuyahoga
Falls, Ohio 44223 as he pens these thoughts: ‘I never thought I
would have to write to the experts, such as Ann Landers and the
readers of Gas Engine Magazine, but I am. I have been reading
G.E.M. several years and finally got my feet wet and now I
can’t quit.

My ninth engine is a Cushman 4 HP Model C with alt brass
Scheibler carburetor. When I bought this engine it had a 3/8′
plug in the only crankcase ventilator. The crankcase oil flies onto
the ceiling with this plug removed. With the plug inserted, the
crankcase compression pushes the oil out of every bearing and
shaft. The compression in the crankcase seems to almost equal the
head compression. I have installed new rings and piston is .005
less than the cylinder. Can anyone help or tell me any information
on this?’

RICK, ‘GUS’ AGOSTINUCCI, Bear Hill Road, Middletown,
Connecticut 06457 has a lot to tell us: ‘Thank you all for your
wonderful magazine. I look forward to getting it every two
months.

I’ve started collecting engines three years ago and to date
have a 1925 Stover 2 HP hit and miss S.N. KA 175076, single cyl.
Maytag, year unknown, S.N. 504890 and a 4 cyl. Novo engine Model
#NNV-2? x 4. When I first got the Stover it was in an old Rex
concrete mixer. The mixer is all restored and painted in yellow
with black trimming. The engine and mixer worked well during the
time we used it, to pour concrete for our sidewalk, and never
stopped once.

I would like to know if any of your readers have heard of an
engine called the Frisbee engine and made in Middletown,
Connecticut. I was told about the company, but I haven’t seen
or heard of these engines being around. I would appreciate anyone
telling me of the history of the Frisbee Company.

I also own a 1936 Model EH Mack, presently in restoration. While
I’m on the subject of Mack Trucks, a man by the name of Russ
Choma talked to me at a show in Southbury, Connecticut and was
asking about locations of an old AC Mack Truck. If he would write
me at my address, I’ll tell him where I’ve located one for
him.

All the gas engine enthusiasts are a good bunch to be around and
always have the courtesy to talk to you. You don’t have to be a
certain age, or have lots of money for anyone to notice you. It
seems all the antique engine and machinery collectors are a proud
bunch to be around.’ (Gus didn’t say his age, but I believe
he is one of our younger enthusiasts and we welcome his
letter.)

GARY TUNKIEICZ, 7514 60th Street, Kenosha, Wisconsin 53140
declares; ‘I have a problem that I hope someone can help me
with. I recently acquired a Farmall F-20 and don’t know the age
of it as the serial number plate is missing, and how do I time the
magneto to the engine. There are two numbers on the tractor, one on
the frame and one on the engine block. The engine number is FA23215
and the frame number is FA85060. Someone told me the frame number
is the serial number. That would make my tractor a 1937, but I am
not sure, so which number is the serial. Also where are the timing
marks located on the engine and what is the correct procedure of
timing the magneto to the engine? Did my tractor use the
International E4A or F4 magneto and

what type of carburetor did it have? Maybe someone can tell me
how long did International build the T-20 crawler? I think Allis
Chalmers started building the crawler in 1934, so could somebody
tell me about it, years built and any other information about
it?’

ROY MEISTER, 4840 Wilson Sharpsville Road, Fowler, Ohio 44418
writes: ‘Pretty cold here tonight and my G.E.M. just came today
and between my mail box and the house I nearly froze my fingers
looking at it. I just couldn’t stand it carrying it in – I had
to look at it on the way. Anyway I have read a lot of it and will
spend another two months looking at it.’ (Isn’t that
something?)

And then from DONALD R. DUFFEY, Route 2, Box 230, Sweet Springs,
Missouri 65351 comes the following: ‘First of all I would like
to say the G.E.M. is the greatest thing that ever happened to the
gas engine collector. My father and I have been collecting gas
engines for about seven years. We have been getting the G.E.M. for
a little over a year and I really regret not subscribing to it
sooner. We have 15 engines, all restored except for one. This
engine has us completely confused, because it is different than any
of our other engines, in fact, we have never heard of, or seen
anything like it.

The name plate on the engine is as follows: Dempster Gas Engine,
No. 411, Class BB, Millens, Pat. Oct. 11, 1898. The engine has a
6′ bore and 36′ flywheels. It is a horizontal tank cooled
engine. We are sure the engine is a two-cycle, because it has a
packing nut on the back of the cylinder, with a crosshead, similar
to the cylinder on the side of a steam engine. We think most of the
parts are on the engine except the piston was missing when we
started restoring it. I would like very much to hear from anyone
who has one of these engines or knows anything about it. I am sure
it is a rare engine, but maybe there is a G.E.M. reader somewhere
that can help me out.’

ERVIN MARTEN, 7969 Fulton Rd., Sterling, Ohio 44276 asks if
anyone can tell him how much oil to put in the crankcase of a
‘Friend’ gas engine, No. EXA14124 with an attached sprayer
pump? He would like to get a description of a novelty circular
sawmill where the logs remained stationary while the saw travels,
built in 1882 by E.M. Birdsall Company of Albury, New York. He also
needs information about ‘Champion’ grain thresher built in
Orrville, Ohio from 1875 to 1910. He’s been told that the
business was sold to a company in Pennsylvania, name unknown. Did
they continue to build ‘Champion Threshers?’ Ervin will
appreciate hearing from anyone that owns or knows the owner of one
of these machines. Also, information about flash tube steam
boilers, as used in steam automobiles. He would like to build
one.

JACK VERSTEEG, 3935 Cooley Drive, Salem, Oregon 97303 has sent
us the following item for our ‘Useless Knowledge’ section.
(He said it – I didn’t!)

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