Smoke Rings

By Staff
Published on March 1, 1982
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Well, we are in the throes of WINTER back here in the East, but
one thing about it, I believe the whole nation has been hit this
winter with cold BRRRR weather. I’m ready for Spring, how about
you?

One thing for sure, we have many, many letters to get in this
column, so here goes-I may have to shorten some of them, please
forgive-we do appreciate them and I try to use most of them in
their entirety, but I also like to get them all in if possible.

First letter comes from HENRY WILKS, Route 2, Box 221, Brinkley,
Arkansas 72021: ‘I would like to know if anyone can tell me the
age and horsepower of a Waterloo Boy gas engine I recently bought.
The identification tag is missing, but there are two rivets where
one used to be on the lower side of the water hopper. The serial
number in the end of the crankshaft is #114971. The piston measures
3?’ and the flywheels measure 18?’. It is a little
different than some that I have seen because it uses a Lunkenheimer
carburetor and has the governor weights in the flywheel instead of
running off the cam gear. I’d appreciate any
information.’

RICHARD OVELLET, Buttonwood Road, Amesbury, Massachusetts 01913
recently purchased a ? HP Duro engine #101241 made by Duro Pump and
Mfg. Co. of Dayton, Ohio which is in need of paint. Anyone have the
correct color scheme and he also wants to know if this engine has a
battery box and what does it look like? What years were these made?
And Richard says he is glad its winter as it gives the gas hobbyist
time to work on their engines.’ (Yeh, but it doesn’t need
to be so much Winter!)

‘I need information on a small garden tractor,’ says
DONALD E. COMBES, 8536 Seward Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68114.
‘It is a row crop type and is called Bantam, made in Lebanon,
Indiana. The company is out of business now. I want to restore it
and need help. What kind of engine did it have?
402-391-4987.’

I recently acquired a 1? HP Hercules gasoline engine, #264449,
igniter-fired and equipped with a new style Webster magneto.
Someone out there in Engine land-Help! I would like to know the
year of manufacture and anything else.’ This letter came from
HAROLD W. HAUGER, Rt., 10819 Tucker Road, Mt. Vernon, Ohio
43050.

JOE FORD, 2508 Harris Circle, Cleveland, Tennessee 37311 has a
small Detroit engine. He wrote us because he needs some help. The
pivot bracket mounts with two ?’ bolts to the round crankcase
end cover. All he has seen, the pivot bracket is a casting
incorporating the inspection plate and mounted with 4 bolts. He
needs some details on the governor arm. Also would like to know the
year of a 6SK HP Hercules. Serial number 340828 and 16′
Williams gristmill, No. B864.

A couple of questions need to be answered for FRED GRAEBEN, 32
E. Allen, Fairhaven, Massachusetts 02719: ‘I have just bought a
3 HP Columbus upright barrel-cooled, Shop #1248 built by the
Columbus Machine Co., Columbus, Ohio. Also would like the color,
year and any other important information.

Also is a 5 HP Jaeger supposed to have a Wico P.R. or E.K. mag
as original equipment?’

‘I have been getting GEM for a few years and this is the
first time I’ve written,’ says DAN McARTHUR, 818 E. Baird,
Holly, Michigan 48442. He continues: ‘I have some engines and I
need some help on the date of manufacture. They are a 1? HP Ideal
upright, battery-fired with an igniter, Serial.#349282; a 3 HP
Novo, Serial #95464 and a ? HP Sattley upright, Serial #51317.

I also have a small tractor called a Waterbury Rider, Serial
#188 made in Waterbury, Connecticut by a division of the Vickors
Company. I would like all the information I can get.’

Next writing comes from JOHN M. THOMPSON, Route 2, Box 48,
Barnesville, Minnesota 56514: ‘I have recently purchased a
General ‘GG’ wheel tractor built by the Cleveland Tractor
Company, Serial #2FA380. This is the only style wheel tractor that
the Cleveland Company ever manufactured. It very much resembles the
B.F. Avery Model A tractor but was built a few years earlier. I
would like to know the color or colors the tractor should be
painted and any information would be appreciated.’

The following picture and writing comes from LARRY C. SMITH,
R.R. 32, Mount Hope, Ontario, Canada LOR 1W0: ‘Please find
attached a photo of a PAGE garden tractor made in Milwaukee. My
sons had this tractor given to them less a motor. Apparently the
motor and transmission connected to the rear similar to a Allis G.
Would you please inquire in Smoke Rings if anybody can help us
regarding what engine it had, etc. It is complete with a center
mounted IF plow.’

GEORGE BEST, 4100 S.W. 195th Court, Beaverton, Oregon 97007 is
hoping someone out in Engineland can tell him when his 8 HP Root
& Vandervoort was built. It is a Type D, S.N. EL37581. Also
color and striping?

DARVIN E. JAHNKE, Box 21, Rochert, Minnesota 56578 says: ‘I
have an engine I think is kind of rare and would like to hear from
anyone who owns one or knows of one like it. It is a Sattley 1? HP
Model K. It has a horizontal hopper-cooled with spoked flywheels
that were built by the Field Brundage Works. The part that makes it
different is the air-cooled cylinder head and it is throttle
governed with the carb mounted top of the cylinder head. I’d
especially like to hear from anyone having one of these engines
with the original carb. Also, could anyone tell me the original
color of a Twin City threshing machine?’ (I’m sure many of
these letters will be answered by our wonderful Family of Gas
Engine Magazine readers.)

‘HALLLP!! Please!!’ calls BILL BAUGHMAN, #15 2nd Street,
S.E., Cut Bank, Montana 59427: ‘I have recently bought an Old
Lion Tractor built between 1915 and 1918 by the Diamond Iron Works,
Minneapolis, Minnesota. It has a 2 cylinder opposed Gile engine, 5?
x 6. My problem is-It was delivered to me with the main frame and
three wheels intact but the rest was in barrels. Would like to hear
from someone who could tell me the kind of lube system and mag and
etc. Also, does anyone out there have one of these
critters?’

JOHN MOORE, R.R. 1, Branchton, Ontario, Canada NOB 1L0 asks:
‘How is everyone? I still receive your Gas Engine Magazine and
enjoy your book very much. Yours is still the best magazine around.
A lot of time and devotion must go into it. Most Canadians rely on
your magazine now as we have no other magazine. Keep up the good
work.’ (Thanks for the comments John. We do appreciate hearing
from our GEM family.)

‘I just acquired a Filshie threshing machine. It was made in
Mt. Forest, Ontario by the Ernest Brothers. The serial number on
the machine is unreadable as the paint has worn off. The number on
the feeder is 2293. The feeder and blower were made in Garden City,
USA. It is very old and still on the original wooden wheels. The
decal of the happy farmer in a straw hat is still visible. The body
is made entirely of wood and painted red. The paint is still there.
I would like to find out the year it was built. As I understand it
the machines were built in Mt. Forest, Ontario and were either
shipped to the States or some were built down there. I figure it
was built during the first World War. They made another machine
called Favorite, but it was on steel wheels. This model came out
later. Can anyone out there give me any information on the Filshie
machine? I would appreciate hearing from you very much.’
(I’ve never heard of the name Filshie-how about you
fellas?)

This plea for some information comes from DAVE PREUHS, Route 1,
Box 139, LeCenter, Minnesota 56087: ‘I need a little
information on completing the restoration of my 1925 22-40
Hart-Parr Serial #70139. When I bought this tractor it had the
single Schebler carburetor with the intake manifold attached to the
preheating chamber, the same as a 28-50 Hart Parr. I recently found
out that this tractor originally came out with two carburetors, one
for each two cylinders. Now, what I would like from the readers are
some photos or diagrams showing the throttle linkage and air intake
pipe arrangement. I believe I need a different exhaust manifold,
but did the two carburetor models have a fuel preheating device
built into the exhaust manifold? Hope someone can help me out.

‘Enclosed is a picture of an old International Crawler
tractor with a steering wheel to operate the drive wheel
brakes,’ writes HAROLD J. ENGELHART, 56 Beech Court, Babbitt,
Minnesota 55706. He writes on: ‘I would like to know the year,
model etc. of this tractor. How many were manufactured and if it is
of any value as an antique.’ (Please help Harold if you
can.)

GLENNIS FARNSWORTH, Route 2, Box 310, Birdsboro, Pennsylvania
19508 sends the following: ‘I have a 1929 110 volt DC light
plant. The generator name is ‘Ten Lite’ and was
manufactured for D. W. Onan and Sons of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

It is powered by a Briggs & Stratton Fl. When I wrote a
letter to Briggs & Stratton about the engine they sent me a
photocopy of their owner’s manual and a GEM subscription blank.
(Thanks B.& S.)

My problem is the carburetor, which is white metal, has cracked
and crumbled because of its 52 years.

Perhaps someone can help me with suggestions for a substitution.
It has a 7/16 venturi with 7/16′ OD pressed-in intake manifold.
What kind of carburetor can be adapted?

I’d like to get it running because I remember as a kid in
the middle 30s I went along with my dad as he used it to provide
lights for rural church festivals. They would string up ten 35 watt
light bulbs or seven 50 watt bulbs.

I would appreciate any help your readers can give.’

After reading this letter, perhaps you will be able to help
HERBERT G. LEYDA, 7111 Germano Road, S.E., Carrollton, Ohio 44615:
‘I obtained a farm machinery catalog at an antique store
recently, Catalog #9 Hertzler & Zook Co., Belleville,
Pennsylvania. Seems they sold direct to farmer. Two pages of
testimonials of satisfied customers, 1914. Two testimonials by the
Belleville National Bank, Jan. 3, 1915, W. G. Wilson, Pres., AND
Lewistown Trust Co. July 13, 1915, M. E. Goon, Treas.

Seemed to have manufactured most their buzz saws, small
threshers, corn shellers, silage cutter, grain drills, woodworking
machinery. Also listed freight and mail rates at the time. They
also sold auto jack that fit under rear wheels of automobiles to
furnish belt power, $16.00 f.o.b. There is many illustrated
pictures and prices.

I would like to know any details of this company or were they
swallowed up by a ‘corporate monster? (Anyone out there able to
help Herb? He’ll appreciate it.)

PERRY KOLB, Box 12, Satanta, Kansas 67870 has an early model
engine about 2 HP. He thinks it is a Root and Vandervoort. #54986
is stamped on top of the water hopper and on the right end of the
crankshaft. Main bearings are soft oiled. He bought it as a basket
case and would like to know more details about this engine so he
can built it back to original. All letters of help will be
appreciated. He says there is a picture similar to it in GEM Volume
15, #4, page 13 except for the head and magneto look different.

‘I would like some information on a 4 HP Gade air-cooled
simple flywheel vertical type, runs very well, but I would like to
know what kind of magneto should be on it, also color, and whether
or not it had a cooling fan. I can’t find a place to put one.
Engine is #177, what year? If you can help this gentleman please
write W. H. McGIRR, Box 803, Nipawin, Saskatchewan, Canada SOE
1ED.

HOWARD PRUETT, R.R. 1, Gladstone, Illinois 61437 has a 1923
Fordson tractor. It does not seem to be getting any oil around the
valves or timing gears. Can this be corrected? If so, please write
Howard and let him know.

RANDY FARLOW, 423 St. Mark Avenue, Westfield, New Jersey 07090
sends two pictures with his letter: ‘I would like to know the
makes and specifications on my two engines. I am told that the
Fairbanks Morse is of the year 1926 and is a Model J. By looking
through magazines, I have found statements that contradict this.
Can anyone tell what the real model year, HP and color of this
model is? Serial number is 851599.

I don’t know the make or model of the other one but I think
it is an Economy. The plate has #210960 and also 1?E-I imagine that
is the horsepower rating and 550 RPM. Does anybody know what year
or original color should be? I am sure this information is probably
very easy for you experienced people out there, but we young’ns
gotta learn sometime. I am 16. Thank you very much!

A fantastic magazine! Now I am a mailbox watcher for each coming
issue!’

One of our younger members of GEM is seeking the help of someone
with more knowledge of the engines. Maybe you can help him with his
problem, if so please write DEAN BRCHA, R.R. 1, Plymouth, Iowa
50464. His letter follows: ‘I have just purchased a 2? HP
Associated throttle-governed gas engine. Could anyone tell me the
year of this engine? Information on the name-plate reads-Associated
Mfg. Co., Waterloo, Iowa U.S.A. HP 2?, Serial #140632.

I also have a 1922 3 HP open crankshaft Stover engine. Could
anyone tell me the model of this engine? Nameplate reads Man. by
Stover Mfg. & Engine Co., Freeport, Illinois. HP 3, speed 500,
Serial #W 148413.

I am 15 and have been collecting gas engines for one year. I
enjoy working with the engines and I really enjoy your
magazine.’

A new member writes: ‘Recently a friend introduced me to the
GEM magazine. I enjoyed reading it so much I am subscribing to it
and hope to keep in contact with the Antique Gas Engine World.

Having grown up on a Nebraska farm during the great Depression
and later moved to California I became involved with gas engines,
row crop tractors and steam engines as a way of life. Today, I
certainly enjoy seeing the old John Deeres and Farmalls restored
and displayed to the public.

I am a member of the local engine club and at present am working
with restoring an old upright Detroit engine, but need more
information from those who have restored one. It has only a
nameplate with no serial number. A friend and a local gas engine
authority informs me that it was built about 1910. He said it will
burn kerosene and the engine will operate with the flywheels
turning in either direction. It is about a 4 HP with a 4-ring
piston, 3 on top and 1 on the bottom. Anyone out there in the Old
Engine World who has any experience about its restoration, please
write or call me. I would certainly appreciate hearing from you.
MENNO L. KLIEWER, 43138 Road 52, Reedley, California 93654. Phone
209-638-3877.’

FRED HOWES, Suburban Drive, Ashfield, Massachusetts 01330
writes: ‘Recently I found a single cylinder upright DeLaval
engine. The following data appears on the plate-DeLaval Separator
Co., New York & Chicago. Type VW-Serial #73105. The last number
of the serial number is not clear. There is no stamp either in the
HP or speed spaces on the plate. The word ALPHA appears in a
logo-triangular on the plate. The magneto is missing. I have two
questions. What is the correct magneto? What is the year of
manufacture of the engine? Many thanks to you for GEM. It’s
great!’ (We’re glad you enjoy it Fred-hope you get your
answers.)

This next writing comes from WALLACE E. ENGLISH, 1841 Pinecove
Drive, San Louis Obispo, California 93401: ‘I am a relatively
new subscriber but have been interested in old engines for many
years. This all started back during World War II when I worked with
a well driller, drilling water wells with a rig powered by an old
hit and miss. I don’t remember the make, but I do remember
putting cans of soup into the water hopper to warm them up for
lunch.

I read the magazine from cover to cover, usually the day it
arrives and enjoy it immensely. I have acquired over the years a
number of engines. I have two John Deeres, Type E, 1? HP; a
Fairbanks Morse of similar size and a Sattley (Montgomery Ward). I
am currently working on the Fairbanks as it was in pretty sad shape
when it came in.

The main point in all of this is that I found a valve that can
be bought ‘off the shelf that is almost a drop-in replacement
for this engine. The NAPA 211-1130 with head diameter 1.313, 5.160
stem length and .373 stem diameter is one and the 211-1199 with a
head diameter of 1.255 a stem length of 5.050 and stem diameter of
.372 is another. Both of these valves have 45° faces and they have
two grooves on the stem. The original has only one grove, but these
valves can be used with the two groove keepers or as I chose to do,
one of the grooves can be filed wider to fit the original horse
shoe keeper. The heads are hard, but the stems can be filed with
swiss pattern files quite easily. I hope this information will be
of use to those working on F M ‘Z’ type engines.

I have two mags that I am not able to identify. Perhaps some
reader can tell me what they are and where they can be used. One is
a Fairbanks Morse 4 cylinder unit Type FM X4B19A. Serial #3557118.
The other is marked The Berling Ericsson Mfg. Co. Buffalo-Magneto
Type AOS with serial number 9944. This last unit is a beauty, with
an all brass case and even the single horse-shoe magnet is bound in
with a brass band.

I will be very appreciative of any information I can get on
these items. Meanwhile, keep the good magazine coming.’

This letter is in regard to the Evinrude engine on rear cover of
Nov.-Dec. 1981 GEM. And it comes from CHARLES H. WENDEL, Atkins,
Iowa 52206: ‘This is an engine we purchased at auction several
years ago. It was built by the Evinrude Company as an offshoot of
their established marine engine business. Evinrude went so far as
to design an outboard oil engine, working on the HVID principle.
Although the prototype itself was never completed, it still exists
and is owned by Allen LeBaugh, .1009 7th Avenue, Council Bluffs,
Iowa 51501.

Evinrude only built a few hundred oil engines at most in1?, 3, 5
and 7 HP sizes. Very few of these engines still exist. We would be
happy to hear from other Evinrude oil engine owners and perhaps get
an idea of how many are still around. Our engine is a 1? HP size.
Since these engines require delicate adjustment, they were often
unsatisfactory to the average user and were never very popular. The
HVID principle was used on several other engines, including the
Thermoil.’ (Thanks for the information Charles, I’m sure
many folks will appreciate knowing these facts.)

‘About two feet of fairly fresh snow outside here-makes a
good excuse for studying engine literature,’ muses BART C.
CUSHING, Box 200, Walpole, New Hampshire 03608.

‘Lately, I have begun specializing in Brownwall engines.
These were manufactured by the Brownwall Engine and Pulley Co.,
Lansing, Michigan or some units have Holland, Michigan. Also some
state on the nameplate Holland Engine Co. as the manufacturer.
Information on the engines is either cast printed on the
flywheels-to date I have seen this only on some of the 1 or 1? HP
sizes-or on a nameplate on the top or sides of the hopper on a
stamped brass tag. On some air-cooled units the tag is on the metal
shroud. Other names I have seen to these same engines, apparently
wholesaled out to retailers, are Charles J. Jager Company, Boston
and Providence; or United States Engine sold by Vermont Farm
Machine Company, Bellows Falls, Vermont.

The units I have seen are 1 HP to 6 HP having Webster Tri-Polars
or sparkplug with coil types. The later ones were either gas or
kerosene units. For anyone having information on these units or
anyone that has one of them, I would like to correspond with them,
hopefully to get enough information and pictures to produce an
article for the GEM. This brand apparently is not well known or
abundant according to head count at shows and I feel an article on
these could prove interesting.’ (I agree Bart. Write him
fellas, and we’ll look for his article in the future.) ‘As
always your column and the magazine has and is a valuable part of
our hobby and sure helps keep communication.’

TOM PEARSON, R.D. 32, Box 73, Hartly, Delaware 19953 would be
happy to receive any information on his Cushman 1?HP Model 21,
Serial #651. He thinks this is very rare and has only heard of one
other one-any fellows out there have one? Let Tom hear from you-and
US.)

A short letter comes from DR. M. G. HEADLEY, Route 2, Box 8,
Angola, Indiana 46703: ‘I enjoy your magazine very
much-especially the Smoke Rings.

I am the proud owner of a 2? HP Angola pumping engine made by
the Angola Engine & Foundry Co. of Angola, IN. I would like to
know how many of these engines are left. If the owners of any
Angola engines would write to me and send a SASE I will compile a
list of sizes, serial numbers and owners and send them a
copy.’

A short message comes from KEN DAWSON, 4169 Rustic Place, St.
Paul, Minnesota 55112. ‘I have a Reeves pulley company engine
in my collection. I would like to correspond with someone that has
one of these engines. My engine is complete, but I would like to
fix the igniter to run the way it was originally intended. Thanks
for the wonderful service your magazine provides!’

We are so happy to hear from our younger fellas and I think it
is great they take the time to write to us. KIRK WICKSTROM, 923
Waverly Hts. Dr., Thousand Oaks, California 91360, phone
805-495-6016 sends this notice and picture: ‘I am 13 years old
and last summer my dad and I bought my first antique engine. We are
going to restore it as part of my 4-H ‘Small Gasoline
Engine’ project. I am enclosing a picture of my engine and hope
that one of your readers may be able to identify it. The engine is
supposed to have been off a sprayer. The plate on the engine has
the following information: 25 JK 1455 Y; RPM 775, HP 2?-3? JK. The
casting is dated 12-2-30. It has a Wico EK magneto. Any help as to
what the engine is, etc. will be appreciated. Thanks a lot in
advance.’

JOHN W. BOYENS, 3711 S. Hampton Drive, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722 is
looking for any information on an electric light plant built by
Ready-Power Co. of Detroit, Michigan. It is powered by an
International Harvester LA engine, 3-5 HP LA style and the
alternator is built by Leland Electric of Dayton, Ohio. A reference
number stamped on the tag is 8020 TD-12813. Please try and help him
with his light plant. Thanks!

‘This last year was my first experience with GEM and I
really enjoyed it. I am new at this hobby and have a lot to learn
and your magazine has helped a lot.

I have a Novo engine and on the I.D. plate the bore is written
HU, the stroke is X4 and the serial number is 31387. This unit is
completely enclosed with sheet metal, has a radiator and fan. It is
a two cylinder. I would like some information on what the bore and
stroke is and about how old it is. It needs a paint job, but runs
fine. Would also like to know the color.’

If you can help, please write MARK S. POLK, 5881 Paderock Road,
Ortonville, Michigan 48462.

Here is an answer to Philip Vazzana’s letter that was in
Jan.-Feb. issue. It comes from TERRY N. TANNER, P.O. Box 3, Union,
Kentucky 41091: ‘I have a 1? HP Hummer engine and know of one
other. They are almost the same as a Gray Jr. 1? HP engine. The
Gray has the oiler behind the hopper and is painted light green
with dark red skids which are square on the ends. The Hummer has
the oiler pipe going through the hopper and is on skids which are
tapered on the ends. The engine and skids are reddish-maroon with
white lettering on sides of hopper. There is a picture of one in
Alan King’s Volume 7 gas engine book on page 11. I also have a
couple of questions that I hope the readers can help me with. What
color was a 2? HP Ingeco engine and does anyone know anything about
a Road Boss engine? It was made in Algona, Iowa. It is a 4 stroke
and will run either way.’ (Hang in there Terry, you might get
your answers-these GEM guys really know a lot.)

HOWARD E. PRAY, 1410 Hillside Drive, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722
needs some data about an engine he has purchased. It is a 7 HP
Ottawa wood saw engine. It has 31′ flywheels and a 6?’ x
8?’ bore and stroke. Serial number is H-32780 and was made in
Ottawa, Kansas. He would like the age, color and any other
information.

‘I just finished by second issue of GEM and already feel
like one of the family. I would like to hear from anyone with
knowledge of the Worthington Engine Company. I am restoring a 2?
HP, Serial #47712 and would like some history of the company, the
paint number and maker. Secondly, I would like to hear from anyone
who collects outboard motors.

I have a Caille, Serial #43000. On the flywheel, that you spin
by hand, it has Caille Liberty Drive, Detroit. I was wondering if
outboards are rare or if no one really cares for them. Thanks for a
great magazine and keep up the good work.’ This letter comes
from THOMAS GIBBONS, 10558 N. Elyria Road, West Salem, Ohio
44287.

An interesting note and picture comes from BILL HOSSFIELD, 50
Oakwood Drive, Ringwood, New Jersey 07456: ‘I’d like to ask
if anyone out there in Gas Engineland can identify this very
unusual old lawn mower I picked up. It’s all aluminum and has
two small rotary blades. There isn’t even an engine tag to
identify it.’ (Anyone out there can you help on this
identification?)

A most unusual story comes from LARRY DODD, 2182 E. Concorda
Drive, Tempa, Arizona 85282. The story comes from one of the
Arizona Early Days Engine and Tractor Assn. Club Newsletter. Larry
is vice-president of the association and thought you might all be
interested in this. The story was written by Bob
Kilbarger
who is the President of the Club. His wife,
Verna, helped him by naming off some of the old engines while he
composed the story. I’m sure many of our readers will enjoy
trying to locate all of the engines mentioned in the tale. Here
goes: The story is entitled PHONY BALONEY

Did I ever tell you about the time I went to an Old Time Reunion
Thresher and Gas Engine Meet back in my hometown in Ohio. Names and
places won’t mean much but I have to relate to them to keep my
story together. It was a big Meet, so big, there was this fellow
John Deere with international acclaim who got a plane by charter
and came all the way from Europe with a friend he called Edwards.
My way of thinking for economy he should have taken a commercial
airline. Anyway to get on with it, as you entered the grounds under
a big banner, you saw a long line of oldtime tractors, so majectic
looking. The sight made you wonder., right off what kind of people
could get so interested in some of these jumbos. Some of those big
steam tractors must be a real challenge to restore. As I was
walking along, a friend of mine, Bob Taylor asked if he may tag
along. I’ve known Bob for a long time as he used to work at
Westinghouse back in Wisconsin. Over in another section, came noise
like the Alamo. Turned out to be some big guy built like Hercules
with Larson on his name tag, playing with four little engines with
no mufflers. So at a nearby lunch counter, grabbing a sandwich and
tripping over a cable used’ to monitor the program, we
continued on into the great empire of Engineland.

Next, we saw a real hogg. The thing was so patched and wired up.
No criticism was passed as a bull dog on a rope was tied to the
flywheel. I could see why the dog as the owner was no bigger than
Tom Thumb. I passed by old Mr. Johnson, the town drunk. I’ve
never seen a lazier fuller Johnson than he. Loaded to the gills, he
thought he would be witte in a new way by drinking beer from clay
fruit jars. In overall appearance of the grounds, this club is
really united and from a domestic point of view, IPs an ideal way
to spend their time and money.

Well, it has been a real joy telling you all about my venture
and friends I’ve been associated with, and if you haven’t
guessed by now; see if you can find the (35) engines mentioned in
this yarn. GOOD LUCK!-Bob Kilbarger. (I don’t know what you
fellas think, but I feel this was really a clever writing. Have fun
hunting the names.)

WAYNE GRENNING, 318 Summit Street, Boonville, New York 13309
sends some interesting figures on the Fairbanks Morse: ‘Since I
received so many letters concerning my article on The Technical
History of Fairbanks Morse and people wanting to know the exact
date their engines were manufactured, I decided to put the serial
number list in Smoke Rings. This list covers all one cylinder
engines from 1911 to 1948, and does not just pertain to the
‘Z’ style. I would also like to thank all of the great
people who wrote to me asking questions and correcting my errors in
the article.

1911

100408

1929

717438

1912

112692

1930

745413

1913

126918

1933

771747

1914

138132

1934

774522

1915

148745

1935

780961

1916

168326

1936

783397

1917

225190

1937

796380

1918

289163

1938

805807

1919

361037

1939

810775

1920

427048

1940

815908

1921

490025

1941

820536

1922

497156

1942

829112

1923

535175

1943

841981

1924

573139

1944

850904

1925

603362

1945

864601

1926

644995

1946

881235

1927

673306

1947

889366

1928

693920

1948

908813

Have been enjoying your GEM since 1978. Hope you keep up the
good work,’ says K. H. KENNEDY, 2000 Kivett Drive, High Point,
North Carolina 27260: ‘Enclosed please find picture of a
Birmingham vertical hit and miss 6 HP, 350 RPM, Serial #1100 made
by White-Blakeslee of Birmingham, Alabama. I would like to
correspond with anyone who has information on this engine as to
year of manufacture and colors and shape of cooling system. The
company originally began manufacture about 1896. In 1920 the name
was changed to American Blakeslee. In 1946, changed to Jackson
Industries, but they were unable to be of help. I haven’t been
able to find this engine in any of the Alan C. King booklets. Hope
someone can help me out. Many thanks.’

Here is a great tip for you folks that have the gas engines. I
think you will appreciate hearing from CARLETON ATWATER, 18 Cedar
Lane, Oxford, Connecticut 06483: ‘This short note is to say
thank you for a great magazine. For all of us that have looked for
the original color on an engine, the following may be of help. Look
for a spot where grease and dirt is still present. Coat the area
with an oven cleaner. Let set for several hours. The lye in the
oven cleaner will bring out any color pigments that are still in
the metal. Also, oven cleaner when applied to the complete engine
and let set for several hours and then washed down with cold water,
makes a good cleaner that finds all the hard to get to spots.’
(Thanks Carleton, I’m sure some folks will try this.)

Here’s a man with quite a few questions-so keep your pens
ready men and write to WAYNE GRENNING, 318 Summit Street,
Boonville, New York 13309 as he wants some answers: ‘I recently
purchased an Ideal air-cooled engine. It has 12?’ flywheels and
is of the headless type. This engine has seen very little use and
almost all of the original paint is still on. What I would like to
know is, when was my engine manufactured? I cannot find a serial
number. Are there any decals? There is a 3/8′ pipe thread hole
on top of the crank guard. Was this for a breather or an oil
dripper? Was there supposed to be oil in the crankcase? There is no
shroud around the fan and air-cooled cylinder; was there one
originally? Any help you can supply will be greatly appreciated.
All letters will be answered.’

One of our long time contributors writes in need of his
buddy’s assistance: ‘I would like some information as to
horsepower and years of Ideal engines manufacture. I have three
Ideal engines: #1 has 11′ flywheels, 3?’ bore x 3?’
stroke, open crank-case with cover, babbitt main bearings with hard
oil cup on each bearing and buzz coil ignition. #2 has 12?’
flywheels, 3?’ x 4′ bore and stroke, open crankcase with
cover, babbitt main bearings with oil reservoir cast in top half of
main bearings and buzz coil ignition. No nameplate on above
engines. #3 has 1?’ flywheels, 4′ x 4′ bore and stroke,
closed crankcase with cover with two screen holes on top for vents.
Cover has a brass nameplate on it that gives serial number X29717
built by Ideal Lawn Mower Company, Lansing, Michigan. Also on top
of cover is Model R. This engine has Wico EK mag on it. Main
bearings are roller bearings. All engines are horizontal air-cooled
cylinders with oil cup on cylinders. Main bearings on #3 engine
seem to get oiled by crank connecting rod splashing oil on them
from excess oil going to crankcase from oiler on top of
cylinder.’ Write to: WM. C. KUHL, 464 So. 5 Street, Sebewaing,
Michigan 48759.

ROBERT D. SEELEY, R.R. 3, Box 176, Warrensburg, Missouri 64093
writes: ‘I recently acquired a small engine of about 1? HP. The
name tag is missing, but I think it is a Sandwich. It was equipped
with a Wico mag and the flywheel number is AB101. I need
information on the date, make and color of this engine.

I also have recently acquired an 8 HP Worthington kerosene
engine, Serial #25205. It is missing quite a few parts. I also have
a 2? HP United. What is the color of this engine?

I want to thank all the people for their many responses on the
Gray and Taylor engine I have. The answers were greatly appreciated
and very helpful. I am sorry I could not answer each one.’

 (ONCE AGAIN I must remind you folks that I cannot
print missing parts, books or etc. in this column. That type of
data must go into the classified ads department. I am sure you
understand. The column is for the use of exchanging information and
asking for help in many matters, but NOT HELP IN FINDING MANUALS,
PARTS, ETC.)

TOMMY STOCKER, 425 Harding Street, Danville, Kentucky 40422
writes us: ‘I wrote this poem for my Dad for Christmas and
would like to share it with your magazine and its subscribers. (He
means our GEM family-and they are-for we feel they are more than
just subscribers.)

My dad, William Stocker, Jr., and myself are members of the Blue
Grass Gas and Steam Engine Association. He has a 6 HP Fairbanks
that pulls a 12′ Williams gristmill, a 1? HP Bohon and a 1? HP
New Way. We attend several shows during a year and enjoy all of
them.’

One of our newer members has some questions for his newly found
family members as BRAD LINDQUIST, Box 21, Mechanicsburg, Illinois
62545 writes: ‘I have been receiving the magazine only since
May of 1981, but I really enjoy it. I swear that I wear out each
issue before the next one comes through the mail.

Last August I bought a large diaphragm pump with gas engine
mounted, at a farm sale. The pump is made by the C.H. & E.
Manufacturing Co. at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This is cast on a part
of the pump as well as the model name #5 Mudhen. Also attached to
the pump is a brass nameplate of which I have sent a rubbing (I
don’t know if this will be able to be printed). The numbers I
have filled in on the rubbing as they did not come out too
clear.

The engine is a 3 HP Witte, Serial #101195. It is a later model
with a fully enclosed self-oiling crankcase. The crankshaft is
supported by roller bearing mains. The pump and engine had little
paint and mountains of grease and rust when I bought it. All the
paint I could find at the time appeared to be dark green. I now
have the engine about 80% restored and painted a dark green to
match closely with the old paint. The other day I was scraping on
some hidden corners of the pump and two-wheeled cart it was mounted
on and found some paint which looks to be light gray or blue. I now
suspect I have painted the engine the wrong color. Although the
green is a close match to Witte green, the pump manufacturer may
have painted the whole outfit its own color.

What I would like to know is what color were these C.H. & E.
pumping outfits painted and also any information on the C.H. &
E. Manufacturing Company in general.

I suspect Wayne Grenning, who wrote to you in January, has the
same type of pump as I, although his was powered by a 2 HP
Domestic.

I would also like to tell Harry L. Cook who also wrote in
January that his Witte engine is a 3 HP, 650 RPM. This information
obtained from reprinted Witte Engine Works Literature.’ (Thanks
for helping your buddy and here’s hoping you get some
answers.)

A heart warming letter comes from a proud father as he tells us
a bit of his engine show, but is really happy with his teenage
daughter- so good to hear these kinds of things these days. We
always hear so many of the bad things, but many incidents such as
this are not published enough. May this encourage many of you to
reveal these kinds of human interest stories. This is the second
letter in this column this time, of an offspring writing about
their father. Isn’t that great.

This letter comes from BILL YOCUM, Route 1, Box 108, Loretto,
Tennessee 38469: ‘Hi all you gas engine nuts-as myself-thought
I would drop a line to GEM on such a helpful and interesting
magazine. We had our first engine show in this part of the state
last Memorial Day weekend, at the St. Joseph City Park, sponsored
by our local Lions Club. We had a successful turnout, thanks to GEM
as it helped me put across to our sponsors the need for this type
of show in our area. Well, enough of this-here is a little poem or
rhyme my teenage daughter wrote-I thought it was kinda cute.’
(And so do I-read on.)

EARL PFILE, 9013 Beulah Church Road, Fern Creek, Kentucky 40291
has an International Famous vertical engine 2 HP, KA30046 that was
given to him as a family hand down. It runs fine and he enjoys it.
He would appreciate knowing the year it was manufactured if that
could be found around the engine circles. Surely someone out there
will be able to write to Earl about his engine.

‘Enclosed is a picture of an engine I recently bought. I am
unable to determine what make it is or what it was used for.
Perhaps one of your readers will know.’ (We hope so Ken.) If
you can help this man please write KEN L. MEIER, R.R. 1, Eldridge,
Iowa 52748.

Needing help in identifying his engine, BURTON M. WELLS, 4605
28th Avenue, Moline, Illinois 61265 writes: ‘I have been
collecting old iron and subscribing to GEM for 15 years. I have a
complete set of the magazine and cannot find a picture of an engine
similar to the one I bought last fall and I need help in
identifying it as some parts are missing and I want to advertise in
the magazine for them. I need information as to make of engine,
make of carburetor, style and size of water hopper, color and
etc.

The only information I can supply is as follows: flywheels
30′ diameter, 2-15/16′ wide Part #3L, crankshaft 2′
diameter, stroke 9′, piston 5?’ diameter. Part #N13, ex.
valve Part #N14, cylinder head #N10, bearing caps #N6, cam, gear
#N8, rocker arm #N15, governor arm #N5, push rod bracket #N9,
connecting rod #N11, governor bracket #N9L. Exhaust hole in bottom
of head is 1?’ P.T. Sparkplug hole in right side of head is
?’ P.T. Carburetor hole in left side of head is 1′ P.T.
Hole in top of water jacket where water hopper is bolted on is as
shown in sketch.

LEROY A. BAUMGARDNER, JR., R.D. 2, Box 118, Littlestown,
Pennsylvania 17340 says this: ‘Enclosed is a 1909 International
Harvester Company price list that I think readers of the Smoke
Rings would find interesting. International Harvester Company price
lists are extremely hard to find so I thought IHC collectors would
appreciate this one.

Well that’s it for this time and not much room for anything
but just a few quips.–The measure of a man’s real character is
what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.–God sees
the heart, not the hand, the giver, not the gift.The secret of
contentment is knowing how to enjoy what you have and be able to
lose all desire for things beyond your reach. Bye Bye – Love
Ya! Anna Mae

INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER COMPANY 1909 NET PRICES TO AGENTS
ENGINES:

1 HP Air-cooled

$ 53.00

1 HP Air-cooled spraying

85.00

1 HP Air-cooled spraying, mounted

95.00

2 HP Air-cooled

80.00

2 HP Air-cooled spraying, with pump complete

122.75

2 HP Vertical Stationary or Famous

91.00

2 HP Famous pumping

107.00

2 HP Famous Spraying, no pump

107.00

3 HP Vertical Stationary or Famous

133.00

4 HP Horizontal

197.00

4 HP Famous

213.00

4 HP Portable

277.00

6 HP Stationary

266.50

6 HP Famous

293.00

6 HP Portable

352.00

8 HP Stationary

331.00

8 HP Famous

357.00

8 HP Hoisting

593.25

8 HP Portable

421.50

10 HP Stationary

410.00

10 HP Portable

517.00

12 HP Stationary

490 00

12 HP Portable

623.50

15 HP Stationary

588.00

15 HP Portable

720 00

20 HP Stationary.

757.50

20 HP Portable

890.00

25 HP Vertical Stationary Two-cylinder

1067.00

INTERNATIONAL GASOLINE TRACTORS

10 HP Traction

$ 997.50

12 HP Traction

1050.00

15 HP Traction

1102.50

20 HP Traction

1312.50

Kerosene Mixer and Heater for 6 HP only

35.00

Combination Gasoline and Kerosene attachment for all horizontal
engines

15.00

Horizontal engines with special cooling tank (extra)

6.00

Regular belted pump jack

11.25

Standard belted pump jack

11.25

Standard belted pump jack No. 2

11.25

Walking Beam pump

11.25

Walking Beam pump No 2

13.50

Heavy belted pump

33.75

Brake attachment for portable engines

5.75

Auto sparkers each

16.75

Auto sparkers in lots of 3 or more each

13 50

6 HP Engine truck

33.75

8 HP Engine truck

39 25

10 HP Engine truck

43 00

12 HP Engine truck

48.50

15 HP Engine truck

51.00

TERMS: 5 per cent discount if paid in 90 days, 5 per cent
additional in 20 days, time from 6 to 24 months owing to size of
engine. 80 per cent of the sale may be turned in in good paper and
20 per cent must come in as cash. All f .o.b. Parkersburg, W. Va.
except Traction and Hoisting engines, which will be factory
freight.

THOSE OLD GAS ENGINES

Looking, searching, asking, where ever they might be
 It’s over in the hollar it’s as clear as can
be
Digging, pulling, cussing trying to get her out
As you can see now you’ve only started a long bout
Cleaning, fixing, and getting her ready
One thing for sure keep her steady
Turning the bolts turn the crank
It hits one time but it’s not time to thank
You work some more, and dream alot
and just remember what kind of engine you have got
Turn on the gas, and it hits again
And all of a sudden it all begins
It looks fine, and it runs great
It’s time now to look up that first show date
It’s in your blood now, you can not get rid of it
One thing for sure those old engines will always be a
hit
By: Tommy Stocker
Dedicated To: WILLIAM G. STOCKER, JR.

OLD TIMEY GAS ENGINES

Old Timey gas engines go back, from year to year,
They range from different kinds like the Witte and John
Deere.
Gas engines are an interesting hobby for many,
For those who have them and those who don’t have any.
They bring back memories for the old,
For everybody, whether old, young, smart or bold.
Gas engine shows are beginning to be known through many
States.
Pretty soon engines will probably get even higher rates.
My Father owns several engines, which he shows,
Displaying them, shining them until they glow.
He is very proud of his work and the time spent on them,
I am also very proud of him.
Since he enjoys this as his past time,
I enjoy trying to get sentences to rhyme.
Beth Yocum

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