Hi! It’s pretty quiet around here right now – its 2 a.m.!
and not knowing just how I wanted to start this column – I thought
you might like to know how early-or how late I sometimes retire —
and I’ll bet if the truth were known, I have a lot of fellow
companions. I don’t know about you but I am a night person. I
could enjoy staying up till 3 or 4 and then sleeping till 1 or 2,
but unfortunately that doesn’t work so well with the
obligations of an active family — so I do try and be normal and
get to bed before midnight most of the time — but then when
pressure and desire throws me into a few nights as this, I have to
make up for it, catching naps and ‘beauty rests’ as they
are called (and Boy do I need them) whenever I can.
Strange, I’m tired right now, but pleasantly so and I’m
happy -despite the fact my hubby was a victim of a heart attack in
December, our Keli, Senior in High School broke her finger three
weeks ago, and badly sprained her ankle two weeks ago and was on
crutches for a few days (mishaps of Basketball), and our Tommy, age
9 is entering the hospital this week for removal of tonsils and
adenoids and is having tubes put in his ears. You see Ed is coming
along real well with recuperating, Keli is progressing with her
ailments and we’re hopeful the upcoming hospital bit will be
profitable for Tom. And I believe God is with us all the way and I
have many, many Blessings – so I’m happy.
And now we must get on with all the interesting thoughts from
the letters: HARRY W. MILES, Route 3, Boscobel,
Wisconsin 53805 checks in after reading the January-February 74
issue and says: ‘I received my Jan.-Feb. issue and on page 15 I
see a Caille Row Boat Engine. I have one in perfect condition. Also
the original bill of sale dated 1919, price $54.00. Also the
shipping invoice from Detroit, Michigan to Waldo, Wisconsin for 90
cents plus 4 cents War Tax. I never have seen another like it.
It’s called the ‘Liberty Drive’ and runs perfectly.
I’m a member of the South Western Wisconsin Antique Power Club
and also a member of Badger Steam & Gas Engine Club of Baraboo,
Wisconsin. Keep up the good work’.
The following letter is self explanatory as an answer to Gordon
Dukes of England who had a problem. The following comes from R. W.
TOLER, 3305 Poplar, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601 and he writes to
Gordon: ‘In reply to your inquiry published on page 19 of the
January-February 1974 issue of the Gas Engine Magazine, I am in the
process of restoring a Fairbanks-Morse engine identical to yours.
The spark plug is a Champion A-25 readily available at automobile
supply stores in the United States. The plug has 1/2′ national
pipe thread and is demountable; that is to say, by loosening a jam
nut, the porcelain can be removed for cleaning. My engine had no
exhaust system. The carburetor is arranged so that the engine may
be started on gasoline and switched to kerosene. If you cannot find
the spark plug in England, I shall be glad to send you one. They
cost about $1.’ (See how our readers correspond with each other
– and since Mr. Toler had sent me a copy of his letter to Gordon, I
thought it was worth printing – maybe some of you will need to know
the same thing. Mr. Toler added then – ‘I really enjoy the
magazine very much. I’ve had success in freeing frozen pistons
with WD-40!’)
And to show folks how rewarding the gas engine hobby is – take a
peek at the cheerful writing from JACK BIELEFELD,
8 South Walnut Street, New Bremen, Ohio 45869 as he explains:
‘I have just bought an engine that I have wanted ever since I
first saw it 15 years ago. It is a United Type F-6 HP, Serial
Number 80114. You can’t believe how happy this engine makes me.
I guess gas engines are just in my blood.
I would like to ask G.E.M. followers if they have one of these
or if they can help me restore to original condition by telling me
how to paint, stripe, decals, history and any information. This
engine was bought in 1910.
If you have a bit of room, maybe you could squeeze in a picture
of my engine and me at the carburetor.’ (Sure can Happy Jack –
here ’tis).
ROGER L. ESHELMAN, Box 36, College Springs,
Iowa 51637 would like to correspond with someone who knows about
the gasoline Charter engine and the hot tube Charter engine made at
Sterling, Illinois. The engine is a 10 HP and it was a basket case
and Roger needs some information on it. The hot tube is same bore
and stroke, but it may be rated less as it is an older appearing
engine. He would like to know how to set up an operating hot tube
and keep it running properly. He has lots of questions.
ELDON INGRAM, 383 Huron Street, Stratford,
Ontario, Canada N5A 5T6 sends us some ‘food for thought’ –
‘I have been a subscriber to your magazine for a year and a
half now and find it quite interesting and informative. My father
used to have Rumely tractors dating back to 1924. He also had some
literature on many different tractors and threshing
machines that Rumely manufactured including the
Rumely Six and a Rumely gas-powered truck. Unfortunately, over the
years these brochures have been lost. On different occasions I have
spoken with Rumely collectors and no one seems to have had
recollections of the Rumely truck. Possibly at some time you may
make inquiry to your readers.’ (This is the time Eldon, hope
you get some answers).
We are happy to hear from one of our newest subscribers,
JOHN PIERCE, 13149 Kingston, Huntington Woods,
Michigan 48070 –
‘I just received my first copy of your publication and found
it to be very enjoyable and informative.
Perhaps one of your readers could help me determine the heritage
of a single cylinder stationary engine which I acquired about two
years ago. There are no casting numbers or codes anywhere on the
engine except for the raised letters ‘BULL
DOG’ on both sides of the water jacket. The
important specifications are: Bore 4-3/8′, Stroke 4-3/4′,
Flywheel O.D. 20′ and is sparked by a Webster Tri-Polar
Oscillator.
Any information regarding the production site, approximate age
and rated horsepower would be greatly appreciated.’
WM. L. CUNNINGHAM, 4335 Barker St. S.E.,
Washington, D.C. 20019 would like to hear from anyone that owns or
knows anything about a Schmidt Brothers Chilled Cylinder gasoline
engine manufactured in Davenport, Iowa.
JAMES A. ALLEN, 4040 Taylor Drive, Fairfax,
Virginia 22030 sends us the following:
My father came across an old engine about a year ago that was in
bad shape and restored it. We have been trying to find some
information on the make of engine, but so far have come up empty
handed. The make is a ‘KEWANEE’ made in Kewanee Ill. by the
Kewanee Water Co. It is approximately a 1 to 1-1/2 HP engine and
uses a high voltage ignition. A hit and miss type with 2-18′
flywheels, hopper cooled.
I have questioned people here in Virginia and my father has done
the same in Pennsylvania but no one has heard of this particular
make engine. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who knows
anything about this machine.
My Father is 73 years old and very much interested in these
engines. Being a retired machinist, he has time to work on them.
(Help them out Folks, I’m sure I’ve heard that name of
engine).
GILBERT MERRY,Box 56, Lowden, Washington 99342
pens this letter to all: ‘I need some information on an engine
I just acquired. It is a vertical Fairbanks-Morse hit and miss of 2
or 3 horsepower and has a torch mounted on the side that heats a
bent tube coming out of the side of the cylinder just above the top
of the piston stroke. Also has a 1/2 inch rod, two inches long on
top of the piston which is directly below a hole in the head where
somebody has installed a spark plug. Would like to know the
original type of ignition it had, or would like to hear from
anybody who has a similar one.’ (He’s counting on an answer
Gas Guys).
From MILO BLAUVELT, Bremo Bluff, Virginia 23032
comes an informative letter that I’m sure many of you readers
will appreciate– ‘
‘I would like to take the opportunity to tell you people
that are restoring gas engines, or any antique machines that have
worn parts, about this product that can be used on most any metal
surface. I would like to say we have just used it on a scored
cylinder wall that had a groove cut in it. The set screw had come
out and let the piston pin cut the wall badly. Maybe some of you
fellows know about this product. It has been out some years. It is
Plastic Steel (DEVCON A – Putty Type) Devcon Corp. Danvers, Mass.
01923. Many parts that could not be used could be saved and put
back in working condition again. The man that told me about it used
it to build up a crankshaft that was badly worn. Of course, he
turned it down first put the putty and put the shaft back in the
lathe and turned it to original size. He also used it on a scored
cylinder wall with perfect success.
I think The Gas Engine Magazine is a great publication. It is
read in my house from cover to cover. I wish I had more time to
write to some of you fellows. There is not anyone near here that is
interested in our hobby, although a good friend of mine has got the
engine bug. He has three engines at present time. I have sold my
stock of engines down now so there isn’t many left.
Anyone that is in this part of Virginia that is interested in
our hobby I would like to have them stop by and talk. You would not
have to buy anything.’
WM. J. EARL, 63 Wilstead Drive,
Newmarket, Ontario, Canada sends a note and this photo – ‘I
enjoy your magazine very much and enclose a photo of my 20-40 Eagle
tractor in the Milton Steam Show Parade, September 1973.’
(While it’s not too good a photo of his tractor, it does have a
different angle for a picture – sort of three dimensional just like
you’re sitting right there taking the picture yourself.)
From EDD W. CUTLER, Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania
16748 comes a missal of information:
In reply to an article in G.E.M. Jan. Feb., 74 page 25, Gasoline
made from water; Calling this mixture gasoline is an error, it
might better be called a motor fuel as any good chemist knows that
water mixed with proper catalyst will burn.
About 12 years ago an expert in chemistry demonstrated at the
County Fair, a powder in an iron tray. He would pour a small
quantity of water on the powder and it would burst up in flame
without any outside ignition.
He also put some powder in an envelope and placed it on the
table and then he put a tablespoon of water on the envelope. As
soon as the water soaked through to the powder it burst up in
flame. I was his helper on the platform and I know there were no
tricks. It was a plain chemical reaction.
In another demonstration he mixed a powder and water together
and lit it with a match. He had a small Briggs and Stratton engine
that he ran on this fuel. When this demonstration was over he
stated that this fuel would never replace gasoline as the cost
would be about $12.00 per gal.
There is another way to run an engine on water and powder, an
acetalene generator using carbide and water.
On page 37 of G.E.M. Mr. Lestz ask for us to help to meet the
energy crisis;Why don’t some one search the patent office?
According to an article in the Pittsburg Post Gazette I believe
between the years 28 and 34, As I remember it a man by the name of
HENDERSHOT tried to get a patent on a generator motor, according to
the paper if the generator motor was reved up to I800 it would take
off and generate its own power, according to the article the patent
office would not examine the papers without a demonstration due to
the fact it fringed on perpetual motion. The demonstration was
arranged at the patent office and the Generator motor performed as
Mr. Hendership claimed and with a prony brake test it developed 15
H.P.
It was rumored later that The Standard Oil Company purchased all
rights to the patent, but by this time if there has not been any
improvements to the patent it becomes public property and there
must be many more patents that have been pigeoned holed to
eliminate competion.’
EDWARD E. SINE Route 1, Box 394, Front Royal,
Virginia 22630 writes: I have been taking your Gas Engine Magazine
for about two years, and my son and I enjoy it very much. We have
never seen any pictures or anything about a Pontiac Gas Engine. We
have had one about three years, but cannot find out anything about
it. Specifications are — bore 3-3/4 inches by stroke 4 inches,
flywheels 14 inches diameter with 2-1/4 inch face. Serial 1819,
model F approximately 1-1/2 horsepower. Could anyone help me with
information about this engine?
We have 15 other engines to name a few, a 5 horsepower Cray
Brothers, New Holland 5 horsepower, 1 3/4 Unito, also a Fuller and
Johnson pump jack engine.
Just a nice letter from TONY ANTON,118 N.
Gunther, Santa Ana, California 92703 which reads thus: ‘Thought
I would let you know G.E.M. is the BEST tonic I have found yet to
keep me fired up about restoring my little collection of one
lungers. Sometimes, I would feel a bit discouraged because I may
lack this or that part, but thumbing thru back issues of G.E.M.
gets the old pep flowing again. Keep on truckin -I need the boost!
I have about 20 engines, most in good condition and am trying to
restore all to show condition.’ (Thanks for the boost you give
us, Tony).
An apology from JON SELZLER, Guthrie, Minnesota
56451 as a quotes: ‘I’m very sorry Fellow Readers, but due
to an error on my part, an ad last issue read (For Sale – Decals
for 1 cyl. Maytags) but that is incorrect. I cannot provide decals
for 1 cyl. Maytags. Please accept my sincere apology. A Corrected
Ad appears this month. Many thanks for your orders.’
A complimentary letter, which questions and information follows
from FLOYD HAGEDORN, 4104 Starr Ave., Oregon, Ohio 43616 –
Just a few lines in appreciation for the fine work done by GEM.
I have appreciated all the recent helps on repairing and replacing
hard to find parts. It is only by sharing our knowledge with one
another that our hobby can be perpetuated.
For the ‘Smoke Rings’ column I would like to have
information on an 8EB3 Delco Light Plant. I have some Delco
information I could share. I also have a three blade wind charger
for which any information would be appreciated. Parts list and
information on ‘Webster’ EK magnetos would be of
interest.
In regard to the item on running a hit and miss with battery
ignition, Jan-Feb. issue, Frank Happ Sr.: I have run a
‘Hercules’ 1 1/2 H.P. this way for several years now. It is
not approved by some people but does give one the pleasure of
hearing the engine run when parts are so hard to come by.
A note from one of our regular contributors, HOLLAND E. MAXWELL,
Route 4, Huntington, Indiana 46750 who comments: ‘This is to
correct a mistake in reference to the picture on page 16 of the
Nov.-Dec. issue of G.E.M. The picture shows three forty-five
horsepower Moguls pulling a fifty-five bottom Oliver plow. This was
done November 11, 1911 at South Bend, Mayland and not Lafayette.
The 30-60 Oil Pulls pulled the fifty bottom Oliver plow at
Lafayette on Oct. 14, 1911. This was prior to the demonstration at
South Bend.
Another interesting feature at South Bend was that one of those
Moguls pulled a fourteen bottom plow by itself which was a record
for one tractor at the time. About five years later a large
Caterpillar crawler pulled a twenty-four bottom plow and I think
that record still holds.’
From ROBERT D. SEELEY, 316Johnson Avenue,
Warrensburg, Missouri 64093 comes a request for help Robert has
just restored an old AC-35, Model WK crawler. Says it was all worth
the effort just to hear it pop. He would like any information he
could get on it. He also says, ‘I read the fine article on Don
Skidmore in your Jan.-Feb. issue. He’s modest to a fault or
lazy cause he collects implement seats too. I personally know that
he’s even more than a farmer, and no show would be complete
without one of his engine displays.’
BEN J. KINSINGER, Meyersdale, Pennsylvania
15552 is wondering if any of our readers could help him — he would
like to know when Serial Number 9034, 5 HP and Serial Number 8690,
2 HP New Holland were built. He would appreciate these answers.
And that is enough of Smoke Rings for this time or I’ll be
accused of over polluting. Hope you can all get enough gas to get
to the Reunions. Anyhow be thankful for all the many enrichments of
life you have – and if you can’t be thankful for what you have,
be thankful for what you have – escaped. — And here’s one to
think on – If your wife doesn’t treat you as she should be
thankful! — (that was nasty wasn’t it?) But here’s one for
all of us — If we stopped to think more, we would stop to thank
more!
