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Winter project

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I need to "announce" that I'm doing this - I've been putting it off for years and figure if I tell the world it's finally going to happen then I'll be more motivated to finish it.

I started restoring a 1925 Fuller & Johnson make & break engine several years ago. It's done except for the flywheels/crankshaft and babbitt bearings. Everything else was fun but somehow I expect to be bored witless doing the flywheels. No moving parts etc.

Anyway, here's the project. The wheels are about 24-inch diameter and weight about 100 lbs. The journals need some TLC also.

Wish me luck.

fj.jpg
 
Finish 'em off with some nice pinstriping. That'll break up the monotony.
I've always wanted to see how babbitt is done.
Cant wait to see the finished project. I love the old Hit-and-miss engines.
 
Pinstriping and molten metal is fun. What's a make and break engine?
 
I once had a Renault Fuego that I'm pretty sure had a "hit-or-miss" engine. It was hit or miss on any given day whether it would start!
 
That is so *cool*! I've seen those at ag fairs; quite a sound. And 19th century farmers would say quite an improvement over "animal powered mechanics".

Here's an interesting site:

https://www.old-engine.com

Good illustrations and photos of his make and break engine restorations.

T.
 
kellysguy said:
Pinstriping and molten metal is fun. What's a make and break engine?
Click to expand...

A "make AND break engine" is an engine which controls power/speed by making (enabling) and breaking (disabling) the ignition cycle.

In one classic design: One or more large flywheels are attached to the crankshaft. A flyweight governor is also attached to the crankshaft. When the shaft speed slows, the flyweight falls inward, releasing a mechanism which allows the exhaust valve to open. When the piston rises to the cylinder head, the exhaust is pushed out. When the piston pulls back, suction is created. a check valve (one-way valve) in the exhaust closes. That resulting suction opens the intake valve and draw fuel/air mix in. The piston then compresses, ignition occurs, and we get a power stoke. This kicks the crankshaft speed back up. The flyweight pushes out, covering the exhaust valve, and thus blocking further engine cycles. The flywheel, crankshaft, and piston run free, on momentum, until shaft speed slows again, and the process repeats.

This is in contrast to most modern engines, which vary speed/power with a throttle, limiting and increasing fuel/air mix, but keeping the ignition cycle active at all times.
 
I can't believe you had a Fuego. I thought I was the only 'idiot' that owned one. Tried junking it and hubby went to the junkyard and retrieved and drove it for about another 3 years. Nothing like having the turbo charger die and not being able to see traffic behind you for the smoke screen. After 3 turbo charges, much dollars learned how to drive the darn thing. Also knew the local aircraft shop guys on a first name basis. Worse car I ever owned, second only to my Fiat X1/9.

Ah the poor choices we make.
 
JPSmit said:
kellysguy said:
Pinstriping and molten metal is fun. What's a make and break engine?
Click to expand...

A "make AND break engine" is an engine which controls power/speed by making (enabling) and breaking (disabling) the ignition cycle.

In one classic design...<snipped>
Click to expand...

Exactly. "Throttle-governed" vs "Speed-governed". Most make and breaks are designed to run at a constant speed. This one is set for 600rpm.

The lack of a cam operated intake valve always fascinated me.

I guess you could say these old engines had an early (and extreme) form of variable valve timing.
 
Sounds like you're "engaged" for the winter! :wink: :thumbsup:

My pal down the road from you has a couple old steam engines to rebuild. But he's not staying up there for the winter.
 
DrEntropy said:
...
My pal down the road from you has a couple old steam engines to rebuild. But he's not staying up there for the winter.
Click to expand...

Is one of them in that boat? (Not sure how I know about it - must have seen a photo through you?) If so , that is not a project for the feint of heart. I saw a small steamboat this past summer that someone had restored - fabulous!
 
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