Monday, January 13, 2020

Tuedsay Torque: Iron Man Challenge

Fixing up old engines can be really hard, but engine guys are a helpful bunch, and there are always willing helpers in locating and fixing parts.  The original owners of century-old engines are long gone and barn finds are rare nowadays.  You have to find engines that other collectors have saved, and that is evolving into finding engines that are doing their second go-round in collections. Finding tips for old, rare, engines in good condition is a challenge that you have to pursue on your own; sort of like finding a good place to pick morels.  Once in a while a collector gets lucky and finds an original condition engine, with original paint, and needing only a little fixing up.  That's what our friend Gary Bahre brought home last week.  It's a Kansas City/Waterloo Faultless engine, and it took less than an afternoon for Gary to make it run. It started and ran OK at first, but the hardened grease in the magneto bushings soon softened up from being oiled and the mag quit.  I've heard of spoiling an engine if you treat it too well, and I guess that must have a little truth in it. It runs on battery, though.  It will be in top shape for a coming out party in the near future.  Nice Catch, Gary!


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