Restoration Basics

From: Anthony Pitts pitts@umich.edu
Subject: Engine Restoration Basics
Date: Mon, 4 Dec 2000 15:49:32 -0500

All ye knowledgeable ones:

Haven acquired my first real engine (Jaeger) a few months ago, I am left to
decide what to do with it.  It is engine that has been my favorite of my
dad'd since I was in diapers, and has always shown itself loyal to me more
than others (i.e. I could start it when no one else could).

My inclination is not to restore it at all, as that I imagine would be akin
to sending Dave to charm school.  Some things you get the feeling just
earned the right to be the way they are.  I also would hate to mess with
reliablity.  But, I am left with that ever restless feeling of wanting to
play with it more and help it last another 75 years.  I was told by a fellow
list member that saw it that I should pour new babbit to help with the play
in the flywheels (I hope I got the terminolgy right).  In addition it could
use a set of rings at the least.  The rings I could probably handle, but the
babbit concept I'm not comfortable with yet and am 100% certain that I don't
have the equipment to attempt such a feat.

I am hoping someone could further explain the babbit process, including the
tools & space one would need to attempt such a project.  I see this talked
about frequently, but just in passing.  I am sure I am not the only one who
could benefit from a detailed explanation.  I would greatly appreciate it.

If I were to go ahead with that process, would I be left with an engine that
would definately need to be repainted, or would the roughness I've come to
love be intact.  If I did decide to totally restore it, was is the mininum
amount of painting equipment I would need to do a respectable job?

Any Hercules owners out there have any suggestions to make disassembly and
reassembly an easier and less dangerous to the engine process?  I have
limited space and just want to get a feeling as to whether I should just
hold off a few years or find someone within a couple hours of Ann Arbor that
might help teach a relative rookie.

Thanks for your help,

Tony
--------------------------------------------
Anthony M. Pitts
Ann Arbor, MI
http://www.oldengine.org/members/pitts/mbf
pitts@umich.edu

Date: Mon, 4 Dec 2000 16:57:29 -0500
From: Michael Tucker mtucker@pop.uky.edu
Subject: Re: Engine Restoration Basics

|list member that saw it that I should pour new babbit to help with the play
|in the flywheels (I hope I got the terminolgy right).  In addition it could
|use a set of rings at the least.

Anthony,

I am far from an expert but maybe I can give you a little help.  I'm 
sure that Glenn Karch will fill you in on any information that I miss 
or get wrong.  The rings can be bought from a number of places 
including Starbolt for around $12 to $15 and they are a piece of cake 
to put in.  I'm a little confused by your babbit question.  I think 
that ALL of the Hercules built engines had a metal insert main 
bearing that sits in a babbit seat on the main bearing "housing." 
Generally, if you have some main bearing play on these engines you 
only need to replace the insert not the babbit.  I think that the 
inserts can also be purchased at Starbolt for $50 to $60 for a full 
set.  Also, a pretty common problem with the Hercules built engines 
is the wrist pin, which can aslo be purchased at Starbolt.  This part 
doesn't get the lubrication that it needs and is almost always worn. 
Your favorite machine shop should be able to press it in for you.

As for whether or not to leave her clothing like it is or to do a 
full blown cosmetic restoration, do what you think will make you 
happy.  Since you have personal memories of the engine in its working 
clothes then I would tend to leave her like that.  But in the end, 
it's your engine so do what you think you want with it.  If you do 
repaint it, a rattle can paint job will give you years of good 
service.

Hope this helps,
Mike

PS. Where are the pictures of this critter?
-- 
____________________________________________
When I rise up, let me rise up joyful like a bird
When I fall, let me fall without regret like a leaf - W. Berry
____________________________________________
Michael Tucker
Midway, Kentucky, USA
mtucker@pop.uky.edu
____________________________________________

From: Keith Kinney kinneyk@evansville.net
Subject: RE: Engine Restoration Basics
Date: Mon, 4 Dec 2000 16:33:11 -0600

Mike hit the nail on the head.  While replacing the wrist pin also replace
the wrist pin bushings.
I have a manual posted online at:
http://www.herculesengines.com/hercules/NewManual/Default.htm  Check out
page 18 for bearing info. Hit and Miss has the bearing at:
http://www.orwell.net/~hitnmiss/ed.htm#index
Starbolt probably has them too.
Good luck.
Keith

Keith Kinney
Evansville, Indiana USA
mailto: Keith@HerculesEngines.com
http://www.HerculesEngines.com

From: "Rob Skinner" 
Subject: Re: Engine Restoration Basics

On 12/4/2000 at 4:57 PM Michael Tucker wrote:
=set.  Also, a pretty common problem with the Hercules built engines 
=is the wrist pin, which can aslo be purchased at Starbolt.  This part 
=doesn't get the lubrication that it needs and is almost always worn. 

Part of the reason for the insufficient lubrication is that the tiny hole
in the top of the piston skirt is nowhere near the little cup that catches
oil for the wristpin.  

The solution to the problem was revealed to me a couple years ago while
standing in the driveway of Larry Evans.  He and his brother, Ken, were
showing me their new 3 hp Jaeger.  Their engine had a small tube that went
from the hole in the piston skirt to just over the wristpin oil cup.  I
didn't believe it was stock until they showed me a picture of the tube in a
manual.  

Our Jaeger didn't have the oil tube, nor did our manual show the tube.
However, it was such a keen idea that I went home that afternoon and made
up a little tube for our engine out of copper tubing.  

Rob


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Rob Skinner    La Habra, California
mailto:rskinner@rustyiron.com
http://www.rustyiron.com