Henry Ford's first gas engine(replica)

[Contaucreek]

Was surfing around looking at engine pictures on the weekend and came across some pics of Henrys first gas engine built as a replica. I searched here in the archives and found a long thread about them so was able to learn a bit. Looks like a great project but was wondering if anyone here had built one and how well it runs. I'd love to see some more pics if anyone has them! Paul

http://www.smokstak.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17363

[vern0n]

There was a guy at the Portland swapmeet a few years ago who built these and sold parts to build one.

[dannyinky]

Someone had one at the Sweetwater TN. show a few years ago.

[Ronald E. McClellan]

Here is one that I built four years ago. Ron

[BWegher]

Photo on page 17 of the August 87 GEM

[JBailey]

I finished building one of these engines just about a month ago. It was a very interesting project and the engines runs great. You can read all about
it at www.oldengine.org/members/jbailey/frsteng.htm. On the webpage is contact information for Leon Ridenour. He's the one who publishes the plans and DVD for building one of the engines.

Also, I have submitted an article to GEM describing my experience building the engine that is scheduled to be published in the Dec/Jan issue.

[Contaucreek]

Thanks for posting the pictures guys, they are top shelf jobs the both of them.Look forward to the article and may attempt one myself. Paul.

[actionhac]

Now that looks like a fun project! but where are you finding the flywheel?
Robert

[actionhac]

JBailey, did you use a valve handwheel for the flywheel?
I think the flywheel may be a problem for me. I'm trying to guess the size of the flywheel, 12"-14"? my lathe is only 10".
It dosn't look like you can run it very long since there is no cooling system of any kind.

Robert

[Karl T Schwab]

I thought that I might build one too, I also have a small 6" lathe. For the flywheel, I have a "flywheel" from a salvaged excersize bike and it is perfectly balanced. About 12" dia should do it; the heavier the flywheel, the smoother the engine should run and only for a few minutes as there is no cooling offered. These engines also take some tinkering to get them to run and even more to get them to run good. But, what the heck?

[Steve Holbrook]

The flywheels approximate wt. is 13 pounds
Dia. 14.750 - width 1 1/8 inches

[Bill Bird]

The man with the plans - Leon Ridenour, Knoxville, TN. He builds them from kits and has the info you need.
Phone # 865-584-9759
BILL BIRD

[JBailey]

I found a flywheel at a local flea-market. I was lucky. I don't know what it came off off. It is 12" in diameter and weighs about 10+ pounds. It actually should be just a bit larger than that, but it works fine. No, you can't run it very long, a minute or so at the most. It gets hot really quick.

[Steve Link]

I called Leon and ordered the plans. Very nice gentleman to talk with. Now I have a project for this winter.

[Contaucreek]

Oh oh, do I sense a build off ?? Wouldnt that be cool ! A few Stakers punching out the same engine this winter and comparing notes and pics in 6 months ! Best looking and running engine wins uh....bragging rights ! Paul

[JBailey]

Mr. Ridenour called me last evening and told me he had gotten five orders for his engine plans since this thread started. He told me he was going to have to make some more DVDs.

[Contaucreek]

When I phoned last night to order he told me there had been a flurry of activity and I had to own up to starting this mess but rest assured he loves it and he loves to chat.He has built 30 of these himself and says runtime is 3 or 4 mins between coolings but every example will start and run differently.Looking forward to the plans.Now where is my drill press and bench grinder

[actionhac]

I ordered the plans too.
I don't know what we are all going to do about a flywheel. How about we see what is on the drawings and look for something close and post what we find.

Robert

[Contaucreek]

I commute a L O N G distance to work through lots of farm country and see lots of suitable wheels that could do the job.Failing that I am lucky enough to work in a steel plate profile burning shop and could draw and cut any style of flywheel leaving only the balancing to do.This will also serve well to cut the counterweight ! Not wanting to get too far away from Henrys design I have been tempted by flywheel cutouts featuring Fords corporate logo or something along those lines.Leon says a heavier flywheel will let it run slower.Are you guys getting a materials list in your plans pkg ? Mine seems to be missing but I can probably wing it. Paul. P.S.- If he thinks his phone is ringing now,just wait 'till the feature story in gas engine mag hits the stands!!!

[GarysToys]

What about using a flywheel from an old tredle sewing machine.

I have several that I want to use for some model steam engines when I get the chance.