Mystery Engine

[Ryder]

Need info on this engine.

Known facts are that it is a single cylinder and runs off of gasoline. Current owner got it in a deal and knows little about it.

http://users4.ev1.net/~metalryder/pictures/engine1.jpg

http://users4.ev1.net/~metalryder/pictures/engine2.jpg

http://users4.ev1.net/~metalryder/pictures/engine3.jpg

http://us.a2.yahoofs.com/users/tow9VyHFqSG3/__sr_/6e58.jpg?tkn=phMJOfFBa1x_Rnf0&saveas=engine4

[Starvin]

While I do not recall the name of this particular engine, I do remember that it is used on pumpjacks in the oil field. Not much HP but loads of torque. It has been a few years since I have been around one. Now your going to make me try to remember,crap, it been 30 years ago. Now I reallly feel old!

[Bidah]

It is a lister engine, and they still make them. They are VERY HEAVY duty, and run low RPM so they last a long time. They also don't use a lot of fuel.

There are plans on the internet to make a generator from one, and of course the usual water pumps and such.

-Bidah

[Arizona Highlander]

I can’t ID the engine specifically, but if Bidah is correct, my copy of “American Gas Engines sine 1872” says that “R. A. Lister & Co., Ltd., Winnipeg, Manitoba” was, as of 1983, a subsidiary of the British Hawker-Siddley group - the same company that brought us the famous Hawker “Harrier” jet fighter.

Lots of companies (like International Harvester, Fairbanks-Morse, and even Sears Roebuck) made engines just like this, and they are way-cool when you get 'em fired up and running. Old “hit-and-miss” engines (so called because the engine only fires when the RPM’s drop below a certain point) are becoming really valuable collectors items . . . especially the higher horsepower models (like your 6 hp). Make DARN sure, however, that the water hopper is kept dry during freezing weather! Way too many of these great old engines have met their demise when the cooling water in the hopper froze up and cracked the cast iron block.

In addition to the oil container (the glass jar you see mounted atop the engine) there's usually a little grease pot, located on the crankshaft bearing. Fill it with grease and give it a twist now and then to ensure that the bearings stay lubricated. These old engines can last almost forever, but if they're run without lubrication, the bearings will burn up pretty quickly.

If you’re find yourself getting really jazzed about old iron, you might check out “Gas Engines” magazine. It’s a terrific source for information on these old engines:

http://www.gasenginemagazine.com/

[Ryder]

Was debating on whether to shell out the $1000 to the guy who's selling it.

[DRAFTED]

Hello to all,

This looks like a "hit and miss" engine. Very slow running, gas miser. Used for pumping water, older fishing boats etc. There is a collectors club for these. Also national auction and place where collectors gather and have competitions. Probably worth much more than you think. Be extremely careful when selling if selling it.

[Bidah]

I guess I should have been more specific, in that it is a lister "type" engine. I don't have a positive ID for sure. If you look around they do still make them, mostly in India, and you can get parts for a lot of them still.

If working, and because of the size, that one could be worth quite a bit of scratch. Most of the ones you see are 2 or 3hp. That one is a brute.. :)

-Bidah