MTFCA Forum

Was at an auction today and couldn't resist picking up this Power Unit as a project for Dad and I. Don't know much about the history so I was hoping you guys can give some information on this particular unit.

It looks very much manufactured with some shade tree modifications. The engine is a '20 and the transmission is configured for direct drive. No manufacturers plate, however there is what looks like "Jones & Laughlin" cast into the front angle iron. Everything is extra heavy duty.

Any info on it would be greatly appreciated.

A quick search reveals that J&L was a steel company, but that is all I have.

Oh yea has a SWAN manifold.

On intake manifold: XXXXXXXXX CARBURETOR CO CLEVELAND, OHIO (?) What is the name? Is that greasy dirt on the unit, or is it greasy sawdust?

Pat,

It says "The Swan Carburetor Co Cleveland Ohio USA". It is greasy sawdust. The gentleman who had passed was a wood worker. Buzz saws and other belt driven stuff.

All,

This project is kicking into high gear after a couple year hiatus. We still dont know if this was a home made or a commercial power unit. Any info would be very helpful.

The rear engine mount risers appear to be cast, as does the mount for the device to the rear of the engine. That suggests a manufactured unit. The axles and wheels are of a type that was once widely available in great variety for a wide variety of uses. J&L made all kinds of structural steel.

The corners of the frame appear to be welded. 1910-1920 manufactured items were usually riveted or bolted together.

Very interesting power plant Ted. I feel it deserves more comment. And I feel it’s ‘farm made’ but nicely cobbled up. The battery carrier in close proximity to the head mounted starter switch. Was that a half dollar coin on the rear of the intake manifold ? I sold a few rear power pulleys like that at Chickasha for $75 each.

https://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/1 ... 23671.html

Apparently Swan was embroiled in many lawsuits with the major manufactures over the years

I doubt if a farmer would have had castings made for a shop built power unit. Perhaps the unit's truck was originally built with a heavy wood frame that a farmer later rebuilt with steel. It's a nice job, regardless.

It was a common practice back in the 1920's and 1930's to build home built powerplants from Model "T" and "A" engines that were easy to come by. Your powerplant, on the other hand, is a well engineered and quite rare factory built unit. i hope you restore it and display it at not only "T" shows but gas engine shows as well.

RE: Power unit, the castings supporting the side mounts are a somewhat commontype of pillow block, not custom made for this job. Occasionally seen in old machinery.. Dave Sullivan

It was mentioned that 'Jones and Laughlin was cast into the front angle iron. Weren't Jones and Laughlin a prominent manufacture of steel?

J&L made all sorts of structural steel. Much of this material was rolled into shape, and the J&L tradmark was rolled into the surface of channel, I-beam, angle iron, etc. The J&L name can be found on all manner of machinery and construction containing stock structural steel.

Guys, thanks for all the comments. Yea J&L is cast into the angle iron. Also, the corners are of the angle iron are bent (instead of cut) and then welded. I attached a close up of the corner and of j&l.




The frame is off at American Metal Cleaning to get dipped. He is backed up so it will be a couple months. We are working on the engine. I think we might just put it back together after cleaning it up. I have included some of the numbers from the Crank and bearings. What do you guys think?



Our plan is to take to antique shows around Cincinnati and Indiana. We also may run our log splitter with it.

Ted

I forgot to mention, that I don't have the carb for the Swan system. So, I guess I don't need the manifolds. Anyone in need of the manifolds? PM me and I'll get back with you.

There has been a decent looking Swan carb on eBay for months now, and for a reasonable price. The throttle/mixture setup is unique and effective and unlike anything I've seen on anything else. The only weakness is that the richness lever was potmetal and almost always needs replacing. It is a very simple part to make.

Scott,

I don't have any experience with rebuilding Swan carbs. The one on eBay looks great but probably needs rebuilt. Have you rebuilt one before? Difficult? I have rebuilt many Holley and Kingston, just no Swan. I can't imagine it too much tougher than Holley?

Guys,

The strategy we decided on to rebuild this power unit is to leave it completely stock. When we got it completely apart and did the measurements, they are on the high side of acceptable. This would be the first T engine that we reassembled which gets us the experience. Since this unit will be a running display unit (not intended to win awards) or be a high-performance engine, we felt this was a good opportunity to get the experience of plain jane stock. Then if needed we can start the improvement process after we get it running. We are getting to order parts and need some suggestions on the RINGS. Like I mentioned, the dimensions are on the high-acceptable side. We will put new rings and and need some experience on the best rings for a stock Cast Iron piston engine.

What piston rings would you suggest going with?

Ted

I'd love to tell you all about it but I've never restored one nor run one. I did replace the richness lever on mine so as to have a "functional" display piece. A gentleman in TN was VERY kind and offered to send me one so as to correctly duplicate the crumbling pot metal lever on mine. I could not pass up such a generous offer! Still, it only resulted in a static display as I had no interest in trying it out. Sorry 'bout that.