MTFCA Forum

I apologize for this not being about a T model but seeking info from the vast knowledge of members on the forum is the only
option I have at this time. The city i live in called me to see if I had any interest in trying to get their antique
firetruck running. I went to look at it and it turns out that it is a 1924 American LaFrance fire truck. It's condition
is almost like it just came off the assembly line. I saw photos of it being driven in a parade in 1998.
After some research I have found out that it is a very rare Type 65 model.
It has a 4 cylinder Wisconsin 5R engine in it. It has left side steering. I spoke to an expert, that is very knowledgeable
about the ALF trucks and told me that he might know of one other like it. Said it was a rare, rare beast. Here's my problem.
I lifted up the engine hood and the starter is missing. Found out that someone years back removed it and it got shuffled
around and after some years was probably thrown out in a junk cleanup. After speaking to the expert, he had doubts that I would ever find one.
So I might get lucky and someone has one or....
His suggestion was to try to find someone that had some experience in retro-fitting a more modern starter to fit the engine.
My hope is that there might be someone out there that can help or point me in the direction of someone who might throw some light on my problem.

Thanks,
Bill

The starter may have been used on a number of applications, so they might be more common than the truck itself. Does the truck have a starting crank?

There is a crank. We might give it a try.

Might try if you haven't already the Facebook group on ALF fire engines.

Easy to join, and ask questions. If you click on the oval icons shown, one not shown on the right is named FILES.

That has the complete manual on 1924 ALFs in pdf format. Screen shot partial on the starter motor.

Try SPAAMFAA.org as well.

Just because the fire engine is rare does not mean that the starter will rare as well. You state that it has a Wisconsin engine. Wisconsin engines are not so rare. Finding a starter for a 5R engine may not be so difficult. Try posting a wanted ad on the AACA website simply searching for Wisconsin 5R engine starter.

BTW, if it helps, I think Wisconsin used Leece Neville starters and generators. My friend has a 1923 ALF Brockway Torpedo fire engine, with a Wisc. engine and Leece Neville electrical.

Are you certain about the engine model, 5R? The model SU was very popular in 1924, apparently.

Bill,
Are you a Facebook user? There are a couple of different ALF and SPAAMFAA pages that would probably have someone that can help you out.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/477024619926645
https://www.facebook.com/groups/61776127093
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2235215712

Most (all?) ALF rigs of that era were right hand drive. Was it shop modified? Most type 65 used one of the four cylinder engines that ALF used.
John Peckham can probably find a factory photo if you have the serial number.

Maybe someone from The AACA or HCCA websites could tell you what other trucks used the Wisconsin 5R engine.

Good luck!

: ^ )

Keith

William,

Another source that you may try is a website called Smokstak. It's a website that has a forum frequented by people that are into trucks, tractors, etc. that are looking for parts and information for the like. Since the engine that was used in that American LaFrance was most likely purchased already built, the chances are likely that the engine was used by several other manufacturers as stated above.

If you can find the name of the manufacturer of the starter, you may be able to find someone who may have a starter, or someone who is parting out an engine, or a truck with a similar engine with the starter you need.

Good luck,

Mike "modeltspaz" Spaziano.

Contact the Salty Dog Museum in Shandon, Ohio. They have a lot of vintage fire trucks and a lot of knowledge on how to make them run!