The First Run of my 15 hp Fairbanks Morse Grain Elevator Engine

After a long winter, this is my first complete restoration project. I purchased this engine at auction in early 2008. It had been sitting exposed to the elements for some time and was partiallly stuck. Luckily the piston was not stuck as the previous owner had removed it to put new rings on. After a complete disassembly and tons of cleaning and filing, as well as the construction of the cart it is on, here is the video of the first run of my Fairbanks Morse Z 15 / 20 HP Alberta Grain Elevator engine. It is circa 1924.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Fairbanks
• Morse
• Grain
• Elevaor
• engine
• gas
• parafin
• fuel
• hit
• miss
• throtle
• governed
• antique
• stationary
• restoration

[9020powrmax]

Make sure you open your overhead door next time please (We want you to enjoy this remarkable hobby a lot longer and not die of carbon monoxide Poisoning) You have a great engine there,take of it and enjoy....

[spfxdude]

I thank you for your concern, and yes, air handling systems are very important for these. I do however find it funny that people only consider what is in front of the camera and not behind. This shop is a 5000 sq shop with a full air handling system. The run time of the engine was in total under 4 minutes for shooting purposes and the man doors to the right of the engine were fully open to the outside. I post this to remind those working in their garages to remember the safety aspects.

[80spodcastchannel]

DUDE..you gotta do a song to this idle sound..the kaachaka..was too cool

[spfxdude]

Funny you should mention that. I have been after a few of my musician friends to sample up my engine sounds and put together a bunch of rhythm trance tracks. None to date have taken me up on it. You should take a listen to the DeLaval! I just got my FBMY semi diesel going too and it has a great unique sound. Thanks for watching!

L

[linadsenoj]

Have you tried starting with the compression valve open. I find it's easier.

[spfxdude]

No, I actually hate getting covered in the goo that is shot out. I did watch a friend this week end start his engine in such a manner and it worked very well. I will give it a try. Thanks!

[anthacdc]

very nice engine

[Polybun]

very nice

[linadsenoj]

I have a question. How much do you figure the flywheels are in terms of weight? I get that a lot from people. I know it's a 540 ci engine.

[spfxdude]

Hi there: I am trying to finish the fueling system so it looks more original. I hope to tour it to the shows for the next few years. I plan that it stay in my collection. Hopefully the economy wont change those plans. This one, although an American built engine, has local history. It has been retagged with a now defunct local machine shop. They bored it out and maintained it. It was used in the grain elevators in this province.