THE CHOICE OF AN ENGINE.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13741, 24 May 1910, Page 5

THE CHOICE OF AN ENGINE.

In selecting a gasoline engine for general farm purposes, it is advisable (says an American exchange) to buy from a reliable, manufacturer of recognised standing from whom repairs can be secured quickly for several years to come. The vital time with any farm machine is when it begins to wear and repairs are needed. If these cannot be secured, \he machine, quickly goes to tho scrap heap. This question of; the case of securing repairs is frequently overlooked or not given the importance it deserves by purchasers.. To buy a largo size engine and to run it at only part of its capacity.is wasteful both of tho machine and of gasoline. For light work it is best to get a light engine and to work it to its full capacity. It wiil frequently be advisable to buy a second small engine rather than to use a large engine for light work. There are engines now upon tho market adapted to all purposes, so that one can get what is needed for any line of work.

Simplicity of construction is very'impcrtant in farm engines.- Most farmers have the greatest trouble in learning to run an engine. When it is simple and easily niastered, more satisfactory results are obtained. The buyer should thoroughly understand . the function and operation of each part before he attempts to run a new engine without assistance..

j Tho method of cooling, whether by air, water or oil, varies in .efficiency and adaptability, and an engine should ibo chosen with a view to the work it Lis to perform. The nir and air-cooled machines arc desirable for cold climates, and the open jacket waterceded engine is even more efficient, since warm water can bo poured into the hopper when starting in cold weather, causing more rapid evaporation of the gasoline 'n the cylinder. If an air cooling engine is desired, special care should be. used .to get a good design, when over two and one-half hcrse-power is required.

Air cooling has few difficulties for small engines but is less efficient, in seme cases, for the larger sizes. In large water or oil cooling engines a pump is necessary to insure circulation of the water or oil through the jacket. The cooling apparatus must be efficient if the engine is to givo satisfactory tesults.

The method used to ignite the charso h-hould be carefully examined by the purchaser. Tho "make and break" spark usually gives farmer-* less trou.lo tnan the "jump" spark. Most standard engines are now furnished with the ''make and break"' mechanism. 'J ne ease with which parts may be removed for cleaning is important.

In buying gasoline engines for pumping, the points to be demanded are compactness, simplicity, economy, effective cooling, and durability. For best results it is important to get tho directly connected engine with a set of gears and cranks in a solid cast frame. Power transmission by means of belts may bo satisfactory if well arranged, and in some cases it i 3 necessary. It must be remembered that if a man buys a cheap engine lie gets a cheap engine. An efficient machine of this character cannot be built at an extremely low cost, and machines that are sold too cheap aro usually lacking in durability or efficiency. To secure quality is economy in buying a gasoline engine, os in buying anything else, iho best is the cheapest in th" k-n_ run. "-*