alsfarms

Hello everyone, I just read, in an HMN article, that two different groups are planning cross country excursions, in 2019, to re-enact the crossing of the US by Military vehicles in 1919, ( on the Lincoln Hiway). What caught my attention is the reference to one of the original participants, on the crossing in 1919, was a Riker truck. Does anyone have additional information or pictures that speak about that particular Riker truck? Riker was the head engineer at Locomobile. His name was used on the heavy trucks and were built by Locomobile, if memory serves me correctly. I would like to see technical spec's. for the Riker truck also to see how different or similar components would be with the Locomobile automobiles. Please share with this group if you have any information. Al

Next project is to build a spark plug wire loom that is appropriate for this type car. Can anyone share pictures of a car they have or of a car they have seen? Thanks, Al

Locoman, Nice pictures, thanks for posting! What manual or type of Locomobile literature would these pictures be found in? I would like to get a copy for my Locomobile information file. Al

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Hello Joe, Do you happen to have a long shank 1/4" four flute end mill? If you do and can do your calculations which would involve the length of the compression spring, how deep you hole needs to be to seat the spring and be deep enough to allow for compression with out binding, I would not hesitate. You certainly have the skill set and equipment. You are also right about being a "machinist" we do tend to be a bit OCD about some things. I find myself being a "machinist" even when I do carpentry work, (and not needed!). A good friend of mine, that has helped tutor me as needed on some of my more detailed projects, keeps reminding me.....are you building a Swiss Watch here or just doing it right? That question always helps me to really evaluate the over engineering that I tend to do also and make adjustments so I can get things done! Spinneyhill, I don't see a serious problem with using only two springs and I do agree that you would want the spacing to be the same and also the hole depth and proper springs. This type compression spring shouldn't exert too much pressure on the vane, as that is not needed, you would just want the vane to be held to the ID of the barrel. Al

Right on Mike! It is not unusual to see 4 or 6 of these small ports drilled, into the rotor, to accept the small coil springs that are just strong enough to keep the vane in contact with the barrel and no more. It does not need to do any more work than that. Joe, I think you are headed in a very good direction with this rotary vane pump you are engineering/building. You will be taking centrifugal forces out of the equation which will result in a fully functioning vane pump at low RPM's. Al

Joe, One follow up comment to your statement on weight of rotor vanes and centrifugal forces. Most vac. pumps had lite compression springs located in the bottom of the vane grooves to keep light tension outward on the vane. These were nothing scientific and were intended to keep a flexible tension on the vane to assure smooth but easy contact between the vane and the case. Using the springs removed the need to rely wholly on centrifugal forces especially at lower RPM's of which you will be running. Our dairy vac. pumps running wide open and for 6 to 8 hours a day, (and running good vac. oil) would last 5 years between rebuilds/vane replacements. Al

Hello Joe, Everyone has the "two cents" comments and I will share mine. I came from a dairy farm background of which vacuum pumps were the big part of our livelihood. Later I worked for years as a journey mechanic at a Power Generation Station. Vane pumps were used there for many widely divers applications. The vanes for our vac. pumps and also the rotary transfer pumps were always a dense fiber material, (varied per application of the pump). Yes, these pumps were rebuildable and yes it is way more desirable to replace the vanes, considered consumable, than to replace the pump barrel. This type pump, that you are engineering, does have many applications and have been used across industry for many decades. Respectfully, I disagree with Mike on the type of materials suggested for use as vane material. Mike please pardon my differing opinion, (I do agree with your thoughts on similar materials and wear rates). Al

Don, I agree 100% with the observations that Terry has shared. A mostly complete, but missing a few parts engine project, can actually be a deal killer if you are not willing or able to "run around the brier patch" to source the parts. However, I am an optimist. I have been patient and willing to buy or build parts as needed. I have also been surprised by some of the "unobtainium" finds that are still out there. My advice always keep you eyes open and your ears open for leads. Lastly, depending upon your thinking and pocket book, it may be better to simply locate and purchase a complete chassis project or running car, in the long run. Al

Looking for single Locomobile script brass lamps, needed to complete set for use. See the attached. Al

hmmmm, My thought and thinking is the term "NK" would be used to designate a "body type" not a "body builder". Hopefully the owner of a later series Locomobile 48 will confirm. What body type is the car that belongs to the tag in question? Al

I do think you will end up with a more balanced system using four vanes and having them thinner in cross width. All the vane pumps, I have been involved with, had 1/4" or thinner vanes and fit deeply in the rotor to stop the potential binding as they loaded and unloaded during rotation. Keep up the good work! Al

Nice question and resolution, I have never seen one of these Magneto switches apart. Now I know how to do it myself. What is the issue with your switch/coil? Al

I like the exhaust system.

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Good start, keep moving along.......

Nice project. If you are near water, and you have a skip, away you go...... Al

I have a partial set of Big 8 Marmon connecting rods, never been run. I would like them to go to a Big 8 owner that is building an engine. Price is negotiable. Al

Any loose Brass pressure pumps floating around?

Sure looks like an 8 cylinder to me.

Hello Barry, These lamps are very close to what is used on the Alvis TA-14 from 1945 to about 1950. I needed a pair for my TA-14 DHC a few years ago and ended up biting the bullet and buying from the UK. What fun it was! To bad I didn't know about your lamps and I would have dealt with you. Do you have any other Lucas lights, head, fender or rear lights? Al

Hello Locoman, I scrounged through my 1909-12 literature and could find no reference to the use of jacks. Please share your information as it regards to Barrett #44 jacks on the early cars. I am most curious. Al

I need, preferable a side mount brass fuel tank pressure pump for a 1909 automobile. I will consider others, restored or unrestored. What have you got back in the garage that is extra to you. Al

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Good question. I am only familiar with the older Locomobiles and will scrounge through my literature and see if I can see anything. Owners of later Locomobiles chime in with your relevant information. Good luck on your project. Al