redpaint

Martin,The oil filler has a spring loaded aluminum cap but it does not fit real tight. The screen not only strains the oil but is a very effective flame arrestor. On an older engine with worn rings, a lot on gasoline gets into the crankcase and makes a very explosive mixture. I have heard of several fire engine owners who were looking for new oilpans because of an explosion. Luckly, as far as I know, no one has been killed. yet. Ken

Tom, I have been following the discussion about speedsters. I am a life long, dyed in the wool fire apparatus restorer. I love the old ALF rigs and have restored a lot of them. I grew up in this hobby with the un-offical historian of American LaFrance who hated speedsters and anyone associated with them. While I agree it is bad to cut up a good fire apparatus to create something that never was, I do like the the mechanics and looks of a well done speedster. I guess I have to say that because I now own the first speedster ever built by our friend in Colorado. We have to make sure people know what they are and the history behind them. To answer some points in the discussion, The bore and stroke of type 10, 12 and 75 motors is 5 1/2 x 6 inches. The type 38 is 4 1/2 x 6 inches. The problem with explosions in the crank case can be greatly reduced if you make sure the original brass oil strainer is installed in the oil filler. It acts as a flame shield when the carb back fires at the filler neck. Ken Soderbeck Hand in Hand Restoration

Tom, I have been following the discussion about speedsters. I am a life long, dyed in the wool fire apparatus restorer. I love the old ALF rigs and have restored a lot of them. I grew up in this hobby with the un-offical historian of American LaFrance who hated speedsters and anyone associated with them. While I agree it is bad to cut up a good fire apparatus to create something that never was, I do like the the mechanics and looks of a well done speedster. I guess I have to say that because I now own the first speedster ever built by our friend in Colorado. We have to make sure people know what they are and the history behind them. To answer some points in the discussion, The bore and stroke of type 10, 12 and 75 motors is 5 1/2 x 6 inches. The type 38 is 4 1/2 x 6 inches. The problem with explosions in the crank case can be greatly reduced if you make sure the original brass oil strainer is installed in the oil filler. It acts as a flame shield when the carb back fires at the filler neck. Ken Soderbeck Hand in Hand Restoration