Help to ID old Continental L Head 4 cyl

[Aussie Scruffy]

HI There,

Trying to identify the Model number and specifications of an old Continental engine. It has Bosch impulse magneto ignition, updraught carburation, exposed shaft with packing glands water pump on LHS which also drives magneto.

Raised casting letters on LHS of block behind magneto drive reads "Continental  MADE IN USA H9A 610 " . Engine side of flywheel housing would originally have been open. Believe engine may have originally driven an air compressor. Like to know its Continental model, approximate year of build, and basic specs like valve clearances.  Any help most welcome as in Australia not much info on engines like this. Engine currently driving a custom built truck thru a Ford AA truck gearbox in a Rugby chassis, with 2 speed rear axle. 

(Can post more photos of the truck but file size on form limited)

[Gunsmoke]

H 28 8 is likely casting date, August 28 1928, so could have been for a 1929 vehicle.

Edited October 17, 2023 by Gunsmoke (see edit history)

[Oldtech]

Back up a bit so we can see the complete setup.

[30DodgePanel]

8 hours ago, Oldtech said:

Back up a bit so we can see the complete setup.

 

Both sides of the engine would help too.

 

 

23 hours ago, Aussie Scruffy said:

HI There,

Trying to identify the Model number and specifications of an old Continental engine. It has Bosch impulse magneto ignition, updraught carburation, exposed shaft with packing glands water pump on LHS which also drives magneto.

Raised casting letters on LHS of block behind magneto drive reads "Continental  MADE IN USA H9A 610 " . Engine side of flywheel housing would originally have been open. Believe engine may have originally driven an air compressor. Like to know its Continental model, approximate year of build, and basic specs like valve clearances.  Any help most welcome as in Australia not much info on engines like this. Engine currently driving a custom built truck thru a Ford AA truck gearbox in a Rugby chassis, with 2 speed rear axle. 

(Can post more photos of the truck but file size on form limited)

Photos of both sides of the entire engine (without close-ups).

Look for engine # stamping just below the head and stamped into the block.

 

Wide angle photos of the entire setup would be nice too, sounds interesting.

Edited October 18, 2023 by 30DodgePanel (see edit history)

[Aussie Scruffy]

23 hours ago, 30DodgePanel said:

 

Both sides of the engine would help too.

 

 

Photos of both sides of the entire engine (without close-ups).

Look for engine # stamping just below the head and stamped into the block.

 

Wide angle photos of the entire setup would be nice too, sounds interesting.

OK many thanks here are both sides and front view photos of the engine in the truck. The Bosch magneto and carburetor are not fitted at this time but were shown in my original post photos.

The best info so far seems to indicate build date of August 28 year 1928. (Thank you Gunsmoke)

All I need to know is engine model Number and its basic specifications e.g bore size, cubic inch displacement, compression ratio, valve clearances.  

Thanks for any help much appreciated.

[Aussie Scruffy]

The rear axle in the truck is reportedly Rugby with a 2 speed selection. Axle has expanding shoe drum brakes with pull rod actuation. The gearbox coupled to the Continental engine is a Ford AA truck 4 speed non synchromesh.

The clutch plate is 11 inches diameter. Runs 9.00 x 16 inch rear tires, 7.00 x 20 front tires on Chevrolet wooden spoked wheels. Truck was built as recreational vehicle on a large sand island (90 Mile Pacific ocean beach) off Queensland east coast -used in early 1960s

[TOM H. S.]

She's quite the Hot Rod Dune Buggy from back in the Day!!! There is a whole Wikipedia Page on the Continental Motor Company, which says they started making Aircraft Motors in late 20s to early 30s. I hope the experts will all chime in as technical eyes are needed here. Best Wishes, Tom