Recommendations for 1-cylinder coil box rebuild

[RansomEli]

I have a 1-cylinder Briggs and Stratton coil box (synchronizer). 

 

Can you recommend someone who can determine the condition and repair as need?

 

It belongs to my 1908 REO Model G. Not factory-correct but it's all I've got.

 

I'm trying to get the engine started after it's been sleeping for over 50 years. Any advice or recommendations for people who can help will be gratefully received.

 

Also need advice on who can rebuild the radiator.

 

Thank you.

[Layden B]

Isn't this a Master Vibrator?

I think you need to find a one cylinder coil box.

 

[oldford]

You could try a Model T coil. While not correct, it will suffice until you find the right one. Very common and easy to obtain...

 

Frank

[DGPoff]

16 hours ago, oldford said:

You could try a Model T coil. While not correct, it will suffice until you find the right one. Very common and easy to obtain...

 

Frank

Right answer. Use simple things to get it running, then dial in detail stuff.

[wayne sheldon]

That "might" (I said "might" ) be a master coil for a model T. A lot of those were made and sold by numerous companies as the earliest model Ts got to be a few years old. The earlier Ts used a variety of different coil systems made by several companies. They were not yet standardized, and servicing them was becoming difficult. Methods to properly adjust the various systems were not then available to local shops, and the master vibrator coils helped to steady the timing of the engines.

A lot of the master vibrators were manufactured after 1913 when Ford standardized on the KW design coils. For both simplicity and availability reasons, a lot of those master vibrator coils actually used the new design standardized coil inside their box! IF (that BIG if again?) it does in fact have the Ford coil inside, one can buy ready rebuilt Ford coils and with only a minor alteration make that coil box work as a single cylinder early style coil.

Just a thought.

[RansomEli]

Thanks for all the above advice. I think the car was running 60-75 years ago. At least there are wires going from the timer to the spark plug and "coil box."  I've been reading the Early REO Group postings to get more information.

 

The adventure continues.

 

[DFeeney]

I would study the electrical circuit and learn what is supposed to happen.  Knowing this will enable you to trouble shoot a no-spark situation.

[1906 lozier]

RansomEli, have you looked at the REO 1 and2 cylinder website for that info? I am the guy that rebuilds radiators and make other parts for these cars, if you look me up there you can get all the info from there or do a private email and we can talk.

Harold III

https://groups.io/g/EarlyREO/topics

Edited December 8, 2023 by 1906 lozier
added web site (see edit history)

[RansomEli]

Harold,

 

Thanks for the response. I regularly peruse the REO 1 & 2 cylinder website for info and get a lot of info. Sadly, the talent pool is shrinking each year.

 

I have talked with you on the phone about restoring my REO during the past year. Your advice has been helpful and I am very thankful. In my opinion, you and one other person are the only people in the U.S. who can work on early REOs.

 

I will be in touch.

[Akstraw]

I know this is now a somewhat older post, but I think there is a specialist in coil restoration listed in the “services” part of this forum.  You may give him a try.

[RansomEli]

Thanks for the information. I've got a lead on a rebuilt box. If that doesn't work out, I'll follow up with the above recommendations.

[laheyth]

Call David Woods,

 He lives in  Michigan, volunteers  at the Gilmore, wrote a recent article about the Baby REO ignition system in the AACA, restores many ignition systems, and has friends who know REO, winds coils and builds ignitions.

A great guy.

reach out to me at laheyth - geemail, and I will give you his info.

 

[RansomEli]

Thanks for the info. I'll keep David's name in my files, but for now my problem has been resolved.