Restoration of a Smith-Langmaid Marine Engine

Gordon E. Hopper
October/November 1990
Marine engine before restoration
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Smith-Langmaid marine engine before restoration
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75 Kendall Avenue, Framingham, MA 01701.

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I acquired an old Smith-Langmaid marine engine in June 1988 after it had been an ornament in a stone wall for more than 20 years.

Fortunately an opening in the engine once occupied by an ignitor had been covered by a small metal plate, but when I attempted to turn the heavy flywheel it became obvious that the piston was frozen to the cylinder wall.

After trying several methods recommended for freeing frozen pistons without any result, the use of a welder's torch was successful and the piston came loose. The piston, connecting rod, two bearings, and the crankshaft were then removed from the engine's main frame.

The cylinder wall was smoothed with a honing tool powered by an electric drill, and after the piston rings had been removed, their grooves were cleaned.

After reinstalling the rings, the piston and connecting rod were reinstalled with some difficulty. The crankshaft and bearings were reinstalled, but a good mechanic would have replaced the bearings at this time. However, the engine was now back together again and the piston was operational.

Hose lines were connected to two fittings on the engine and after priming one of the lines and rotating the flywheel, it was determined that the engine's small water pump was operational.

Upon disassembling the brass carburetor, it was determined that something was missing. Jim Paquette of Uxbridge, Massachusetts, a machinist and owner of numerous gasoline engines, made a new needle valve and a seat for it and the carburetor became operational.

The brass parts were cleaned and their appearances were much improved by the efforts of my wife, Kay.

A new priming fitting was installed on top of the engine, a spark plug was installed on the plate covering once occupied by an ignitor, and a small Briggs & Stratton muffler was attached. A 3/16  inch thick asbestos gasket was made and installed between the frame and the spark plug plate.

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