SAMSON GAS ENGINES

In 1908 another foundry was added which produced crucible steel castings of the highest grade. Samson Iron Works welcomed custom work of all sizes and were turning out the highest grade of cast iron, crucible steel and brass castings. This was the first facility of its kind in California.

The transition from the 'N' engines to the new improved model falls somewhere between serial No. N1955 and serial No. 2409 which is a late style distillate model. Some call this new model an 'M' engine. Some call it the late style engine. Samson Iron Works calls it their new improved model in their stationary engine bulletin. These are by far the most common Samson engines seen by collectors. They are the very best of John Kroyer design, rugged and strong, built to last. Their reputation lives to this day, remembered fondly by those who knew them firsthand.

Serial No. 2409 is a 4 HP model with a very unusual transitional 'hammer break' ignitor. It is different from the standard ignitor seen on these models. Note the float type carburetor and fuel preheated used on this engine. (Fig. 5)

The highest serial number I've seen on any Samson engine is No. 6106, a 12 HP model. This is a straight gasoline model with no provision for distillate vaporization. It has the late style carb and intake manifold. These engines are characterized by a heavy cast iron crank guard which carried an oiler that lubricated the connecting rod via a 'wipe cup.' These were the last series of engines produced by Samson and are the most common. No presenters and a carburetor change is the basic difference from the new, improved distillate model. (Fig. 6)

Engines 3 HP and below use a cast 'I beam' construction, while larger .engines use a magnificently turned rod with heavy brasses fitted. I own two Samson's and had a third, and each one had a freeze crack in the same place. This is under the head and cylinder near the head. This must be the weakest area in the Samson design.

The serial number break for the new style distillate and gasoline models is between serial No. 3428 and serial No. 4011, No. 3428 being a distillate engine, while No. 4011 is a gasoline engine. See serial number list for the new, improved model.