Smoke Rings

'I hope some of GEM readers will be able to help me,' relates ORLAN DAGNER, 2662 Willcarleton Drive, Flat Rock, Michigan 48134.

'I have a United engine with brass tag information: United Engine Company, Lansing, Michigan USA Type -HP 2 Serial #73648. I need to know what kind of carburetor it is supposed to have or what kind I can use. I adapted an updraft carburetor to it, but it will only fire about four times, no matter what I do. I also would like to know any information about engine, year made, color, how many were mfg. and etc. Thanks for your help!'

CHARLES WILSON, 12515 West Graves, Waukegan, Illinois 60087 needs info on a Chatham Grain Grader & Cleaner, hand power or gas power. If anyone has one would you please let him know.

He adds, 'Thanks for publishing the Maytag serial numbers. It sure helps collectors date their engines.'

Coming to the readers for assistance is this letter from MIKE SCHNEIDER, 7621 Tabernacle, Louisville, Ohio 44641: 'I need to know the original color and pin striping for my 1 HP Hummer gas engine. Also, on the front of the water hopper is some lettering which I can't quite figure out. It reads Distributors, Sprenkle & M York, Pa. Pat June 29th 1915. What word is that beginning with M?'

'Having become interested in old engines, I think the GEM is one fine magazine, with lots of information. I have ordered things from different ads, that I can't find elsewhere. I think it is fantastic the way people share their information.

'I recently came into possession of two old engines which I need some information on the first one is a 1 HP Root & Vandervoort S/N AL14246. I need to know the color of engine, the striping and the age. The second one is Frost King Jr. made by the John Lauson Mfg. Co. New Holstein, Wisconsin, S/N 26664, 1 HP. What was the original color and age? Did this engine have a decal on it, if so where?' (If you can help, write to ARTHUR J. BLACKMORE, RR2, Elpaso, Illinois 61738.)

'Since I did not receive one single letter as to my What Is It? question that was in March/April '83, I have decided to send in two more clearer pictures HOPING someone can identify it. Any more around like it? Please let me know,' says ROBERT A. HAMILTON, Route 3, Paris, Ontario, Canada N3L 3E3.

From across the sea comes this communication from PHILIP JEWELL, 'May Glen', Gilgardra, NSW Australia 2827. 'Recently I obtained a Reeco-improved Rider-Ericcson Hot Air pumping engine, size 6 #20837 of 1907 with rolling valve pump. I am presently restoring this engine and would be very interested in seeing articles on hot air engines, their operation and -.