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stinkpot
New member
Username: stinkpot
Post Number: 1
Registered: 03-2013
| | Posted on Thursday, April 18, 2013 - 02:51 am: | 
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Hi everyone, this is my first posting on this forum. I've been perusing it for quite some time which led me to seek out an engine of my own to someday install in a boat which I'm building. I look forward to getting some advice from the experts here and someday be able to help others too.
Okay, so I found an engine, bought it and had it shipped to me. My question is "What now?".
Here's a little history as I'm told: The engine is an Acadia 5 hp, serial #58 and in apparently good condition. The previous owner swears that it hasn't been run since it left the factory, and is still mounted on the original shipping skid! I'd like to believe that, but I'm not so sure. I see signs that tell me otherwise.
Now, whether or not it has been used, it's still obviously old and hasn't seen action in a long time. So here's my questions (more to follow for sure):
How can I determine what year this engine was manufactured?
What should I do, or NOT do when cleaning it up?
What needs to be done, or inspected before ever attempting to actually run this?
Do I need to completely dismantle it and go through it first?
Is it supposed to have an oiler? I've seen pictures of these engines with and without them.
If I were to repaint it, what type of primer & paint should I use?
This one will really show my ignorance - which way does this engine turn when facing the flywheel?
Where can I get some sort of manual, instructions, maintenance info or exploded drawing of a 5 hp Acadia?
Okay, that's good for now. I'm excited to clean it up and someday see it run, if you can't tell.
Thanks,
Stinkpot
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ernie
Senior Member
Username: ernie
Post Number: 1636
Registered: 01-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 18, 2013 - 07:12 am: |
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Put it in the back of your truck and bring it to Taunton and we will look it over and start it.
Send me an e-mail and I will give you my phone.
I currently have a 3 and a 4 HP.
Ernie
Taunton, MA |
billschaller
Senior Member
Username: billschaller
Post Number: 562
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, April 18, 2013 - 07:00 pm: |
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I would do as Ernie says. |
robert
Senior Member
Username: robert
Post Number: 550
Registered: 07-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, April 18, 2013 - 10:01 pm: |
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You buy a Stan Rogers CD and have "Make & Break Harbour" playing in the background as you work on the engine.
Seriously though, that's quite an important engine if it really is unused and on the original shipping stand. I'm not sure how Acadia numbered their engines, but 58 is a pretty early sounding number.
The factory (L.I.F.E.) might well want to have it for display.
You might want to carefully wash and wipe all the dust and dirt off and when it is thoroughly dried, put on some linseed oil to bring up the colour of the original paint and protect it. I'm not sure if boiled or raw linseed oil is considered better for that - whichever dries faster I guess. |
axtion_jim
Advanced Member
Username: axtion_jim
Post Number: 37
Registered: 11-2010
| | Posted on Friday, April 19, 2013 - 12:22 am: |
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I`m not that far from you, just over the line in Abbotsford. I would be pleased to give you a hand on what to do with your new prize. Send me a private post and we will hook up. Jim |
robert
Senior Member
Username: robert
Post Number: 551
Registered: 07-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 19, 2013 - 02:10 am: |
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A closeup photo of the maker's plate would be interesting. |
ernie
Senior Member
Username: ernie
Post Number: 1637
Registered: 01-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 19, 2013 - 07:45 am: |
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Robert,
If you search Acadia on here I think there is a pic of an Acadia tag
Hope this helps
Ernie |
ernie
Senior Member
Username: ernie
Post Number: 1638
Registered: 01-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 19, 2013 - 08:43 am: |
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Robert,
Acadia was in Bridgwater, NS and the factory is either gone is has been turned into condos.
LIFE is Lunenburg foundry in Lunenburg, NS and they made Atlantic engines.
http://www.lunenburgfoundry.com/
Also I am waiting to hear form Stinkpot. HIs profile says Bellingham, MA which is about 15 miles from me.
As to Acadia Serial numbers I have seen many tags with 2 digit numbers and even some single digits. I think as lowest was 4. At one time there were two 5 or 6 HP M and B engines in the north east with the same low SN. I seem to remember it was in the 40's |
robert
Senior Member
Username: robert
Post Number: 553
Registered: 07-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 19, 2013 - 01:18 pm: |
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Thanks Ernie - I knew that if I stopped to think about it! ;-)
The reason I asked Stinkpot to post a photo of the tag was to try to get an idea from it how old the engine was.
Interesting about the serial numbers. Sounds like they had a system, but what was it?
StinkPot, it would be a mistake not to run a keel cooler with an engine in such good condition, IMHO. |
axtion_jim
Advanced Member
Username: axtion_jim
Post Number: 38
Registered: 11-2010
| | Posted on Friday, April 19, 2013 - 07:20 pm: |
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I was mistaken I must have had a bad day and read WA state, and it is MA. To far for me to go. I have done a personal tour of the Lunenburg foundry a couple of years back, very interesting place. I don`t believe it will go away any time soon as it employs a good number people. |
billschaller
Senior Member
Username: billschaller
Post Number: 563
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 19, 2013 - 07:49 pm: |
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njl1ciKJ5vs |
stinkpot
New member
Username: stinkpot
Post Number: 2
Registered: 03-2013
| | Posted on Saturday, April 20, 2013 - 08:11 am: |
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Thanks for the responses. I have been unable to check this site for the last couple days; sorry. Okay, here's a picture of the nameplate.
As Robert suggests, I am planning on installing a keel cooler as this will be used primarily in salt water; more questions on that whole aspect to come.
ernie: I'll send you an e-mail and hopefully we can talk some more about a possible check out / start up. So you're thinking that there's no need to dismantle the engine to see the internal condition before firing it up? Cylinder, piston, rings, water pump check valves, bearings and all that?
Thanks again everyone, keep the ideas coming!  |
ernie
Senior Member
Username: ernie
Post Number: 1643
Registered: 01-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, April 20, 2013 - 08:36 am: |
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If it turns over easily and has good compression the most I would do is take the side cover off for a quick look. If all is well I would give it some gas and electricity and start it. The carb needs to be taken apart as the single gasket is most likely cork and no good. That can be replaced with an O ring. Once a battery and coil are hooked up it is easy to see if the ignitor is working ok. If not the points in the cylinder may need to be cleaned. |
ernie
Senior Member
Username: ernie
Post Number: 2207
Registered: 01-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 06, 2016 - 06:13 pm: |
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30 degrees outside and almost dark.
Chris aka Stinkpot brought this engine over today. A little adjusting on the ignitor and it started right up. 2nd turn I think.
There is no doubt in my mind this is a brand new engine.
It just sat in the back of his truck and idled perfect.
No vid to dark and too cold |
johnny
Senior Member
Username: johnny
Post Number: 555
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Friday, January 08, 2016 - 08:45 am: |
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Good job Ernie, always good to see a fellow collector helping others. Keeps this great hobby of ours going. |
stinkpot
Member
Username: stinkpot
Post Number: 4
Registered: 03-2013
| | Posted on Friday, January 08, 2016 - 07:07 pm: |
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Many, many, many thanks to Ernie for helping me out; I wouldn't (couldn't) have brought this engine to life without your help. It's reassuring to have such a great resource so close to home!
I had planned to record a short video, but once I heard that engine fire off, I was so worked up that I forgot I had my camera. I'll do that next run and post it here.
Now that I know this engine doesn't have any fatal, hidden flaws, I'm going to 'fancy' it up a little with a new base/cart and neater wiring & hoses. More to come.
Thanks everybody - I'm hooked... |
ernie
Senior Member
Username: ernie
Post Number: 2209
Registered: 01-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, January 09, 2016 - 04:44 pm: |
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Chris,
Save the skids it is on. Even if you don't plan to use them.
They are most likely the originals from Acadia
It was incredible to start an engine that most likely hasn't been run since the time it spent in the test house at Acadia in Bridgewater, NS right after final assembly. |
stinkpot
Member
Username: stinkpot
Post Number: 5
Registered: 03-2013
| | Posted on Saturday, January 09, 2016 - 11:34 pm: |
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Glad you said something Ernie; probably would have tossed it in the burn barrel. I'll hang on to the base - might be some good, 20th century Canadian, slow growth species...
And believe me, the 'start-up' pleasure was all mine! |
ned_l
Advanced Member
Username: ned_l
Post Number: 33
Registered: 08-2012
| | Posted on Sunday, January 10, 2016 - 10:36 pm: |
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Hi CJ,.... Did you have a chance to ask Ernie about the third port air throttle??? Congratulations on getting it going. It sounds like you have a real nice engine. |
stinkpot
Member
Username: stinkpot
Post Number: 6
Registered: 03-2013
| | Posted on Sunday, January 10, 2016 - 11:16 pm: |
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Hi Ned -
I actually answered this via our 'gas tank' thread on the WBF, but this site is more appropriate for sure.
The engine ran very well, even with the plug still in this "third air port". I asked him how this is supposed to work, and he said that yes, it is only for admitting additional air, NOT an air/fuel mix. So my initial theory of there being a carb and fuel source connected here is wrong.
I could try threading a ball valve in this port and play with that a bit; it'll be interesting to see how that affects operation. Maybe it won't as I don't expect to operate at WOT on a stand. Still it'd be good to add the throttle mechanism like you have if for nothing else then to simply 'complete' the engine.
Thanks for asking; how are you coming along with your Acadia? |
ernie
Senior Member
Username: ernie
Post Number: 2210
Registered: 01-2002
| | Posted on Monday, January 11, 2016 - 08:38 am: |
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I would NOT suggest playing with that port till you have the engine secured to something very heavy. We were running a 4 hp Acadia and richened up the mixture a bit to go with the extra air then opened the air port. It went from idle to way too fast. Then it pulled the bolts out of the skid tipped up on the flywheel rim and went down into the back yard almost instantly.
I think the air port was to be used when the engine was running with a kerosene injector.
By the way I have the proper valve for you.
Just put a leash on yours so it doesn't go into the canal if you try opening the air port. |
ned_l
Advanced Member
Username: ned_l
Post Number: 34
Registered: 08-2012
| | Posted on Monday, January 11, 2016 - 02:28 pm: |
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Ahh, ..... Good information about the third air port throttle. Thank you! (My engine has the original air valve, it was set about 2/3 closed when I got it and I haven't moved it.) |
stinkpot
Member
Username: stinkpot
Post Number: 7
Registered: 03-2013
| | Posted on Friday, January 15, 2016 - 03:12 pm: |
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Okay, okay, I'll leave the plug in the third air port...
...for now.
Sorry, but I got a chuckle imagining that engine running across the yard. After seeing how much force these engines have, maybe I should look for a manhole cover to mount it to...
I'll give some thought to the air port valve that you have if you're willing to part with it. |
