Looking for info on Palmer Hercules |
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bdelph
| Posted on Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 06:45 pm: |
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I'm looking at a used project boat with a 30hp Palmer Hercules inboard engine in it. It is a custom wood runabout built in Connecticut in the mid-1950's I don't know much about this engine. Any reason to be scared of this? I believe it is air cooled and used primarily on the Thames River and Long Island Sound. The owner says it runs ok. Where can I find more information on this engine? Any suggestions? |
andrew
| Posted on Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 06:55 pm: |
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bdelph, You need to get the engine model number and serial from the nameplate of the engine (have the owner get all the nameplate data for you). If it is a Palmer it is probably based on an International Harvester block, not a Hercules. There were a lot of marine engines built on Hercules blocks.... but I don't think Palmer did... Try to get more information and post it here. |
Richard Day
| Posted on Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 09:30 pm: |
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Andrew Palmer started out pre WWII using Hercules blocks. Will look up the data I have on the PH series in the 30 hsp range. Palmer never made an air cooled marine engine. The closest to an air cooled marine engine was some owners changed the cylinder on the PW-27 to an air cooled cylinder when the water cooled cylinder rotted out. I wonder if bdelph has confused the PW-27 with the PH? |
andrew
| Posted on Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 09:46 pm: |
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Thanks for the correction Dick. What model Palmer engine were based on Hercules blocks? Regards, Andrew |
Richard Day
| Posted on Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 11:06 pm: |
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PH-45, 48 Hsp @ 3000 RPM 4 cylinders, 3-1/4" Bore 4" stroke 134 cu inches. PH-75, 80 Hsp @ 3000 RPM 6 cylinder, 3-7/16" Bore 4-1/8" stroke 230 cu.inches. PH-120, 125 Hsp @ 3000 RPM 6 cylinders, 4" bore 4" stroke 320 cu. inches PH-135, 135 Hsp @ 3000 RPM 6 cylinders, 4" bore 4-1/2" stroke 339 cu. inches PH-150 150 Hsp @ 3000 RPM 6 cylinders, 4-1/4" bore 4-3/4" stroke 404 cu. inches These models were in the 1954 sales brochures. I am looking for the pre WWII models but have not found the sheet on that yet. My filing system is just short of non existant. I know little about various Hercules blocks but somewhere I have a service manual for Hercules block and I will try to match up these models with which blocks. |
bdelph
| Posted on Thursday, December 11, 2003 - 07:23 am: |
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I'll see if the seller can get me more information. I was guessing it is air cooled because there are two air inlets on the gunnels with hoses leading down into the engine box. The owner has told me its known as a "Hercules" engine. He said they were used a lot on tractors and that it is 30hp. He seems to know the boat pretty well, but that's all I have to go on. |
Richard Day
| Posted on Thursday, December 11, 2003 - 08:10 am: |
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Prudent hull designs include air inlets and outlets to/from the engine compartment to supply combustion air and vent any fumes, spilled gasoline etc. Nothing to do with the engine cooling. Would be curious to know where the 30 hsp rating came from. Might be able to provide more help. In the pre WWII era Palmer rated their engines at lower horsepower and while they had the same model numbers after WWII there were significant changes in lower crankcase and bell housing designs for the newer reverse gear designs. This is why it is important to find the serial number as the engine itself may be the same as the pre WWII but the marine trim is often significantly different. Keep in mind there is also a difference in their Horsepower rating depending on the method of driving the prop. For example Direct drive or reduction gear drive such as 2:1 or 3:1. |
olarry
| Posted on Thursday, December 11, 2003 - 12:08 pm: |
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If you can get a look at the engine most of the info model and casting date will be on the right side just above the oil pan.Thats the right side if you are standing on the propller end.He could have an IXB like in my silverking. |
George Stevenson
| Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 06:48 pm: |
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I am looking for parts etc. for a 1971 Palmer MD188 60hp International diesel. Does anyone know if any parts are available, Also if International has used this engine/block in a truck, tractor, or implement in the past. Any help would be appriciated, Thank you |
Richard Day
| Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2004 - 08:02 am: |
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IHC made the engine. Get its parts from Navistar the IHC sucessor company. Palmer added the marine parts such as water cooled exhaust manifolds, marine mounting hardwared water pumps, etc. I would expect some of the old IHC dealers might be able to supply engine parts but don't talk Palmer talk IHC as the IHC people wont have the marine stuff most won't even know what you are talking about. |
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