Author |
Message |
jethered
New member Username: jethered
Post Number: 1 Registered: 09-2004
| Posted on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 12:45 am: |
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I am beginning the restoration of a Palmer Model B and I need some help with the front main bearing. The bearing that was installed in the engine does not appear to be original. It is a simple, one-piece bronze sleeve that is not split. The bearing extends past the front edge of the base casting and the water pump clamps to it. I spoke with Dick Day about this engine and he said he had never seen a Model B with this arrangement of water pump attachment. Maybe I didn't do a good job of describing the setup though so maybe these photos will help. Does anyone have a Model B with a similar arrangement? Have you had the base apart so you can describe the bearing to me? I will be making a new bearing and I am trying to determine what the original bearing looked like. The bearing on the tail end of the engine is a split brass shell bearing with babbitt lining. It is stamped with the words "Palmer Bros" on one line, "D B & A CO" on a second line, and "BQU B01" on a third line. Anybody know if this is an original Palmer bearing? Or is it possibly an old aftermarket replacement bearing? Was the original front bearing similar in construction to this split brass shell rear bearing? BTW, the parts are only loosely assembled in the photos to give an idea of what the existing setup looks like. |
ernie
Senior Member Username: ernie
Post Number: 411 Registered: 01-2002
| Posted on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 07:58 am: |
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Your engine looks like a "C". I wonder if Palmer made a few "B"s(like yours)using the same style parts as a "C" |
richardday
Senior Member Username: richardday
Post Number: 306 Registered: 11-2003
| Posted on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 09:48 am: |
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DB&A Company made the bearing. Fits BQU B01 is a part number. John what I don't understand is the photos you sent me show the standard B water pump bolted to the crankcase. I don't understand this photo and the engine you had shown me. Are there two B engines? I made the mistake of installing the latest Norton 2005 and I am going nuts trying to send E-mails so if anyone out there hears this I hope I am going to be back someday. If not it was fun while it lasted. |
richardday
Senior Member Username: richardday
Post Number: 307 Registered: 11-2003
| Posted on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 09:52 am: |
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John note the bottom half of the strap is not mated to the bearing shell. I suspect like the igniter/pump rod this pump is off a C or a D and not a B pump at all. |
jethered
New member Username: jethered
Post Number: 2 Registered: 09-2004
| Posted on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 10:56 am: |
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I am reasonably certain that the engine is a "B" since the transfer port cover has a "B" cast into it, there is a "B" cast into the front and rear of the cylinder casting, and the cylinder bore is 3 1/2". The water pump is only sitting on the bearing loosely in the photo to show how it would normally be attached. The straps will tighten up just fine without completely closing the gaps in the straps. There is no evidence that the pump has been modified to fit this engine. There are no extra holes in the castings that look (to me) like they were used to attach the water pump in the past. I will attach another photo that shows the entire water pump as it was attached when I got the engine. This is one of the photos that you saw before Dick. I only have the one engine. Can anyone provide some measurements for a water pump off of a "C" so I can compare them to the dimensions of the pump that I have? Anyone have a photo of the usual water pump attachment method on a "B" so I can try to determine if my engine used to have a pump attached in the more usual manner?
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jethered
New member Username: jethered
Post Number: 3 Registered: 09-2004
| Posted on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 11:30 am: |
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I should have said this in the previous message... Thanks for the input so far. I do appreciate any help you guys can provide in puzzling out this engine. The info on the rear bearing is very interesting Dick. I wish there were some way for me to determine if the rear bearing was originally babbitt poured into the casting instead of the shell type bearing that is in the engine now. I'll shoot some pics of the rear bearing this evening and post them to this thread. Thanks, Jon Etheredge |
richardday
Senior Member Username: richardday
Post Number: 308 Registered: 11-2003
| Posted on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 09:53 pm: |
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The B pump straddles the upper half of the front bearing casting and is held down by the cap screws holding the crankcase halfs together. I will measure the C pump tomorrow. |
jethered
Member Username: jethered
Post Number: 4 Registered: 09-2004
| Posted on Saturday, October 02, 2004 - 10:41 am: |
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Dick Day and I exchanged private emails regarding the pump that I have for this engine. It is different from the pump on the Model B engine that he owns. It is also different from the Model C pumps that he has. He feels that the pump that I have was factory installed on the Model B. I will make bronze plain bearings as replacements for the worn bearings that are in the engine now. I just wanted to post a conclusion for anyone that might interested. Dick Day has been very generous with his time on this matter. Thanks for the help from Dick and the posting by Ernie. |
andrew
Moderator Username: andrew
Post Number: 920 Registered: 11-2001
| Posted on Saturday, October 02, 2004 - 02:45 pm: |
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Jon, Thanks for posting the follow-up. The information may well be helpful for someone else. |