Author Topic: mystery engine  (Read 9852 times)

AUSDOK

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mystery engine
« on: 30 March, 2019, 11:01:58 am »
Hi whilst at the Nationals I spotted this engine , Nobody to date has been able to identify it. I am sure the fuel tank is not original and am unsure re magneto. On the other side of the engine is a large casting with the letter S with fishtails on the ends of the S. The engine is currently on a scenic drive in the southern states  and I hope to have it here in several weeks. Any ideas or information would be greatly appreciated. Regards Rudy

AUSDOK

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Re: mystery engine
« Reply #1 on: 31 March, 2019, 12:00:53 pm »
Hi have had a couple people with a few thoughts contact me.
1. the fishtail on the bottom of the S in the photo may be a clue.
2. The split crankcase is similar to a motor bike design.
3. With the side mounts it may suggest an inboard motor ,but that would make it difficult to start with the crank handle in this position also there is no water pump.
4. The carby may not be original.
5. Will post more photos when it gets home from its holiday.
All in all an enigma wrapped up in a conundrum.               Regards Rudy

Triumphline

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Re: mystery engine
« Reply #2 on: 31 March, 2019, 12:45:20 pm »
An answer from Facebook
Its a belgian Sarol?a engine
Very rare even here in Belgium


Patrick
Patrick M Livingstone
The Austral Register
Sydney, NSW

Eric Schulz

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Re: mystery engine
« Reply #3 on: 31 March, 2019, 01:11:50 pm »
Beacause I have known of this engine for many years, seeing it still unidentified at Murray Bridge, then this query, I decided to ask about it on Facebook. There seems to be more activity on there than on forums such as this (sorry Michelle!).

The Sarolea answer may be correct, but I am awaiting further confirmation. Sarolea engines were usually on motorcycles, but this did not come from a bike. The cast iron construction suggests stationary.

Eric

AUSDOK

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Re: mystery engine
« Reply #4 on: 31 March, 2019, 01:46:43 pm »
Thank you both very much for your answers.  Where did you first come across this engine Eric as I am interested in the history. Regards Rudy

Eric Schulz

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Re: mystery engine
« Reply #5 on: 31 March, 2019, 02:11:13 pm »
Rudy, I first saw this engine at a Mt Barker rally in the 1990's. This photo was taken there.

Eric


AUSDOK

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Re: mystery engine
« Reply #6 on: 31 March, 2019, 02:25:38 pm »
Thanks Eric It looks a bit better now. Looking forward to getting it home and get it running again. Rudy

cobbadog

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  • Buzacott Farm Pumper.
Re: mystery engine
« Reply #7 on: 31 March, 2019, 03:01:51 pm »
Looks like you can swap over the position of the spark plug.
Cheers, John & Dee. Coopernook. NSW.

AUSDOK

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Re: mystery engine
« Reply #8 on: 31 March, 2019, 03:38:39 pm »
Hi Patrick have looked on saralea website .is all about motorcycles. Do you think your Facebook contact can find any other photos or info re this engine. Regards Rudy

AUSDOK

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Re: mystery engine
« Reply #9 on: 31 March, 2019, 08:18:14 pm »
I typed sarolea logo into Google and it does not show the fishtail on the S maybe early or later design. Regards Rudy

tim

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Re: mystery engine
« Reply #10 on: 01 April, 2019, 07:48:18 am »
Hi Rudy,
This may or may not help
https://cybermotorcycle.com/gallery/sarolea-1900-1919/Sarolea-1908-12-TMC.htm
According to this Sarol?as were sold in Britain under the Kerry brand...
http://www.djrun.co.za/motorcycles.html

Cheers
Tim
Central West, NSW

AUSDOK

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Re: mystery engine
« Reply #11 on: 01 April, 2019, 08:09:28 am »
Thank you Tim the picture on the right certainly shows the fishtail S on the casting. We may be getting closer. I appreciate all of the input. Regards Rudy

wee-allis

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Re: mystery engine
« Reply #12 on: 01 April, 2019, 08:23:10 am »

Just my two bobs worth, but the style of engine mountings would indicate possibly a marine engine. No idea if they ever made such a thing.
If it's old, treat it like gold.
 38 Allis B,50 Morris Six,  Moruya, Sth coast NSW.

AUSDOK

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Re: mystery engine
« Reply #13 on: 01 April, 2019, 08:49:45 am »
Hi wee-allis that has been thought about in a previous post,but it has no water pump at present and it would be hard to crank unless it was mounted high enough to clear the stringers on the bottom of the boat, Thanks for your input. Rudy

Eric Schulz

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Re: mystery engine
« Reply #14 on: 01 April, 2019, 11:38:22 am »
Two catalogue images, one from Tim and one from Facebook, convinces me that this engine is a Sarolea. Reference to them making stationary or industrial versions has not been found, but we know that other motorcycle engine manufactures did, so quite probable.

Whatever it is, it is certainly in the rocking horse droppings department!

Eric