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| Clark Mfg. Co. - Fond du Lac, WI |
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b_kedrowski
New member
Username: b_kedrowski
Post Number: 1
Registered: 08-2014
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2014 - 08:32 pm: | 
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Is anyone familiar with this company? I recently found a 5 hp Clark marine engine and haven't been able to find much information on it. In Wendel's Vol. 2 there is a small write-up on p. 64, but not much info.
The engine was partially dismantled when I bought it, with the flywheel removed. The flywheel is 19" across and weighs 165 lbs. Overall, the engine is 33" tall.
I hope someone can shed some light on this unique find. Thanks. |
richarddurgee
Senior Member
Username: richarddurgee
Post Number: 3367
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Monday, September 01, 2014 - 12:40 pm: |
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5 HP Should be a 4 stroke engine, flywheel with four holes and an open exhaust push rod and rocker arm ??
Possible to post photos ? if not click on name at left it will show my email address, possible to send and I will post here and find some more info ?
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bud_tierney
Senior Member
Username: bud_tierney
Post Number: 55
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2014 - 01:20 pm: |
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Put some stuff on your smokstak thread; not really sure the came Clark, but no time to dig much... |
richarddurgee
Senior Member
Username: richarddurgee
Post Number: 3369
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 03, 2014 - 08:57 am: |
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B.Kedrowski's photos.
Wisconsin Hstorical Society
Established 1893
1904 ad 2 & 4 cycle engines
1906 ad 2 cycle jump spark
Wendel's book
Louie Henry Clark 1858 - 1939
Mfg'd marine and stationary engines among other things, held a patent on a mechanical rug-beater
little is known of most of the details of this company and the actual array of engines he made,
the engine in discussion here is the only marine engine known to exist at this time, I believe that a few stationary engs exist ?
The photos are much appreciated, the engine certainly appears to be very well made and in great condition for over 100 years old !
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b_kedrowski
New member
Username: b_kedrowski
Post Number: 2
Registered: 08-2014
| | Posted on Monday, September 08, 2014 - 08:19 pm: |
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Richard, thank you for posting all the photos. This is a newspaper clipping you might enjoy.
The Daily Commonwealth, Saturday, August 26, 1899
Building Elegant Crafts.
Clark Manufacturing Company, of this city, branches out in a new line � a well-known boat builder engaged�their engines.
The Clark Manufacturing Company of this city, which for years has manufactured engines of their own patent, has branched out in the manufacture of steam launches and row boats. One boat has been completed and is ready for launching while in the course of three weeks another, larger in size, will be ready for the water. The �Isabella� a craft 18 feet in length and with a 4�3� beam will be launched in Lake Winnebago the middle of next week. It will draw 15� of water and is equipped with a 1-1/2 hp gasoline engine the make of the same company. It is estimated that the cost of running the boat will not exceed sixteen cents for ten hours.
The outside of the boat is finished in white and oak, and the machinery parts of brass. The interior of the boat is finished in oak and the upholstered cushions are of a color to match the other fixutres. There is no doubt but what the boat is one of the handsomest of the kind that has been seen in this city and is a credit to the concern. It has a seating capacity of ten persons, and can be operatred from the rear or front without the person in charge changing his seat.
The second boat which is now under construction will be 24� in length with a 4�7� beam, and will have a speed of from 10-12 miles per hour.
This new department of the Clark Manufacturing Company, is in charge of August Weise who was in the employ of the government for a number of years building torpedo and other boats. He has 35 years of experience and understands his business well.
The gas and gasoline engines manufactured by this same company are fast bringing the concern to the front. It is a very simple engine and yet one which has given the best of satisfaction. The governor regulates the speed perfectly, so that the engine takes gasoline only when needed. The governor also holds open the exhaust valve all of the time when the engine is not taking charges, so there is no back pressure, an entirely new feature in gas engines. This incraeses the power to a great extent. These engines are to be used exclusively in the boats built by the company. |
richarddurgee
Senior Member
Username: richarddurgee
Post Number: 3371
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Monday, September 08, 2014 - 09:06 pm: |
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That's a good article and adds the boat building
that was not known!
Article mentions they made engs of their own patent, I searched U.S. patents using the Clark name every way I could but didn't find any on engines ?
They mention a governor, a rarity on marine engines.
The 1904 ad shows a 4 cycle engine with what looks to be an igniter activated by the exhaust push rod ?
Good stuff - appreciate the article !
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