An interesting little engine ......with reverse

[redhouseluv]

This is a little side project and I've just got it running .....lumpy, but running. It was a cheapo eBay purchase, but what attracted me to it was the little lever in front of the piston valve. I was hoping it was a reversing mechanism rather than a lever to control the inlet and it is.

The engine was gunked up and needed a minor strip down & bath. I didn't mess with the piston valve and cylinders as I was worried about getting it back together. It hasn't really got an option for adjusting the timing as the eccentric looks locked in postion. I put it back together and oiled it and fired it up. It's very sensitive in terms of the lever position, but does go in forward and reverse with some manual assistance.

The lever appears to rotate the piston valve which must somehow open up a different set of ports on the alternate cylinder. I think its single acting, but not sure and wondered about this mechanism; I know of slip eccentrics and Stephensons reversing gear, but is this something which is also generally used?

Here's a video, I hope you find it interesting.....

https://youtube.com/shorts/nBqcj_MqTpk?feature=share

[Jasonb]

Does the lever rotate the actual valve or possibly a sleeve around it? that may change it internally from inside admission to outside admission which will make it go the other way.

[redhouseluv]

Oh now that's an interesting thought.....I can't really see unfortunately and one end has been soldered shut 

https://youtube.com/shorts/VLV23F5DuCg?feature=share

[Grateful Ted]

Very rustic looking engine, & a twin with reverse to boot.
I like it!, thanks for sharing.

[PaulR]

You're eBay mad!

Seems like a solid little runner, looks like it nearly had your fingers off when flicking the flywheel 

[redhouseluv]

You're eBay mad!
Seems like a solid little runner, looks like it nearly had your fingers off when flicking the flywheel 

Pretty much all my workshop equipment including lathe and mill and yes, the odd engine are eBay sourced; I avoid buying second hand end mills, drill bits and tooling as I learnt that lesson the hardway!

You're right, its a powerful little thing; I think its partially homemade with some ready made components