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John Deere hit & miss engine information

Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2009 8:16 pm
by Uncle Ethan
Ten or fifteen years ago I bought a John Deere popper engine from a friend. It needed the fold out crank handle for the flywheel, an "igniter" [spark plug I suppose], wiring for it, and maybe more. I brought it with me to New Mexico, and the other day I tried to turn over the flywheel and it appears to be frozen. I have some Kroil, would that help free up the piston? I have no idea what these engines are worth, but I was going to get it running and sell it to help pay for another vertical mill. Is there pictures or blueprints available so I make the crank handle correctly? Thanks for the help.

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 7:42 pm
by Gizz
It is just a straight smooth shaft that fits in the slot when folded in. The hole in the pin is just a little bigger than the retainer pin. Enough to allow it to flip in and out freely.
The early ones used a low tension mag with an igniter. Later units had a spark plug and used a high tension mag.
If it is the typical 1 1/2 HP engine a new mag almost costs more than the engine is worth. If it is the 3 or 6 HP engine then it is worth fixing perhaps.

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 9:02 pm
by Uncle Ethan
Thanks for the help. Is there a webb site for the John Deere engines that would help me identify which it is? Thanks again.

hit n miss size

Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 7:40 am
by Gizz
What diameter are the flywheels?

Re: hit n miss size

Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 10:50 am
by Uncle Ethan
Gizz wrote:What diameter are the flywheels?
Approximately 18"- Where would I look for the magneto"

jd hit n miss

Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2009 6:20 pm
by Gizz
Sounds like a 1 1/2 hp unit. I don't know of any specific web site. But do a search on the john deere model e and you will find most any thing you need. Lot of parts available for them. Except magnetos of course. But rebuilt and new imitations are on the market.

Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2009 10:02 pm
by Uncle Ethan
Thanks for the help-I'll check out information now I know what I have. The magneto may be there for all I know. Having a basin cast in for water to cool the head , as well as the gas on the bottom is pretty neat.