Fairbanks Morse R80

[weir-smith]

I am progressing with the build of the Fairbanks - Morse three cylinder R80 engine. A number of these engines have been built over the years altho the castings are no longer available. I am building mine from bar stock which makes the build that more complex.

I am at the stage of machining the cylinder heads from aluminium (others have used brass and cast iron) and I have a problem in understanding how the head cooling works. I have attached a photo of the drawing and it shows two drilled holes for the cooling water. How it works is a mystery and if any one knows how the water circulates around the head I would be pleased to hear. I don't think it will be complicated but someone may know how it was done. I have also included two photos of the build so far.

Thanks

Bruce W-S
Western Australia

 

[deverett]

Not very helpful to your cause, but you might be interested in this pic.
A model poses with the full size (and owner) at Antique Powerland, Brooks OR (just south of Portland)
Dave
The Emerald Isle

 

[weir-smith]

Dave

Thanks for your responce and I have seen the photo previously. I have also had a lot of help from those folks. Head cooling in old engines is nothing new however, if there is someone out there who is familiar with the model their comments would be most appreciated.

Bruce W-S

 

[off center]

the Fairbanks heads had cast in areas with large pipe plugs on the sides.

 

[weir-smith]

Off Center

Thanks for the comment re the cylinder heads. In respect to the drawing, there are two large plugs which I didn't know what they were for and could well be to access the water cavity. If I had some original castings the situation would be much clearer however, you use what is available.


Bruce W-S

 

[deverett]

I know that Richard Williams in OR built one of these. I don't know whether he is still with us, but his email address is [email protected]
Maybe worth a shot.

Dave
The Emerald Isle

 

[idahoan]

I have a set of castings for this engine (not for sale) would it help if I took some photos of the cylinder head casting for you?

Dave

 

[weir-smith]

Thanks Dave, I will give him a try.

Bruce W-S

 

[weir-smith]

Dave

If you have a set of castings, you are very lucky as they are almost impossible to locate.

However, if you wouldn't mind, a couple of photos of the head casting would be very helpfull. Seeing the casting I think would make the intent of the drawings clearer.

My engine is all from bar stock. The crankcase started life as a solid block of aluminum and many hours of machining was involved. All part of the journey as they say.

Thanks

Bruce W-S
Western Australia

 

[idahoan]

Dave

If you have a set of castings, you are very lucky as they are almost impossible to locate.

However, if you wouldn't mind, a couple of photos of the head casting would be very helpfull. Seeing the casting I think would make the intent of the drawings clearer.

My engine is all from bar stock. The crankcase started life as a solid block of aluminum and many hours of machining was involved. All part of the journey as they say.

Thanks

Bruce W-S
Western Australia

Hi Bruce

My head castings are not cored, so not much different that working from solid as you are. I think the intent was to mill a circular passage at two depths to miss the ports. I have been playing around with it in my CAD program to get a better idea of the construction. The water jacket will be different depending on which head because of port locations. The note that indicates the o-ring seal on the head stud holes tells me that the studs will pass through the water jacket.

I hope this helps,
Dave

PS, do you have a drawing that includes the air start valve, if so what is the sheet number? I seem to be missing that one.

 

[weir-smith]

Dave

Firstly, thanks for responding with the head information including the CAD drawings. I think I will machine the critical parts and then tackle the head cooling and I think you are correct that the head studs pass through the water jacket. That was one of the things that I couldn't understand. Also, I like your 3D drawings as I currently only use 2D using Solid Edge which has full 3D capability so I need to spend some time getting the hang of it.

I have also attached a photo of the Air Start drawing for you e.g. sheet 15 of 17..

regards

Bruce

 

[idahoan]

Thanks Bruce,
I sent you a message.

 

[Modelman]

I am progressing with the build of the Fairbanks - Morse three cylinder R80 engine. A number of these engines have been built over the years altho the castings are no longer available. I am building mine from bar stock which makes the build that more complex.

I am at the stage of machining the cylinder heads from aluminium (others have used brass and cast iron) and I have a problem in understanding how the head cooling works. I have attached a photo of the drawing and it shows two drilled holes for the cooling water. How it works is a mystery and if any one knows how the water circulates around the head I would be pleased to hear. I don't think it will be complicated but someone may know how it was done. I have also included two photos of the build so far.

Thanks

Bruce W-S
Western Australia





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[Modelman]

I have a set of castings for this engine (not for sale) would it help if I took some photos of the cylinder head casting for you?

Dave

Hello, would it be possible to get copies of the drawings of the Fairbanks r80? Gladly pay whatever. Please reply yes or no. Thanks, Larry Stuart
[email protected]