My Jerry Howell v-twin (s/n #599) has sprung into life

[AndrewW]

Hi
I started my JH v-twin build in March 2022 and documented my progress on my YouTube channel @learningturningmetal
Yesterday I managed to get the engine to run. More work is needed for a fuel supply and a starter motor.
It will then need some fine tuning. I won't be adding the optional fans as per the Jerry Howell drawing.

This is a video of the first run....


For those interested in making a JH v-twin, my YouTube video series might be of help....

 

[cwelkie]

Thank you for sharing your journey on this project Andrew. Excellent result. Looking forward to your starter and tank solutions for selfish reasons ... a set of drawings and the small parts set are on a shelf in my shed.

 

[AndrewW]

Thank you for sharing your journey on this project Andrew. Excellent result. Looking forward to your starter and tank solutions for selfish reasons ... a set of drawings and the small parts set are on a shelf in my shed.

Thanks. It would be a good Winter project

 

[krypto]

If you are looking for ideas, here's two completed V-Twin builds on Youtube:





Among other things, the fuel delivery system is different between the two builds as the one uses a pump to move the fuel up to the carbs while the other relies on the high fuel tank.

It's great to see your engine up and running! That was a challenging build and I'm sure you are glad to see it purring away. The finishing bits take quite a bit of time, but it's not so bad when you have a working engine.

 

[AndrewW]

If you are looking for ideas, here's two completed V-Twin builds on Youtube:





Among other things, the fuel delivery system is different between the two builds as the one uses a pump to move the fuel up to the carbs while the other relies on the high fuel tank.

It's great to see your engine up and running! That was a challenging build and I'm sure you are glad to see it purring away. The finishing bits take quite a bit of time, but it's not so bad when you have a working engine.

Hi crypto
Thanks for the links.
I think I'm going to opt for a pump mechanism for the fuel as per the JH drawings.
For the starter I'm going to try a scooter starter with a needle roller clutch.
That's the plan, but plans can always change!
Cheers
Andrew

 

[peterl95124]

Hi
I started my JH v-twin build in March 2022 and documented my progress on my YouTube channel
Yesterday I managed to get the engine to run. More work is needed for a fuel supply and a starter motor.
It will then need some fine tuning. I won't be adding the optional fans as per the Jerry Howell drawing.

This is a video of the first run....

Andrew, love the sound of a V-twin, congratulations !!!, Peter.

 

[AndrewW]

Andrew, love the sound of a V-twin, congratulations !!!, Peter.

Thanks Peter

 

[ds engines]

Hi Andrew what ignition system are you using on this engine .

 

[AndrewW]

Hi Andrew what ignition system are you using on this engine .

Hi
Jerry Howell drawing suggests using separate ignition systems for each cylinder. Effectively one magnet and two hall sensors. So I decided to go for 2 x RCEXL single ignition systems from justengines. I guess it's possible to go with a dual spark ignition (which I used on my Hoglet v-twin), but that would need two magnets (reverse poles) and one dual hall sensor. So I stuck with the original design. I've tried changing designs in the past and got into difficulty
Cheers
Andrew

 

[bobden72]

Hi
I started my JH v-twin build in March 2022 and documented my progress on my YouTube channel @learningturningmetal
Yesterday I managed to get the engine to run. More work is needed for a fuel supply and a starter motor.
It will then need some fine tuning. I won't be adding the optional fans as per the Jerry Howell drawing.

This is a video of the first run....


For those interested in making a JH v-twin, my YouTube video series might be of help....

 

[bobden72]

Great job I can see you are pleased as you should be.

 

[user 50514]

Hi
I started my JH v-twin build in March 2022 and documented my progress on my YouTube channel @learningturningmetal
Yesterday I managed to get the engine to run. More work is needed for a fuel supply and a starter motor.
It will then need some fine tuning. I won't be adding the optional fans as per the Jerry Howell drawing.

This is a video of the first run....


For those interested in making a JH v-twin, my YouTube video series might be of help....

What a beauty really. This engine is on my list for me to convert to a 3d printable working model. I already did the same with Howel's Vfour, https://www.printables.com/model/714791-working-model-of-the-howell-v-four-engine. There is info about that model in other threads here too.

Wanted to ask about the fans, are they not needed for cooling or are you running only short times? I think the fans would look really cool, pun intended!
Anyway I know next to nothing about real metal model engines. Mine are 3d printed and always run cold. They also don't leak oil ;-)
Take care and keep on building.
Kees

 

[AndrewW]

What a beauty really. This engine is on my list for me to convert to a 3d printable working model. I already did the same with Howel's Vfour, https://www.printables.com/model/714791-working-model-of-the-howell-v-four-engine. There is info about that model in other threads here too.

Wanted to ask about the fans, are they not needed for cooling or are you running only short times? I think the fans would look really cool, pun intended!
Anyway I know next to nothing about real metal model engines. Mine are 3d printed and always run cold. They also don't leak oil ;-)
Take care and keep on building.
Kees

Thanks Kees. Your 3D printed v4 looks amazing. Yeah I only run for short periods, so no fans needed. I found that the only weak element of the V-twin design is the tiny brass connector between the gear case and the crankcase. Otherwise the engine runs very well.
Cheers
Andrew

 

[cheepo45]

Beautiful engine and runs well!
There is something really special about getting an I.C. engine to run the first time.
Scott

 

[AndrewW]

Beautiful engine and runs well!
There is something really special about getting an I.C. engine to run the first time.
Scott

Thanks Scott.
Unfortunately it can become a bit of an addiction!
Cheers
Andrew

 

[user 50514]

As addictive as 3d modeling is and 3d printing is, I suffer day and night