Early in my fire service career, I operated a 1959 American LaFrance. It had a Continental gas engine, 6 cylinders. Regardless of the difference, I just wanted to thank you for bringing this back to life!
Wow Jonathan, pretty cool! You will get this ironed out, can't wait to hear this thing idle & run. Jonathan ya know what drives me nuts??? All of these naysayers on your channel, the JB weld was & is an excellent idea, it may even last, I wouldn't do anything until need be....I can only imagine what this motor will go in, what about putting a vintage wrecker together using that old Osh Kosh(?) cab that you picked up? Not a rat rod or anything like that, a truck they may have put together back in the day....don't let those naysayers bother you, they probably have never picked up a screw driver.....keep up the good work!!!
I'm a fan of JB Weld. I had a diesel pickup that had an oil leak between the block and the oil filter. For some reason, there was a small chip out of the cast block right where the filter seal seated. We cleaned out the chip pit to remove all oil residue and filled it with JB Weld. I ran that truck for another 10 years and nary a leak. I've mended many things over the years with JB Weld, and most held together.
I fixed an aluminum oil pan that had a chunk missing on a car I had when I was young. It had a quarter sized triangle shaped hole with some cracks from some idiot jacking up the engine. It not only worked, but it lasted 3 years until I got rid of the car. Amazing stuff, that JB Weld.
@@garthsheane2440 I am also a fan of JB weld, I bet if the naysayers were stuck out on a job or in the middle of a field & that's all they had to use....
JB weld works quite well for a lot of jobs but will deteriorate when constantly exposed to modern gasoline. I have rebuilt several thermoquads and sometimes have to re-glue the main jet well back on. So far haven't found anything that will last very long. Devcon plastic steel works ok but breaks down after a while just like everything else.
Jonathan, I usually watch on my TV and can’t add comments. I wanted to let you know I truly enjoy your channel, the unique things you work on, and your ingenuity to come up with solutions. Keep up the good work!
Jonathan, this is going back years in my memory banks, but here we go.. The throttle plates in the "adapters" under the carburetors where controlled by the fire pump pressure governor and where normally wide open. The engine speed was controlled by the throttle plates in the carb base. Depending on the type of fire pump in the engine ( gear or centrifugal) the two carbs where able to be controlled separately. ALF used an exhaust gas ventury to create a vacuum in the centrifugal pump to pull a draft from a river or lake. The primer would close a valve in the exhaust downstream of the venturi in one exhaust ( right bank, I think ), and speed up the carburetor on the same side creating lots of pressure through the venturi.
Another priming method ALF used in the early days, was using intake manifold vacuum through a float chamber to the fire pump housing. This method wasn't used for very long, 1, if you pulled a slug of water and the float closed off, you had to drain the float chamber and start over. 2, if the float didn't work, water straight into the engine. OUCH!!
*My lady friend said: "Wow! It sounds good!" She has never heard your show or your first starts, doesn't know how to drive at 70+ years of age, or why we all like the sounds your engines make so much . . . but she instantly got-it! Who knew? . . . Oh, did I mention she has always liked football and prefers to only smoke her Gurka Maduro Black Ops cigars. ||| She is really glad for you exploring and amplifying your creativity, Jonathan, as do I, and as do probably everyone of your fans here.*
Jonathan, you’re as real as real can get brother. Meaning you’re an A+++++++++ mechanic and just a STRAIGHT UP DAMN GOOD PERSON! You’re my absolute favorite to watch! Would love to come to your place one day and meet you personally!
It’s nice to see a man that understands priorities, when it fires the gas bottle goes! Fantastic work as always! Glad to see someone else who remembers what it was like pre-internet and rock auto. Keep doing what you do, regardless what the comments say! And don’t over work Nana cat.
Four 6 cylinder ignition systems! That took some ingenuity back in the day. Simple once you figure it out, but not easy. Great job getting one distributor to work, should really fire up easy when both are working. Now for some long tube headers, a triple quad manifold, and some wheels to carry it all. LOL Thanks for sharing.
Jonathan, I really enjoy your videos and simple approaches to fixing anything and everything. I love the V-12 Lycoming. I was in the Lycoming factory in Williamsport, PA as a kid many times with my dad. He was VP of Engineering and was always checking on engines that were on test 24/7. They also built many models of piston aircraft engines. My dad was very proud of the company, and owned 2 Cords over the years with the Lycoming V8 engine made in the same factory. Thanks for sharing all your experiences.
Anyone who thought that you would be using JB Weld as a permanent fix obviously is new to your channel and shouldn't be commenting without watching your prior videos first. I was involved in a project where a city restored it's first fire truck which of course was an American LaFrance. She was a beauty when we were done. The ignition system was frustrating until a gentleman who once worked for the company and had most likely helped build that particular vehicle contacted us and came to help. He had his own collection and was a huge help in getting a few NOS parts for our project vehicle. Now the fire truck is used for parades and has technically been back in service for 6 years but of course it will never be used for a real fire anymore.
Watching you is always an education. Thanks! I knew about the Pierce Arrow/ Seagrave V12, but had never seen the ALF motor. I think that an A1 Towing Rat Rod Wrecker is definitely in your future. I am very glad that it ran so well.
Sweet! I have a buddy who is a retired fire fighter. He belongs to a group that restores antique fire engines. I sent him a message asking if anyone in his group has a spare V-12 intake manifold.
You have't remember these was used in Fire Truck's they had to sit and run for hours sometimes for the Firemen to pump water. 5.5 quarts wasn't enough for that. And, The 0ld Stuff sometimes IS THE BEST Stuff. I Might Add👍🏽👍🏼👍🏻
@Russell Gerdes Just saw another video of one of these engines cherry restored and getting fired up. After seeing what Jonathan did with this old wreck, it piqued my curiosity...
Actually a 45* V12 (the vast majority of V12s are 60*) because they were designed to be a V16. ALF hacked off four cylinders from the design to use them in firetrucks. Neat engineering, but by no means the pinnacle of their time.
@@markcollins5026 I know and you could copy newspaper pictures on to the silly putty by squishing it on to the picture.. Silly putty was great wasn't it? lot of fun!!
Jonathan, after seeing that old Lycoming engine I had a thought go through my head that was "Man that engine was way before my time". I grew up with American LaFrance products and eventually working with them into the Detroit Diesel age in the early 80's. I use to run into some of the Lycoming & Continental gas engines with some of our customers but as time went along most customers changed to diesel engines. I quite enjoyed your video and want to thank you for bringing back some great memories. Keep up the good work.
ANOTHER UTTERLY FANTASTIC VIDEO. The comments are always interesting. "What's it going into", was prevalent. Unusual vehicle for an Unusual motor! I live on a farm SW Okla. and we never get rid of equipment. There are a couple of faded red Massey wheat combines that caught my eye. A "Straw Walker" housing is the rear end. Removed from the combine it would look much like a "High Boy" roadster body increased by about 25%. Just playing around, speculating on unusual bodies. Sure do enjoy the videos. Thank you.
Lot of history at Lycoming. I remember my shop teacher back in the day talking about all the various types and applications their engines were used in. Thank you for sharing and uploading!
Jonathan, I understood your intentions about the quick fix for the intake manifold. You speak clear enough for me. Yes, Jonathan, vapor lock on the '61 For Falcon was prevented by using a pretty big inverted "U" shape bend in the fuel line just before the carb.. Vapor lock was VERY common with slant six cars too. Running a lot of errands with my Valiant, man oh man, the engine would just crank and crank before it would catch. WHOA! That engine wants to run!
Hello Jonathan and that was my birthday present thank you so much for getting that fired up it actually sounds pretty good. I am 61 years young today. Stay safe stay well and as always God bless
I just purchased a 1978 American LaFrance on a single 103 dollars and we won the bid! I know the facts about this truck,this is American know how! It pulls like a damn mud turtle baby! I know I purchased a machine with the On an Generator,a air compressor,water storage is absolutely no problem when this girl is loaded!
2 Thumbs Up! I have worked on these Engines Before as well as Drive The Fire Truck. I grew up as a young 18 year old Firefighter. All of our Engines were American LaFrance. The City spared no cost in buying the Best. The Story goes and I did find it in the Fire Department Archives, one night a local Amusement Park caught fire and the huge Roller coaster burned down. The City Marshal was very upset as the Old 47 LaFrance with this same V12 Passed him on the old Highway 89 and he was topped out in his Police Car at 90 MPH. Very upset and said the fireman were unsafe. I think he was just mad that a big old Fire Truck passed him. Just a fun story to share with you.
These engines were obsolete in the mid sixties! You're awesome for preserving one of the few remaining ones. I'm envious of you getting to play with this antique equipment.
I smiled from ear to ear when she hit and started to run MAN that's a good feeling when your hard work pays off. Good Job Sir! Enjoyed the video thank you.
I used to patch lawnmower blocks that slung a rod with plastic aluminum. Never had a leak or crack. I like how you used play dough. That is a neat trick
NOW THAT WAS FUN...I got a long time friends REO truck running for him...old beast with a 1000 pound flywheel on it...but for the life of me...I NEVER FIGURED OUT HOW THAT CLUTCH ADJUSTED ..THAT WAS 1970...IM 71 NOW AND STILL DONT KNOW...THAT V-12 SOUNDED 👍 GOOD!!!
The good old 527 "Invader" engine. We had 3 of them in the fleet when I started in the fire service in 1974. 2 ladders and 1 pumper.. All phased out and replaced by detroit screamers by '84 I have a set of valves for one somewhere that I saved when they cleaned out the old station when they moved to a new facility. They were real screwy designs, with the horizontal valve layout and the sparkplug blocks in the heads. These trucks had non-synchro "crash boxes" that gave most of the guys lots of trouble, so they would lug the hell out of them rather than downshift. Once they got going, however, they pulled good all the way up to overdrive. With the top-heavy ladders, there were intersections where you could pick up the inside duals while going around them. Drove like kamikazes back then, you could boil water on the brake drums after a run. Years later, an elevating platform (66,000 lbs.) t boned a school bus, which left tire tracks across the windshield, and caused $150,000 damage to the truck, but I digress. Again
Thanks Jonathan, Wow , what fun ! Mark Lindsay and I were talking the other night on a hangout! We were talking about the very motor you have there . Wanting to see it run ! Your temporary fix on the manifold worked out . The possibility for carburetors on this motors is fun to think about! Twin 4s or twin tri -power , a gal of gas in one mile. Thanks for sharing your adventures! I love this kind of stuff. I have a friend who has a towing company, my truck and nova came to me through him , I have had a lot fun help him with his shops buildings! Best Regards BobLee
Everyday after work i look for your videos i know it's has to be a lot of making them . I want you to know how much my family and i enjoys watching and learning from you thank you
As far as people that don’t like projects that you pick, I’ve found that I’m not wild about some but I learn things from what you do on them that can help on other things I do, so keep working on what you want to and the rest of us will keep learning and enjoying thanks
OMG what an engine. 2 distributors, 4 coils, 4 sets of points, 24 spark plugs and wires to contend with. I would be pulling what little hair I have left out. Lol I never knew an engine like that was ever manufactured. Sounded really good when it fired up 👍
No. 1 indicator of success in life is the ability to follow instructions. Listening carefully is a closely related skill, and it is a skill, meaning it needs to be practiced if it "doesn't come naturally". Nice job on explaining why the JB Weld!
Nope, no failure to communicate. I understood clearly your intentions for experimenting (first) with JB Weld. It is very common these days for people to be told something (very clearly, detailed, explained minutely) and not hear a damned thing you say. I experience it daily while giving driving lessons. You can even have them practice proper techniques with the car in park to "learn" the feel of what you're teaching them, as well as basic procedures to be done (pedal control, and to signal/mirror check/look to the side)... and, as soon as they put the car in gear... they're deer staring in the headlights and poking at the gas. And, as soon as you tell them they're doing it wrong, they rebut with: "I just need more practice." (Meaning, they want to practice the wrong behavior, in hopes that one day, correct behavior will magically begin to happen). Many of these people are accomplished and highly educated people... without a lick of common sense. The ol' girl sounded good after barking to life. Even your temporary bandaids look "more gooder" than some "repairs" I've seen that were intended to be billable fixes. Question? Did Nana bite you after seeing your rendition of what she looks like? LOL
"Highly educated" is quite often a brick wall, if not an absolute antithesis to the application of hands on common sense. Over the years I worked at several jobs as basically the working shop foreman/trainer. I've met a ton of people who've paid for their educations (unpaid student loans paid for some of them too-LOL). Point is that because people paid for higher education, when it comes to the hands on working class world a fair amount of them think they are superior somehow. Long story short they are taught to think smugly, and as a result they become unteachable by us "lesser thans". To explain it another way, many really think they are superior to a given job because they have a paper that says they are better than the rest of the workers around them. It's funny how that works too, because once they prove they can't cut it out on the floor, they often get promoted right past the workers who do good work, because of the stigma that a bachelors degree label in art or whatever else that doesn't even apply to a given job somehow magically means something. Take a corn fed farm boy, and you can almost just point at something and consider it done, and done well, because they learned how to live with their blood, sweat, and hands.
@@Freedomquest08 A phrase we used when I was younger: "So heavenly minded, they're no earthly good." Another complication to what I related, is that many of these are from other countries, where the "road test" is nothing more than: "Show me you can let the clutch out without killing the engine, AND able to honk the horn... and you get your license. If you're not capable of that, pay enough money and get the license anyhow." And, so they THINK they know HOW to drive, and show up to be taught how to parallel park and back around a corner... thinking that's all they need to pass the road test. It's criminal (governing officials), how utter and complete, the lack of value of human life is in some of these other countries.
@@RatdogDRB Sounds like some US truck driving schools. I've known truck drivers who make side money backing other 'drivers' trucks up to docks, installing tire chains for other drivers, etc.
@@Freedomquest08 A University Lecturer/Scientist/Astronomer neighbor spent 4 hours trying to get the seats out of his MG Midget. I had them out in 3 minutes. He had a socket and bar, and was trying to undo the captive nuts in the floor.
@@Freedomquest08 Never underestimate common sense and taking the time to think a problem thru from all angles. Served me well as a metal fabricator. I would say steel fabricator but I worked with a variety of metals. Common sense approaches to problems have saved me countless hours straightening steel deformed by welding or even cutting at times while others just kept producing pieces resembling a Frito. Simply by utilizing a strongback if needed or whatever seemed to be logical.
Pretty neat Jonathan. I kept seeing only one side of the engine and didn't realize that it has two spark plugs per cylinder until you said you were only going to us one distributor and that the engine had four, six cylinder ignitions. Great video. Happy Motoring.
Using J-B Weld to patch engines is a time-honored tradition..... My Dad drove a 1953 Dodge pickup with one side of the flathead six engine held in place with J-B Weld and a couple of strategically-placed bolt/washers drilled and tapped into the crack line where the engine had frozen and the whole left side of the block had broken and fallen out.... Drove it for three years like that....
I think those type of bottles are common with HVAC guys. They use that little snoot to get oil into fan motor bearings. That's one of the most badass engines ive ever seen. Thanks for getting it fired up man
Nice one Jonathan. When I was a young apprentice at a Cummins dealer in Toronto early 70’s they did some conversions from gas to diesel. I recall one of these though it may have been in a Seagrave fire truck. That was the first time I saw a duel spark plug engine. Thanks for being who you are. No hype all substance, and doing more with less.
That a beautiful old piece of iron! Sounded really good. One fortunate side effect of it not starting ont he first crank is it probably gave the oil pump time to push oil everywhere. I can't wait to hear this thing idle.
Interesting piece of old machinery. I do see why you are just trying to "get it going" before putting a lot of effort into the intake manifold. Now that you have it running, you can either "do it right" with welding and machining and whatnot or perhaps find a used replacement manifold that is in better shape and needs less work. There is a very large Auburn-Cord-Dusenberg Club which might have lines on things you need. You also mentioned another fire truck with an A-LaF V-12 like this in it at a price you would be willing to afford. That four-six cylinder distributor setup will be a challenge but you can get it or maybe even fix up something better. Keep having fun! You are very resourceful and it is interesting how you keep a positive attitude getting all this old stuff working. Carry on!
Grandma used to say “get them plugs outta your ears!” to anyone she had to repeat her message to. Jonathan thank you for introducing us to a special treat, again, and may God continue to bless you and your family.
Heck I would've said I was repairing it with JB Weld just to get some people's forehead veins popping. I just temporarily fixed the muffler on my dually with JB Weld putty, and I'm serious about that. That's a JB Weld fix even @ElderlyIron Jeff would be proud of.
I laughed at the clay Nana!! That was great! Man JB Weld is impressive, I haven't used it like that before, works good for testing! Engine dose sound pretty good, I was more impressed at how fast of hand you have when it took off! Great video! Looking forward to the next!
I am shocked, that beast actually sounds very promising, Its amazing what you can figure out. I am curious to see where that ends up going, must weight 600 pounds. The 348, i did not know the cylinder bore was at a angle from the deck height, it seems that wedge of space at the outside circumference kinda makes up the combustion chamber. I was a freshman in high school when the 409 came out. I wanted to get one in a crate and put it something but never had the chance. Instead i got a 371 Olds and stuffed that into a 47 Chevy. Great 1st start, really amazing to see and heat that beast, its really smooth. Go Baby Go! D
I'm going to guess she weighs 750 lbs. with the flywheel and bell housing. Regular smallblock V8s weigh 500-650 lbs., and the V12 predates thinwall casting.
I really liked the Play-Doh repair...l'd never thought of that...next time you get over that way maybe you can get a pic/video of the 12 cylinder $1300 fire truck...l would've never thought you could move that fast - that's way faster than me...l'm going to watch this video again & text it to Randy
You do the coolest stuff for us and yourself Jonathan, always fun and a treat to see what your up to next, That big old engine sounds like it’s in great condition, hope it really is, and you’ll find a home for it to power something, fun video,,,,
Goodness-I thought it was going to runaway for a second there; Jed did a fine job scouting this engine:) I like the temporary carburetor mount fabrication-from a distance, it looks factory. ✌🏻
There are a lot of folks these days that shoot their mouths off via the relative anonymity of the internet. Regardless of them, I'll still enjoy watching you fix stuff, be it temporary for a test or the later permanent fix! It's clear you take permanent repairs seriously. Well now, it sounds pretty dang good! Awesome!
I had never seen one of these engines before I would have no idea as to where to start looking to get this thing to run. I had faith that you could do it and I was right. Thanks for showing us an engine I had never seen much less heard one run. Vintage tow truck would be nice with your towing company that would be great for your collection would be my Vote.
Had a V12 in my first Jaguar and I'm always fascinated by that engine configuration. Super smooth when running well, but can burble and growl like nothing else when pushed wide open.
You are right when you said the problem is "People don't listen". I would love to see the Komatsu PC40 engine swap running and working. Even though you said the last vid on the Komatsu was the final one. Wow that LaFrance V12 sounds awesome, what have you mind for the engine? As I don't think you have mentioned what you have planed for it.
That engine is awesome. I once helped someone work on a Rolls Royce Merlin V-12 on a test stand. It was a small pain in a similar way. Checking and cleaning 24 spark plugs.....time consuming, but SO worth it when it fired up. Good luck with your project!
Early in my fire service career, I operated a 1959 American LaFrance. It had a Continental gas engine, 6 cylinders. Regardless of the difference, I just wanted to thank you for bringing this back to life!
Wow Jonathan, pretty cool! You will get this ironed out, can't wait to hear this thing idle & run. Jonathan ya know what drives me nuts??? All of these naysayers on your channel, the JB weld was & is an excellent idea, it may even last, I wouldn't do anything until need be....I can only imagine what this motor will go in, what about putting a vintage wrecker together using that old Osh Kosh(?) cab that you picked up? Not a rat rod or anything like that, a truck they may have put together back in the day....don't let those naysayers bother you, they probably have never picked up a screw driver.....keep up the good work!!!
I'm a fan of JB Weld. I had a diesel pickup that had an oil leak between the block and the oil filter. For some reason, there was a small chip out of the cast block right where the filter seal seated. We cleaned out the chip pit to remove all oil residue and filled it with JB Weld. I ran that truck for another 10 years and nary a leak. I've mended many things over the years with JB Weld, and most held together.
I fixed an aluminum oil pan that had a chunk missing on a car I had when I was young. It had a quarter sized triangle shaped hole with some cracks from some idiot jacking up the engine. It not only worked, but it lasted 3 years until I got rid of the car. Amazing stuff, that JB Weld.
@@garthsheane2440 I am also a fan of JB weld, I bet if the naysayers were stuck out on a job or in the middle of a field & that's all they had to use....
JB weld works quite well for a lot of jobs but will deteriorate when constantly exposed to modern gasoline. I have rebuilt several thermoquads and sometimes have to re-glue the main jet well back on. So far haven't found anything that will last very long. Devcon plastic steel works ok but breaks down after a while just like everything else.
or all they can think about is toyota, kia, honda, mitsubishi crap which are everyone for the loser new wave crowd
Thank you , My son has a friend that is working on restoring 1946 LeFrance V12
I will send this video to him
Well done with this project and thumbs up for this episode. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Jonathan, I usually watch on my TV and can’t add comments. I wanted to let you know I truly enjoy your channel, the unique things you work on, and your ingenuity to come up with solutions. Keep up the good work!
Jonathan, this is going back years in my memory banks, but here we go.. The throttle plates in the "adapters" under the carburetors where controlled by the fire pump pressure governor and where normally wide open. The engine speed was controlled by the throttle plates in the carb base. Depending on the type of fire pump in the engine ( gear or centrifugal) the two carbs where able to be controlled separately. ALF used an exhaust gas ventury to create a vacuum in the centrifugal pump to pull a draft from a river or lake. The primer would close a valve in the exhaust downstream of the venturi in one exhaust ( right bank, I think ), and speed up the carburetor on the same side creating lots of pressure through the venturi.
you ,sir, are a very knowledgeable fellow !
@@stevewhyte8476 Thanks!
Another priming method ALF used in the early days, was using intake manifold vacuum through a float chamber to the fire pump housing. This method wasn't used for very long, 1, if you pulled a slug of water and the float closed off, you had to drain the float chamber and start over. 2, if the float didn't work, water straight into the engine. OUCH!!
Wow that's interesting. They certainly were clever to think up something like that
That's a lot to recall. Dang.
Very cool video and project thanks for sharing!!!😎👍🏼❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
This thing is going to purr. The play-doh Nana figurine was crucial to the process. I'm wondering: "Where's this beauty going to end up?"
*My lady friend said: "Wow! It sounds good!" She has never heard your show or your first starts, doesn't know how to drive at 70+ years of age, or why we all like the sounds your engines make so much . . . but she instantly got-it! Who knew? . . . Oh, did I mention she has always liked football and prefers to only smoke her Gurka Maduro Black Ops cigars. ||| She is really glad for you exploring and amplifying your creativity, Jonathan, as do I, and as do probably everyone of your fans here.*
A super rare engine today! Kudos to you Jonathan, for preserving another rare gem.
You just keep on amazing me. My favorite first start to date. Impressive!!!!
That's too cool!!! Never heard one of those run. Thanks Jonathan.
Jonathan, you’re as real as real can get brother. Meaning you’re an A+++++++++ mechanic and just a STRAIGHT UP DAMN GOOD PERSON! You’re my absolute favorite to watch! Would love to come to your place one day and meet you personally!
It’s nice to see a man that understands priorities, when it fires the gas bottle goes! Fantastic work as always! Glad to see someone else who remembers what it was like pre-internet and rock auto. Keep doing what you do, regardless what the comments say! And don’t over work Nana cat.
Four 6 cylinder ignition systems! That took some ingenuity back in the day. Simple once you figure it out, but not easy.
Great job getting one distributor to work, should really fire up easy when both are working.
Now for some long tube headers, a triple quad manifold, and some wheels to carry it all. LOL
Thanks for sharing.
Jonathan, I really enjoy your videos and simple approaches to fixing anything and everything. I love the V-12 Lycoming. I was in the Lycoming factory in Williamsport, PA as a kid many times with my dad. He was VP of Engineering and was always checking on engines that were on test 24/7. They also built many models of piston aircraft engines. My dad was very proud of the company, and owned 2 Cords over the years with the Lycoming V8 engine made in the same factory. Thanks for sharing all your experiences.
Jonathan I think Nana's so proud of your engine work she's trying to give you her photo glamour shot for treats every time she hears a fire up lol 🎬🐱📸
One of the Coolest engines I’ve seen!👍
Anyone who thought that you would be using JB Weld as a permanent fix obviously is new to your channel and shouldn't be commenting without watching your prior videos first.
I was involved in a project where a city restored it's first fire truck which of course was an American LaFrance. She was a beauty when we were done. The ignition system was frustrating until a gentleman who once worked for the company and had most likely helped build that particular vehicle contacted us and came to help. He had his own collection and was a huge help in getting a few NOS parts for our project vehicle. Now the fire truck is used for parades and has technically been back in service for 6 years but of course it will never be used for a real fire anymore.
Watching you is always an education. Thanks! I knew about the Pierce Arrow/ Seagrave V12, but had never seen the ALF motor. I think that an A1 Towing Rat Rod Wrecker is definitely in your future. I am very glad that it ran so well.
You definitely know your stuff when it comes to mechanical things. Not many people can do what you do these days. Love your channel, very educational
Sweet! I have a buddy who is a retired fire fighter. He belongs to a group that restores antique fire engines. I sent him a message asking if anyone in his group has a spare V-12 intake manifold.
Remarkable for being engineered SO long ago.. It has a huge cool factor, times 12!
You have't remember these was used in Fire Truck's they had to sit and run for hours sometimes for the Firemen to pump water. 5.5 quarts wasn't enough for that.
And, The 0ld Stuff sometimes IS THE BEST Stuff. I Might Add👍🏽👍🏼👍🏻
This motor is perfect for rAt rods. Or steam punk. Would look better than a small block in a t bucket.
I agree! I'd like to see it running full out.
@Russell Gerdes Just saw another video of one of these engines cherry restored and getting fired up. After seeing what Jonathan did with this old wreck, it piqued my curiosity...
Actually a 45* V12 (the vast majority of V12s are 60*) because they were designed to be a V16. ALF hacked off four cylinders from the design to use them in firetrucks. Neat engineering, but by no means the pinnacle of their time.
Such an amazing engine, thanks for sharing this project.
I can tell you’re somebody’s grandpa - you have play dough and know how to use it!
Man, how about silly putty !
@@markcollins5026 I know and you could copy newspaper pictures on to the silly putty by squishing it on to the picture.. Silly putty was great wasn't it? lot of fun!!
Jonathan, after seeing that old Lycoming engine I had a thought go through my head that was "Man that engine was way before my time". I grew up with American LaFrance products and eventually working with them into the Detroit Diesel age in the early 80's. I use to run into some of the Lycoming & Continental gas engines with some of our customers but as time went along most customers changed to diesel engines. I quite enjoyed your video and want to thank you for bringing back some great memories. Keep up the good work.
Your the man to get the first time start in many years. Awesome.
Been wanting to hear one of those V12 engines run for a long time!
ANOTHER UTTERLY FANTASTIC VIDEO.
The comments are always interesting.
"What's it going into", was prevalent.
Unusual vehicle for an Unusual motor!
I live on a farm SW Okla. and we never get rid of equipment.
There are a couple of faded red Massey wheat combines that caught my eye.
A "Straw Walker" housing is the rear end.
Removed from the combine it would look much like a "High Boy" roadster body increased by about 25%.
Just playing around, speculating on unusual bodies.
Sure do enjoy the videos. Thank you.
Lot of history at Lycoming. I remember my shop teacher back in the day talking about all the various types and applications their engines were used in. Thank you for sharing and uploading!
You have a gift Jonathan, you amaze me at every turn!
That is one cool motor Johnathan can't wait to see what it goes in
I hope it’s a rat truck or hot rod!
Your half ass repairs are better than most final repair I’ve seen👍
Wow that thing has a sound all it's own. Can't wait 'till you have it tamed and purring sweetly. Two thumbs up! 👍👍
Jonathan, I understood your intentions about the quick fix for the intake manifold. You speak clear enough for me.
Yes, Jonathan, vapor lock on the '61 For Falcon was prevented by using a pretty big inverted "U" shape bend in the fuel line just before the carb..
Vapor lock was VERY common with slant six cars too. Running a lot of errands with my Valiant, man oh man, the engine would just crank and crank before it would catch.
WHOA! That engine wants to run!
Hello Jonathan and that was my birthday present thank you so much for getting that fired up it actually sounds pretty good. I am 61 years young today. Stay safe stay well and as always God bless
U never let us down and ur true savor of junk because it's not junk. U never let them die. Thanks for great videos
I just purchased a 1978 American LaFrance on a single 103 dollars and we won the bid! I know the facts about this truck,this is American know how! It pulls like a damn mud turtle baby! I know I purchased a machine with the
On an Generator,a air compressor,water storage is absolutely no problem when this girl is loaded!
Love the cat walking through your workshop. Complex ignition system. Nice smooth sound when fired up. Look forward to part 2.
2 Thumbs Up! I have worked on these Engines Before as well as Drive The Fire Truck. I grew up as a young 18 year old Firefighter. All of our Engines were American LaFrance. The City spared no cost in buying the Best. The Story goes and I did find it in the Fire Department Archives, one night a local Amusement Park caught fire and the huge Roller coaster burned down. The City Marshal was very upset as the Old 47 LaFrance with this same V12 Passed him on the old Highway 89 and he was topped out in his Police Car at 90 MPH. Very upset and said the fireman were unsafe. I think he was just mad that a big old Fire Truck passed him. Just a fun story to share with you.
In 1965 when I joined the fire departments a 1945 American Lawrance was our fire truck. This brings back lots of memories.
Can't wait to see what you are gonna bolt this into.what ever you put it in its gonna be an animal 👍.
These engines were obsolete in the mid sixties! You're awesome for preserving one of the few remaining ones. I'm envious of you getting to play with this antique equipment.
I smiled from ear to ear when she hit and started to run MAN that's a good feeling when your hard work pays off. Good Job Sir! Enjoyed the video thank you.
Some good old fashioned resourcefulness and ingenuity fixing that manifold flange. Doffing my cap to you and this grand old powerplant.
Enjoyed watching all of your videos.
I used to patch lawnmower blocks that slung a rod with plastic aluminum. Never had a leak or crack. I like how you used play dough. That is a neat trick
NOW THAT WAS FUN...I got a long time friends REO truck running for him...old beast with a 1000 pound flywheel on it...but for the life of me...I NEVER FIGURED OUT HOW THAT CLUTCH ADJUSTED ..THAT WAS 1970...IM 71 NOW AND STILL DONT KNOW...THAT V-12 SOUNDED 👍 GOOD!!!
The good old 527 "Invader" engine. We had 3 of them in the fleet when I started in the fire service in 1974. 2 ladders and 1 pumper.. All phased out and replaced by detroit screamers by '84 I have a set of valves for one somewhere that I saved when they cleaned out the old station when they moved to a new facility. They were real screwy designs, with the horizontal valve layout and the sparkplug blocks in the heads. These trucks had non-synchro "crash boxes" that gave most of the guys lots of trouble, so they would lug the hell out of them rather than downshift. Once they got going, however, they pulled good all the way up to overdrive. With the top-heavy ladders, there were intersections where you could pick up the inside duals while going around them. Drove like kamikazes back then, you could boil water on the brake drums after a run. Years later, an elevating platform (66,000 lbs.) t boned a school bus, which left tire tracks across the windshield, and caused $150,000 damage to the truck, but I digress. Again
Thanks Jonathan, Wow , what fun ! Mark Lindsay and I were talking the other night on a hangout! We were talking about the very motor you have there . Wanting to see it run ! Your temporary fix on the manifold worked out . The possibility for carburetors on this motors is fun to think about! Twin 4s or twin tri -power , a gal of gas in one mile. Thanks for sharing your adventures! I love this kind of stuff. I have a friend who has a towing company, my truck and nova came to me through him , I have had a lot fun help him with his shops buildings! Best Regards BobLee
Everyday after work i look for your videos i know it's has to be a lot of making them . I want you to know how much my family and i enjoys watching and learning from you thank you
And all of a sudden it came to live.
And it ran so healty!
I had a old car once just it sitting over nite did not start this easy! The next morning! Lol !!
As far as people that don’t like projects that you pick, I’ve found that I’m not wild about some but I learn things from what you do on them that can help on other things I do, so keep working on what you want to and the rest of us will keep learning and enjoying thanks
OMG what an engine.
2 distributors, 4 coils, 4 sets of points, 24 spark plugs and wires to contend with. I would be pulling what little hair I have left out. Lol
I never knew an engine like that was ever manufactured.
Sounded really good when it fired up 👍
No. 1 indicator of success in life is the ability to follow instructions. Listening carefully is a closely related skill, and it is a skill, meaning it needs to be practiced if it "doesn't come naturally". Nice job on explaining why the JB Weld!
Oh yes!! Not one thing a Hill Billy can not dew!! I knew when the gas bottle came out she was going to Run!!
Glad to see Nana is there to assist you not that you need it
Good to see you again
Ewen
Australia
Awesome, love that oldiron!👍🏻
Nope, no failure to communicate. I understood clearly your intentions for experimenting (first) with JB Weld. It is very common these days for people to be told something (very clearly, detailed, explained minutely) and not hear a damned thing you say. I experience it daily while giving driving lessons. You can even have them practice proper techniques with the car in park to "learn" the feel of what you're teaching them, as well as basic procedures to be done (pedal control, and to signal/mirror check/look to the side)... and, as soon as they put the car in gear... they're deer staring in the headlights and poking at the gas. And, as soon as you tell them they're doing it wrong, they rebut with: "I just need more practice." (Meaning, they want to practice the wrong behavior, in hopes that one day, correct behavior will magically begin to happen). Many of these people are accomplished and highly educated people... without a lick of common sense.
The ol' girl sounded good after barking to life. Even your temporary bandaids look "more gooder" than some "repairs" I've seen that were intended to be billable fixes. Question? Did Nana bite you after seeing your rendition of what she looks like? LOL
"Highly educated" is quite often a brick wall, if not an absolute antithesis to the application of hands on common sense.
Over the years I worked at several jobs as basically the working shop foreman/trainer. I've met a ton of people who've paid for their educations (unpaid student loans paid for some of them too-LOL).
Point is that because people paid for higher education, when it comes to the hands on working class world a fair amount of them think they are superior somehow. Long story short they are taught to think smugly, and as a result they become unteachable by us "lesser thans". To explain it another way, many really think they are superior to a given job because they have a paper that says they are better than the rest of the workers around them.
It's funny how that works too, because once they prove they can't cut it out on the floor, they often get promoted right past the workers who do good work, because of the stigma that a bachelors degree label in art or whatever else that doesn't even apply to a given job somehow magically means something. Take a corn fed farm boy, and you can almost just point at something and consider it done, and done well, because they learned how to live with their blood, sweat, and hands.
@@Freedomquest08 A phrase we used when I was younger: "So heavenly minded, they're no earthly good."
Another complication to what I related, is that many of these are from other countries, where the "road test" is nothing more than: "Show me you can let the clutch out without killing the engine, AND able to honk the horn... and you get your license. If you're not capable of that, pay enough money and get the license anyhow." And, so they THINK they know HOW to drive, and show up to be taught how to parallel park and back around a corner... thinking that's all they need to pass the road test. It's criminal (governing officials), how utter and complete, the lack of value of human life is in some of these other countries.
@@RatdogDRB Sounds like some US truck driving schools. I've known truck drivers who make side money backing other 'drivers' trucks up to docks, installing tire chains for other drivers, etc.
@@Freedomquest08 A University Lecturer/Scientist/Astronomer neighbor spent 4 hours trying to get the seats out of his MG Midget. I had them out in 3 minutes. He had a socket and bar, and was trying to undo the captive nuts in the floor.
@@Freedomquest08 Never underestimate common sense and taking the time to think a problem thru from all angles. Served me well as a metal fabricator. I would say steel fabricator but I worked with a variety of metals. Common sense approaches to problems have saved me countless hours straightening steel deformed by welding or even cutting at times while others just kept producing pieces resembling a Frito. Simply by utilizing a strongback if needed or whatever seemed to be logical.
Pretty neat Jonathan. I kept seeing only one side of the engine and didn't realize that it has two spark plugs per cylinder until you said you were only going to us one distributor and that the engine had four, six cylinder ignitions. Great video. Happy Motoring.
Using J-B Weld to patch engines is a time-honored tradition..... My Dad drove a 1953 Dodge pickup with one side of the flathead six engine held in place with J-B Weld and a couple of strategically-placed bolt/washers drilled and tapped into the crack line where the engine had frozen and the whole left side of the block had broken and fallen out.... Drove it for three years like that....
What a glorious engine!
V12, twin spark. Thank you for rescuing it. I can’t wait to hear it run when you’ve finished working on it.
I think those type of bottles are common with HVAC guys. They use that little snoot to get oil into fan motor bearings. That's one of the most badass engines ive ever seen. Thanks for getting it fired up man
Dang jhonthon when that thing back fired I jumped as quick as you did. Lol. Another old motor comes back to life. Dang cool. Great video.
Wow, Jonathan Winans...king of the junkyard repairs...I would've never thought of using Play Doh to make a casting mold with...
Very interesting engine,pretty exciting to see it fire up,looking forward to seeing what you do with it....thanks for sharing!
Nice one Jonathan. When I was a young apprentice at a Cummins dealer in Toronto early 70’s they did some conversions from gas to diesel.
I recall one of these though it may have been in a Seagrave fire truck. That was the first time I saw a duel spark plug engine. Thanks for being
who you are. No hype all substance, and doing more with less.
That a beautiful old piece of iron! Sounded really good. One fortunate side effect of it not starting ont he first crank is it probably gave the oil pump time to push oil everywhere. I can't wait to hear this thing idle.
It ran surprisingly well for a first startup 👍
Absolutely LOVE the way a v-12 sounds
Interesting piece of old machinery. I do see why you are just trying to "get it going" before putting a lot of effort into the intake manifold. Now that you have it running, you can either "do it right" with welding and machining and whatnot or perhaps find a used replacement manifold that is in better shape and needs less work. There is a very large Auburn-Cord-Dusenberg Club which might have lines on things you need. You also mentioned another fire truck with an A-LaF V-12 like this in it at a price you would be willing to afford. That four-six cylinder distributor setup will be a challenge but you can get it or maybe even fix up something better. Keep having fun! You are very resourceful and it is interesting how you keep a positive attitude getting all this old stuff working. Carry on!
That is a whole lot of Brute force all wrapped up in that old cast iron block. Sounded great.... love to see a part two, of it idling and revvvvving.
Grandma used to say “get them plugs outta your ears!” to anyone she had to repeat her message to. Jonathan thank you for introducing us to a special treat, again, and may God continue to bless you and your family.
Enjoy you’re videos. Good luck and God Bless you and you’re familt🙏🏻😁🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Heck I would've said I was repairing it with JB Weld just to get some people's forehead veins popping. I just temporarily fixed the muffler on my dually with JB Weld putty, and I'm serious about that.
That's a JB Weld fix even @ElderlyIron Jeff would be proud of.
Nice sounding ....... I once use JB weld on a 93 Chev front diff after the aluminum case was cracked an had a bad leak.....it last for over a year
I laughed at the clay Nana!! That was great! Man JB Weld is impressive, I haven't used it like that before, works good for testing! Engine dose sound pretty good, I was more impressed at how fast of hand you have when it took off! Great video! Looking forward to the next!
Good morning my friend really enjoy your videos first thing in the morning thanks
Very nice! Interesting v.12! I look forward to seeing it running!
I am shocked, that beast actually sounds very promising, Its amazing what you can figure out. I am curious to see where that ends up going, must weight 600 pounds. The 348, i did not know the cylinder bore was at a angle from the deck height, it seems that wedge of space at the outside circumference kinda makes up the combustion chamber. I was a freshman in high school when the 409 came out. I wanted to get one in a crate and put it something but never had the chance. Instead i got a 371 Olds and stuffed that into a 47 Chevy. Great 1st start, really amazing to see and heat that beast, its really smooth. Go Baby Go! D
I'm going to guess she weighs 750 lbs. with the flywheel and bell housing. Regular smallblock V8s weigh 500-650 lbs., and the V12 predates thinwall casting.
I have gotten used to LS motors, yeah any of those old V8 could weight 500 600 pounds. Whew! I like the truck idea.
@Russell Gerdes wow! that is half a heavy car!
I really liked the Play-Doh repair...l'd never thought of that...next time you get over that way maybe you can get a pic/video of the 12 cylinder $1300 fire truck...l would've never thought you could move that fast - that's way faster than me...l'm going to watch this video again & text it to Randy
Neat trick with the Play-doh and the cup!!, I know i would never have thought of that if i ran into that same problem. Thanks for showing that.
You do the coolest stuff for us and yourself Jonathan, always fun and a treat to see what your up to next,
That big old engine sounds like it’s in great condition, hope it really is, and you’ll find a home for it to power something, fun video,,,,
Goodness-I thought it was going to runaway for a second there; Jed did a fine job scouting this engine:) I like the temporary carburetor mount fabrication-from a distance, it looks factory. ✌🏻
Great video.
There are a lot of folks these days that shoot their mouths off via the relative anonymity of the internet.
Regardless of them, I'll still enjoy watching you fix stuff, be it temporary for a test or the later permanent fix!
It's clear you take permanent repairs seriously. Well now, it sounds pretty dang good! Awesome!
I got the rare opportunity to drive a fire engine with this engine in it. back in the early 80s. it ran beautifully. lots of power.
You are a mastermind when it comes to working on engines.
I had never seen one of these engines before I would have no idea as to where to start looking to get this thing to run. I had faith that you could do it and I was right. Thanks for showing us an engine I had never seen much less heard one run. Vintage tow truck would be nice with your towing company that would be great for your collection would be my Vote.
Good job as usual! Once it started it was smooth! Thanks for the video. I really appreciate it!
One thing I love is watching you mess with whatever your messing around with.
Ninna will have something to say about this for sure. A trained inspector and a ruthless critic. Thanks JW.
Liked the little things you did to get it together and get it to run ....clay -doh nena was a funny moment......be well jw ....👍
Your doing fine, thanks for the videos
Thanks for a great start to the week! Old Skool tow truck would be great!!
You're the man.
Had a V12 in my first Jaguar and I'm always fascinated by that engine configuration. Super smooth when running well, but can burble and growl like nothing else when pushed wide open.
You are right when you said the problem is "People don't listen". I would love to see the Komatsu PC40 engine swap running and working. Even though you said the last vid on the Komatsu was the final one. Wow that LaFrance V12 sounds awesome, what have you mind for the engine? As I don't think you have mentioned what you have planed for it.
What a wild bit of kit !! Over done but a great relic !
Keep at it 👍
That engine is awesome.
I once helped someone work on a Rolls Royce Merlin V-12 on a test stand. It was a small pain in a similar way. Checking and cleaning 24 spark plugs.....time consuming, but SO worth it when it fired up.
Good luck with your project!