The Project Gutenberg EBook of Gas and Oil Engines, Simply Explained, by
Walter C. Runciman

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Title: Gas and Oil Engines, Simply Explained
An Elementary Instruction Book for Amateurs and Engine Attendants

Author: Walter C. Runciman

Release Date: November 17, 2008 [EBook #27286]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

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GAS AND OIL ENGINES

SIMPLY EXPLAINED

_An Elementary Instruction Book for Amateurs
and Engine Attendants_

BY
WALTER C. RUNCIMAN

_FULLY ILLUSTRATED_

LONDON

Model Engineer Series. The "Model Engineer"
Series, no. 26.

1905

CONTENTS

CHAP. PAGE

PREFACE 5

I. INTRODUCTORY 7

II. THE COMPONENT PARTS OF AN ENGINE 13

III. HOW A GAS ENGINE WORKS 22

IV. IGNITION DEVICES 33

V. MAGNETO IGNITION 47

VI. GOVERNING 51

VII. CAMS AND VALVE SETTINGS 63

VIII. OIL ENGINES 81

PREFACE

My object in placing this handbook before the reader is to provide him
with a simple and straightforward explanation of how and why a gas
engine, or an oil engine, works. The main features and peculiarities in
the construction of these engines are described, while the methods and
precautions necessary to arrive at desirable results are detailed as
fully as the limited space permits. I have aimed at supplying just that
information which my experience shows is most needed by the user and by
the amateur builder of small power engines. In place of giving a mere
list of common engine troubles and their remedies, I have thought it
better to endeavour to explain thoroughly the fundamental principles and
essentials of good runni