Truman Thomas 4-In-1 Engine

 Finished my first model engine!

Attached are photos of my 4 in 1 vacuum engine. Runs great and learned an incredible amount in the process. Probably going for a Stirling next.

Dave King's 4-in-1 Vacuum Engine (4IN1)

Hi Allen,

I have now just finished the engine. Can't believe it's taken me so long.  It has been a great learning experience and have enjoyed all the late evenings in my garage. I am now thinking on which engine to build next.. so many to choose from.  Must have taken your father years to build them all!

Please find attached a photo as requested.

I have as posted a video on youtube. I hope this is ok:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thHj3o12D34

Regards Dave King

Graphite piston size issue (builders, please note!) (4IN1)

Here's an e-mail I received from Wayne Linfield on June 1, 2013:

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At Christmas I received a 4 in 1 engine kit with the Graphite & Bearings kit. I am now getting around to building the engine. I find that the graphite piston is too small. The data sheet specifies the diameter as 1.045" but the part I received is only 0.997".Having already bored the cylinder out to 1.000" it is too small to fit properly.Is it possible to send me one the correct diameter?

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And my reply:

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Wayne,

Hmmm - never noticed that before.  That must be a typo, because the data sheet for the "Duplex" engine kit shows 1.000", which is the same stock.  I'll have to fix that on the 4-in-1 kit packing slip.

Looking at page 10, it shows the cyl diameter is 1.000".

We do not offer graphite larger than 1".

Although I am not a machinist, I would think it would be wise/prudent to make your parts around any pre-manufactured parts.

Sometimes, bearings are slightly smaller by a thousandth or two from what the plans anticipate.  Once or twice a customer has also complained about that.  Of course, I have no control over manufacturers to make bearings the exact size as the plans specify.   You must allow for generally accepted mass-production size tolerances.  Not unlike 2x4 lumber is actually 1.5" x 3.5"?

Since your cyl is now oversize, I suppose you could insert a stainless steel sleeve like Dad did on his.  Then you won't have to make another cyl.

Sorry about that!

Ralph Ervolino's 4-in-1 Flame Eater on YouTube (4IN1)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpuV9-xcYjs&NR=1

"4-in-1 Vacuum Engine" by Dana Hall in central FL (4IN1)

56 "4-in-1" engines by North Dakota State College (4IN1)

56  "4-in-1" Vacuum Engines built by Students at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND

"4-In-1" Vacuum Engine built by Jorma Sulin of Vantaa, Finland (4IN1)

"4-In-1" Vacuum Engine built by John Cady of Lafayette, CO (4IN1)

"4-in-1" Vacuum Engine built by Don Hermann of Genesse, ID (4IN1)

4-In-1" Vacuum Engine built by John Mallak of Hutchinson, MN (4IN1)

Triple "4-In-1" Vacuum Engine built by Norm Hayden of Seattle, WA (4IN1)

"4-In-1" Vacuum Engine built by Melvin Hofer of Freeman, SD (4IN1)

"4-In-1" Vacuum Engine by Dave Edgett of San Jose, CA (4IN1)

"4-In-1" Vacuum Engine built by Donald Bird III of Lacombe, LA (4IN1)

"4-In-1" Vacuum Engine built by Dario Brisighella of Oak Creek, WI (4IN1)

"4-In-1" Vacuum Engine built by Roger Cherrington of New Ulm, MN (4IN1)

"4-In-1" Vacuum Engine built by Joe Kalke of Maryville, TN (4IN1)

Jerry's Original 4-In-1 Vacuum Engine (4IN1)

"The correct terminology is 'atmospheric engine'. But anyway, here is a 'flame eater' engine you can build any of four ways: (1) - Air Cooled Side Crank as shown, (2) - Water Cooled Side Crank, (3) - Air Cooled Center Crank or (4) - Water Cooled Center Crank!

The air cooled engines have an optional belt driven cooling fan which provides cooling for long running sessions. The engine runs fine without it. With the fan, the engine will run all day long and never get hot. But long runs or not, the fan also adds much interest to the engine.

All four versions use my oscillating (twisting) side shaft mechanism to operate the head valve. My unique valve seat is of self lubricating non-metallic material which greatly reduces valve sliding friction and virtually eliminates wear. The engine speed range is from 60 to 600 RPM or so." - Jerry