[Frank Klenk]

This engine is a Hoof Fleetwind, model E-60, vintage is 1946. Displacement is .604 cu in. Made in Chicago. They made 3 models. This one has a stamped and drawn piston with the connecting rod held to the piston with a bracket that is riveted to the piston crown. Induction is a rear disc rotary. Therefore this is the first version. Second version has a new shaft, cast iron piston and tubular steel wrist pin. The obvious detail of a knob on the needle makes it the first version too. The third version is identical to the second but it was a Christmas version that came in a large box mounted on a plywood test stand complete with coil, condenser and wiring. The mount even had suction cups on the bottom. The engine is not very dirty so cleaning will be a snap. Let’s take it apart.

[Frank Klenk]

I won’t clean the fuel tank at all as cleaning will destroy the decal. From the pictures you can see the internal bracket inside the piston, odd indeed. Internals show hardly any run time, maybe it was just run at the factory. I am thrilled to take this one apart because I don’t have to make new gaskets! With low run time I just heat up the crankcase to make the old fuel sticky and the gaskets come apart without tearing, sweet! Notice the method to secure the liner. There are no head bolts. So the liner and head are one piece, secured with 3 tiny bolts at the base. How did they get the bolts in the holes? Once loosened I rotated the liner as the holes are slotted and viola it slides apart. Of particular interest is the crankshaft. It is quite small. In the picture is a McCoy 60 crank behind the Hoof. The McCoy weighs 50 grams, the Hoof only 32 grams. See the small extension to drive the rear rotor, intricate. This may explain why the second version has a new crankshaft. All the hardware is plated white so once again minimal tank shake time.

[Frank Klenk]

Parts are clean and ready to reassemble. Notice the piston is lapped. I see no reason to hone the liner as it will only oversize it. Points exhibit no pits marks at all, reaffirming my belief that run time was at the factory only. As I was rinsing an unknown part fell out of my hand, crap what the hell is that? A little aluminum wedge with tiny holes (#72). Turns out it is inserted into the venture, whew. The tiny holes create a low pressure area to draw fuel up from the tank. Another first. My attention goes to the crank once again. It has a hole drilled up the center from the web side, odd. This is what a builder would do to make a front rotary valve crank. A tiny hole is drilled cross ways to aid bushing lubrication, very nice idea. Perhaps the machinist just got carried away drilling that first hole and went deep? Another thought is that it was done to lighten the crank. As I was assembling I did not pay attention to the timer housing as the spring steel piece that holds the points closed also fell apart. After a couple of minutes I figured it out.

[Frank Klenk]

Engine is reassembled and ready to show. It shows nicely for a 1946.

[williame3590]

Hey Frank, does Woody not have the tank decals? Also after cleaning if there seems to be any white-ish hue on the aluminum just wipe it with a little oil 3in1 or airtool etc. and it will disappear.
I think I have the 3rd version with running stand.
Beautiful little engines.....we should have been born 40yrs earlier but I'm glad we weren't. LOL

Bill

[smoknrv4]

Nice frank. I wish I could fondle it.

[williame3590]

You can come over and fondle mine Jon.

Bill lol

[Frank Klenk]

Taking fondling appointments, still have a few time slots open LOL!

[Frank Klenk]

Bill, the white hue on the screws is cad plating I believe. How about a picture of your version 3?

[fsone]

Hey you guy's are full of laughs today!Keep it up it's lookin good on ya's.