Help identifying an aluminum 4 cyl flathead (1933?)

I just bought a bunch of stuff out of a barn. Part of the pile is a flathead 4 cyl motor and trans I can't identify. It has an open drive transmission and I know it's not the usual "A", "T" or Plymouth etc... It has an aluminum block and removeable jugs. I found what looks like a date code on the p***enger side of the block that says 8-4-33. I'm not sure if that means it's a 1933 but it's very old. The coolest part is that I was able to get it running sitting on the floor of my shop! It fired up on the same wires, points and plugs that were in it when I found it! I will try to get some pics up tonite when I get home or first thing in the morning. I'd really like to know what the heck this thing is. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

How about some pictures...can't identify what we can't see.

 

I'm going to put some up as soon as I get a chance. I can't do it from here.

 

We have a Franklin that's like that, aluminum block and removable jugs, but it's an eight and air cooled. I've seen others from the late 20s that were done that way, though. Does the starter or generator have their ID tags on them? I can look those up in my AEA catalog and maybe point you in the right direction.

 

The starter does have a tag on it. I'll get the info and put it on here. The motor I have is water cooled but it has a very small 2 blade fan. Thanks

 

Here are a few pics of the motor. The starter and the coil are both made by Auto lite. The Intake says "Tenual" on it. Not sure if that will help any.

 

I'm guessing it's a 30's Austin engine.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin_Motor_Company

 

I think you're right. I just looked up "Tenual" and it seems that they made Austin engines and Chris Craft boat engines. I'm sure lots of other stuff as well

 

American Austin, they used them in Chris Craft boats, in the 30s!

 

The starter and generator tags aught to have a number on each one, besides the brand name.

 

Carb looks like a Tilotson aftermarker Model A Ford item.

 

I think they are Austins also. What electrics do they have. That's the best clue as to which country their made for

 

That would make a really cool mini rod or speedster, but parts would likely be a ***** to find. Maybe a Chris Craft guy would buy it? Or you could just fire it up now and then and sit there and grin!

 

Parts are easy

 

Yes, "Baby Austin" or also called American Austin. These had a screwy generator and distributor mount...looks like yours is missing.


These are maybe 10-12 hp....and the crank is incredibly weak. You can flex it by using a bar on the flywheel. Weird cltch disc that does not have a splined hole; it has a male splined shaft attached.


oh. i have one here, but who knows where...it's so small and easy to lose

 

Also called Rosengart and Dixi

Willys Overland also built them in Berlin

 

I hate to be "that guy" dragging up an ancient thread, but this user hasn't been on line in over a year. His contact information seems to be dead as well. I'm hoping that this will send an email to him and I can finally get a response about this engine. Sorry to anyone bothered by this popping up at the top.

 

Don't mention it. I enjoyed the thread and pictures. But, I doubt the engine is really aluminum.

 

Not all of it, but if it is an Austin 7 engine it does have an aluminium crank-case.

The cylinders and head are cast iron.