Hit and miss engine.

[Edward Robenolt]

Hello: I just bought a international hit and miss engine. This is my first one ever. I would like to restore it. I can barely read the tag on top of the water jacket. It is a 1 1/2 hp I think it is a model M. The magneto is missing. I need to know where I can get one and what style it takes. Does it take a wico ek or a low tension mag. Also I need to know what color green does it need to be. If anyone can help me please let me know.
 

[huntingreen2day]

Can you post a picture?
 

[Edward Robenolt]

Here are the photos of my engine.


 

[ShadetreeRet]

Well,does it "hit" or does it "miss"? Either way, looks like you have something to keep you busy during the winter. Good luck.
 

[the Unforgiven]

Hey Ed, does it have a spark plug or an ignitor? I don't know but I would guess that it had the rotary IHC mag. I don't mean to rain on your parade but you do understand that an IHC "M" is not a hit and miss engine don't you?
 

[Edward Robenolt]

Hello: The engine has a spark plug. I really do not know for sure what this engine is. The person I bought it from says it is. I do know for sure what model it is. What ever it is I would like to restore it and make it run again.
 

[the Unforgiven]

Hi Ed, all I can really tell you is that it is an "M" IHC, the earlier engines used an ignitor, and that they are all throttle governed, not hit and miss. Antique yes, hit and miss, no. Real nice smooth engines. For what it's worth since it's my opinion and your engine, I wouldn't repaint it, it's only original once. Check out Smokstak.com, you will find everything you need to know. And welcome to the world of old engines!
 

[Edward Robenolt]

Hello: Thank you for that info. So far you are the only one that has steered me in the right direction. Than you
 

[huntingreen2day]

It is not a hit and miss engine but throttle governed engine. They are nice engines to have. Do an internet search and look at some pictures of model M engines. They were made in 1 1/2- 3- 6 and 10 HP.
Mine

 

[Kelly Barnett]

Edward,
Something is a little array in you pictures I think. Depending on the serial number. If the pictures are correct and the head has never been replaced then you have a IHC M that would have had a Bosch mag in it. It would have been the transition between the low tension mag and the Wico EK mag. If the serial number falls in that range then you have a more rare version of the M model. If you have an older, low tension mag, serial number then your engine has been pieced together in the past. Your fuel system has also been modified in the past. That is really quite normal to see. I hope you have fun with it. Remember one is just a starting point to many more.
 

[Todd Heck]

Hi Ed,
I am looking at an auction in Mi and they have a few "engines" as they say. I think they have one like yours and I am very interested bidding on it. They also have other models. What did you pay for it if you don't me skiing. I am not sure how high to bid.

thanks
for your time

Todd
 

[iceepuffs]

Hi, I have a model M engine serial #A1873. yr 1917. It has a sparkplug head. It's missing mag. You mentioned in a post to Edward that there was a transition between low tension and wico mags. I am going to restore this one and would like to gather all and any information I can get. Also the flywheels look just like Ed's. Thanks again. Daniel Dekle from Georgia.