Tee Bee,

From what I understand (which may or may not be true), the original originals (?) were good running engines. Ran something like a Mills. When sales did not go as expected, the remaining engines and parts were sold (apparently) to Gotham Hobbies. The remaining parts were assembled into engines by folks who did not know about fitting parts. For that reason, some ran, many did not.

Couple that with the idea that many "gave it a try" because the engines were selling for $2.95 ... mostly to folks who had never run diesels.

I would clean and oil it, free it up if necessary, and give it a try. If it turns over easy and has some compression, it may be a runner. I would try a 9x4 prop for the flywheel action.

If it turns over easily and has no compression, with piston at TDC, turn the compression screw in until the contra piston makes contact with the piston top. Now back the screw out 1.5 turns. Squirt a couple of drops of fuel in the exhaust and flip the prop smartly. Try to start per standard diesel starting, keeping in mind to not increase compression to the point of hitting the piston.

If you can not flip it fast enough to create some compression, try a starter. BTW, sometimes compression will increas by running for the first few runs.

You might ask your friend if he ever ran it, and get someone familiar with diesels to help you.

If you do get it running...man do you have bragging rights!

If not, you still have an old collectable engine with known history. BTW, mine is a replica.

Good luck,
George

PS. Here is a scan of the advertisement in MAN 8/52: