Help need cooling tube to prop distance on 2hp elgin

[Texwing]

wow it finally sprang to life after 22 years in the barn, but I still think it's running hot. Cooling tube is one half inch from edge of prop, and I am not convinced water is making it up the tube. The tube is clear, I used some tubing any the water faucet to run water up the tube, and it ran back out the exhaust as well as the grid of exhaust holes. When running there is no sign of moisture coming out with the exhaust, and it's way to hot to hold your hand in front of for more than a couple of seconds. My only guess is that the tube should be closer to the prop edge, that's why I am after the measurement. Thanks in advance.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Help need cooling tube to prop distance on 2hp elgin

It would help if we had the model number of your Elgin. If this has the typical water tube that just forces water up into the engine without an impeller pump, you'll find that it cools much better if it's on a boat and moving. That type of cooling system doesn't do well under static conditions.

Also, try hooking a hose up to the tube and gently force water through. The tube may be blocked by insect nests. Yellowjackets and other hornets love tubes for nest building. That could require pulling the powerhead and running water back down the tube.

But, with a model number, we can probably help more.

 

[Ned L]

Re: Help need cooling tube to prop distance on 2hp elgin

Keep in mind that this cooling tube only cools (& quites a bit) the exhaust gasses, and has nothing to do with cooling the power head. If the engine itself is 'overheating' to the point that it is starting to sieze, this will do nothing for that. Air cooled engine do run very 'hot' and you can not put your hand anywhere on the cylinder area after a minute or so. I don't remember what gas/oil mix ratio you are using, but too lean on the oil can cause problems (permanent damage). you should probably be using about a 16:1 mix. That's about 1 quart of oil in 5 gallons of gas. There really isn't a reason for these engines to run too hot. --- As I remember from my engines, about 1/2" sounds fine, can even be a bit more.

 

[Texwing]

Re: Help need cooling tube to prop distance on 2hp elgin

Thanks for the comments. Model no: don't know because the plate on the tiller handle is gone, but it has a recoil starter and paint style similar to the red 58 Elgin 2hp, although mine is baby blue with greenish Elgin decals. There are part numbers galore on other parts if useful, let me know, I would love to know the year.
Cooling tube:already ran hose water through it, it is open and clear. Problem is when in the trash can test tank, the upper leg gets quite hot, and their is no trace of moisture in the exhaust, none at all, so it makes we wonder. I even held paper over the exaust and got some oil mist, but no water. Maybe it is the test tank turbulence.
Driving me crazy just like 22 years ago. I am remembering why it got stuck in the barn for 22 years. It ran good on 15/1 mix in the morning, a 30 minute run in the tank-then would just sputter and die in the afternoon, only diff wAs alot less gas in the tank, but still gas. Grrrrrrrr

 

[F_R]

Re: Help need cooling tube to prop distance on 2hp elgin

Cooling tube:already ran hose water through it, it is open and clear. Problem is when in the trash can test tank, the upper leg gets quite hot, and their is no trace of moisture in the exhaust, none at all, so it makes we wonder. I even held paper over the exaust and got some oil mist, but no water. Maybe it is the test tank turbulence.

It won't cool in a barrel. It was designed to run on a boat on the lake.