Technical Aspects of the Design and Operation of the Reid Two Cycle Gas Engine Type A, Sisterville

William Wingo, 13923 State Hwy 8, Titusville, PA 16354
willwingo@catsandmacks.com

This paper will discuss the operational cycle, function of component parts, design and personal observations on the evolution of the design of the Joseph Reid Gas engine.

The Joseph Reid two cycle gas engine is unique in both design and method of operation. Joseph Reid began the manufacture of gas engines in 1894, with the first engine being shipped from the Oil City factory on December 1st.

The 2 cycle design of the engine provides a power stroke with every revolution of the crankshaft, which is not unique to the Reid engines. What is unique to this engine is the utilization of a supply or charging cylinder and piston on either the left or right hand side of the main cylinder.

Another design feature of the Type A engine include a valveless, ported exhaust system and a fuel intake that minimizes wear and provides an extremely uniform mixture of gas and air to the combustion chamber.

The cycle of operation is based on a crankshaft with two throws, separated by ninety degrees of rotation that allow the charging cylinder to perform two functions in the operation of the engine: providing a fresh charge of mixed gas and air and then scavenging the main cylinder of the products of combustion.

A proportional feed valve supplies fuel and air from independent sources to the charging cylinder for mixing and delivery to the main combustion chamber. The rate of supply is controlled by a hand valve in conjunction with the flyball governor, which, in turn controls the speed of the engine based on the load that the engine is carrying.

References:

Author unlisted/ unknown: REID TWO CYCLE GAS ENGINES AND PUMPING POWERS, Bulletin No. 29, October, 1924, publisher unlisted.

Author unlisted/ unknown: LIST OF PARTS OF THE REID TWO-CYLCE GAS ENGINES, Oil City PA., Joseph Reid Gas Engine Co., Oil City, PA. publisher unlisted.