1956 Clinton 2 1/2 HP VS100 Mower Engine

A 1956 2 1/2 horsepower Clinton VS (vertical shaft) aluminum block "clamshell design" engine. It originally came on an old GEM mower, but I had to mount it on a somewhat newer Jacobsen frame, as the original was badly broken. In the early 50's, both Clinton and Briggs & Stratton were among the first to introduced these lightweight vertical shaft units, built from aluminum instead of cast-iron, for less exertion during rotary lawnmower use. I believe that Clinton may have actually brought their lightweight units onto the market just slightly before Briggs & Stratton. This engine is an example of one of their early model "VS 100" lightweight aluminum "clamshell" designs. It has the desirable Fairbanks Morse starter, and Carter Model N carburetor. Unfortunately, Clinton did not survive into modern times. Their early products sold well when the company started production after World War II, and were very competitive against the likes of other mower engine manufactures, such as Briggs and Stratton, Lauson and Jacobson. However, the quality began to suffer by the late 50's. Most people believe, that the sale of the business and concurrent mismanagement were the main reasons for the demise.

[@bighornbill1]

I'm quite familiar with that model engine VS-100, as I used to operate our lawn mower that had the engine until my mother gave it away to somebody. It was discovered after the Gem series engines went out into the field that the valve springs were not keeping the valves well aligned with the guides and caused unusual guide, valve face, and seat wear, as well as valve spring fatigue. The Clinton Service Bulletin No. 72 recommends that a valve spring retainer plate, old part number 10013 new number 215-136, be installed to keep the valve springs aligned properly and kept from wandering from side to side. This part was incorporated right away into later engines. Another matter: the owner's manual specified an idle speed of only 1000 RPM. 1700 RPM is more appropriate for engine longevity. Even the big 2500 9 hp engine had a specified idle speed of 1700 RPM. 1000 RPM for your model engine is likely a misprint. By the way, if you ever re-ring the engine, Sealed Power makes a very nice chrome ring set. I installed their set and love it, beautiful compression and oil control, and will probably outlast me. I think Clinton has kept a warehouse in Maquoketa that has been run by Bill Mayberry, who was Vice President of Clinton engines, where you can still get some parts for the Clinton engines.

[@constructioncenter]

I want it. Can you sell it?