Sterling engine

Hey all,
NOT sterling heat engine, but Sterling GASOLINE engines made in Buffalo, NY USA back in the early 1900's. They were huge, old herky things that ate fuel like it cost nothing.
Well, anyways, I've got one. Big in-line 6 with double Detroit-Zenith carbs and double spark plugs for each cylinder. Weigh's about 2000 lbs and makes 175 hp. Built to put in in-board boats.

Anybody know anything about them?
~martin

 

Martin,

Some great photos of an 8 cyl Sterling, and a description of the line, taken from some early ad copy, I'd guess. Another forum with some Sterling discussions here:

http://www.oldmarineengine.com/discus/messages/3428/104770.html#POST20633

and here:

http://www.oldmarineengine.com/discus/messages/2/1599.html

 

Thanks Charlie for the links....

 

Yes, thanks, Charlie.
Mine Sterling is a Petrel model, and it's in near perfect shape as it sat unused pretty much it's whole life. It ran maybe a dozen times since new in 1938 (coupled to a pump for fire protection and there never was a fire!) and when I got it it didn't take much to get her running smooth.
~martin

 

Jeez that thing is massive!
On the other hand, such an engine may well run pretty close to forever, if well maintained. I would be quite curious to see how it performs in something like a large, heavy-displacement trawler. Strikes me as a good match for the kind of hull that likes a lot of torque through a big, slow prop.

 

I recently came across an engine that looks exactly like your sterling petrel L-6. It is going to auction next week. What was it used for? What are they worth?

 

I'm not an expert on Sterlings, but what I know is that they made two versions of this engine, one for boats (such as very early Chris Crafts) and one that was for industrial applications. Mine is the industrail version as it was neede to run a very, very large water pump... 1100 gpm.
As far as the what are they worth...well, that would be a tough question, answered only by what a few folks out there would be willing to pay for it depending on their needs for Sterling engine spare parts, etc. There area number of early Sterling engines around still powering boats and, as far as I know most the entire engine is the same parts between the two applications. I've got a buddy who is the go-to man for this engine, if you are really serious about this I could pass along an email address to him.

 

Martinf, I would be interested in talking to your go to man. I wouldn't want this old engine to wind up in the scrap yard.

 

I forwarded this to the guy I know, no doubt he'll get back to you.
~martin

 

Sterling Petrel

Greetings Dan,

Glad to her that more Petrels show their heavy bodies from time to time. They are a very well designed engine for their day. The engine hit the scene in the late 20s with versions as low as 175 HP. Most early engines were 200 and then 225 HP.

The engine, as Martin said, was built in 2 major varieties, Industrial and Marine. The marine of course having a reverse gear applied to the opposite end from the flywheel. The industrial versions were usually on a quite tall and heavy base and take 4 men and a dog to move. Just ask Martin about his moving story!

There are a few boats out there still with these engines. Usually they will only be found in runabouts that are restored from the 30s. Most work boats and cruisers have long ago replaced them with more modern power.

Feel free to contact me with other questions.

 

Martin and Lew, Thanks for all the info about the sterling petrel. My question is this engine worth pursuing? The sale bill says it has 407 hrs on the tach. and it looks to be inside a power plant. I could make a couple of calls on the condition if anyone is interested. It sells Tues. Thanks Dan

 

Hi Dan et al,

It is a cool engine and 407 hours is nothing, especially if it has been inside its entire life. they are built so very well. As it sounds like this is an industrial instead of a marine version, the interest is generally from a collector and not a boat head unless someone needs parts.

They are just heavy and such, shipping will generally be more than the sale price. From what I have heard here so far about this engine without seeing it, I would guess that a good sale price to a collector is between $0 and $1000. If this were a marine engine and complete, that price could go as high as $12,000 depending upon condition and what year it was built. Only a perfect early (1929) engine would draw that kind of price. Generally a complete marine unit needing restoration would be less than $5,000.

 

Hi Dan,

Does this engine have the Sterling gauge panel and complete PTO? Does it have a standard exhaust manifold or a water cooled manifold?

 

Hi Lew, I don't know about the gauge panel, it looks like it came with the engine.I don't think it has a pto, it looks like the flywheel is enclosed. with the end of the crankshaft exposed. I was wondering why the paint wasn't burnt off the manifold, but if it is watercooled that could explain it. They told me it was a backup pump for the city water supply. It was taken out of service in the late 1970's. Here is the problem, it is in the basement of the water plant and will take some effort to get out. I could send pics if I can reach you. Thanks Dan

 

Hi Dan,

if you have any pics, I would love to see them. You can send them to l.dobbins@sbcglobal.net.

If it does not have PTO, then for industrial applications, they usually have a mating flange that bolts directly to the flywheel and the shaft exits a center hole in the flywheel cover.

As far as the exhaust manifold, there were a very few industrial Petrels that do not have a water jacketed manifold. But most are jacketed for 2 reasons. First, it helps with the temperature control and proper fuel atomization as the casting is both the intake and exhaust manifold. Second, it allows for some applications or installations where a bare hot manifold becomes a fire danger.