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Antique Engine Database
Wisconsin Motor Mfg. Co.
in 1929 Wisconsin Motor Company embarked on an entirely new air cooled engine line, first introducing a series of single cylinder models. These were followe by the in-line four cylinder air cooled model in 1935. The huge success of these engines, compared to the earlier water cooled designs prompted Wisconsin Motor Company to phase the latter style out of production in 1941. At this point, Wisconsin introudced the famous V-4 air cooled engines, building them in addition to an already established line of single and double cylinder vertical styles. The Wisconsin success story can be better emphasized by noting that production surpassed the 3,000,000 mark in 1959. This late model V-4 Wisconsin engine carries a modern ignition system and electric starting as standard equipment. Except for these and other minor modifications, the V-4 Wisconsin engine sremain virtually identical in design to the original style. The company operated today (1983) as Teledyne Wisconsin Motor, offering air cooled gasoline and diesel engines in sizes from 3 to 80 horsepower.
history
On March 12, 1909, Charles H. John, A. F. Milbrath, and other induviduals received their corporate charter, making Wisconsin Motor Company a legal entity. From the begining Mr. John was determine to build a high grade, multiple cylinder engine. In this effort he was capably assisted by Mr. Milbrath, who held the office of Secretray in the company, along with being the Mechanical Engineer. Within two years the original shop in North Milwaukee was too small, so a 6 1/2 acre tract was purchased at 53rd and Burnham Street in West Allis. ON this site, Wisconsin Motor Company built one of the most modern engine manufacturing plants of the time. Employment by 1912 averaged 300 men in the shops, running day and night shifts. During the early years of production automobile engines were a specialty. Several prominent manufacturers used Wisconsin engines, including Stutz, Case, and Kissel. By 1912 the Wisconsin engien found favor with farm tractor builders as well. To complete the line, Wisconsin also supplied their engines as skid mounted or portable power units. Wisconsin engines also found favor on the racing circuit, with famous drivers like Ralph de Palma, Bill Endicott, and Sig Haugdaul preferring the Wisconsin over anything else. It was a Wisconsin Special that HAugdual used in 1922 when he set the record as being the first man to ever travel three miles a minute. Wisconsin Type A, four cylidner, T-head engines with a 4 3/4 x 5 1/2 inch bore and storke were featured in several Stutz automobile styles. The same engine was also used in Clintonville Four-Wheel-Drive trucks.
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