Hearing the engine fire up and run is a sweet sound. It makes a collector wonder how long it has been since the engine was last working. After it runs for a minute or so, shut it down to check for fuel leaks or other items that may need attention. This engine speed was checked with a shaft tachometer and found to be approximately 800 revolutions per minute. It was firing approximately 160 times per minute as this photo was taken. This author has observed some slow firing rates of approximately 75 times per minute produced by engines that were still in their original working condition.

When a carburetor is set correctly, the engine can be stopped by turning the needle jet pointer clockwise to close off the fuel flow. This is a preferred method by some collectors. If an engine is stopped by using the kill switch, it will still be pumping fuel during the time it is stopping. This may cause excess fuel to accumulate in the cylinder and result in difficult restarts.

Apply pressure to the flywheel to verify that the governor is functioning. Be sure to use a gloved hand or a rag. The engine speed was checked while the load was applied and found to be approximately 750 revolutions per minute even though it was firing more frequently.