I was in North Carolina yesterday with my #1 grandson who is crazy about fire engines, firemen, etc. The fellow showing us around the #1 station in Asheville NC was very nice and showed us all their engines. The grandson left me way behind in his knowledgable questions about how they go about fighting fires, etc.

After a while he said Wanna see my favorite? We stepped around the end of the ladder truck and there was a 1927 American Le france in original well maintained condition. He said it was his goal to get it running again. It last ran about 20 years ago or so and he said he was told it threw a rod. I looked on the drivers side of the block and did not see any block damage so I am wondering if that is correct.

The engine has a one piece crankcase but three two cylinder blocks and heads. The valves appear to be on each side...opposite from each other, it appears and the heads have two plugs per cylinder. There are primer cups on each cylinder. The engine makes my Cummins look like a 240D so its a biggun'.

Anybody know what engine this is?

Anybody have a good one lying about?

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.