Big Brass Cylinder

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2012: Big Brass Cylinder
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Frank Kinney on Thursday, August 16, 2012 - 11:55 pm:

I have been wondering for some time what that large brass cylinder is on the running boards of some of these old beauties. Can anyone please tell me?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ken Kopsky, Lytle TX on Thursday, August 16, 2012 - 11:58 pm:

It's a carbide generator. It produces acetylene gas to operate the headlights.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Frank Kinney on Friday, August 17, 2012 - 12:03 am:

Thank you very much Ken.
Kind Regards


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Frank Harris from Long Beach & Big Bear on Friday, August 17, 2012 - 12:07 am:

This is a typical brass carbide generator. Water drips on carbide crystals through a needle valve and makes acetelyne gas which burns with a white light.


Bill's generator


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Roger Karlsson, southern Sweden on Friday, August 17, 2012 - 12:11 am:

Here's a thread with some pictures: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/134114.html
The generator consists of a water tank with a drip function down to calcium carbide below. It's a low pressure system.
Headlamps were optional on the 1909 Fords, up to 1912 most Fords were equipped with brass carbide generators, some got Prestolite pressurized tanks instead. 1913-14 had black steel carbide generators and from 1915 all Fords got electric headlamps.
Rear and side lights were kerosene up until 1919, in some cases until 1926.


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