This Kurz compressor engine was designed and built by Frank Kurz, of CA, in the 1980s. Frank purchased a casting kit for a small compressor from Cole’s Power Models (no longer available) and converted it into this overhead cam, two-cylinder engine. It has a starter that doubles as a generator to power the small electric cooling fan. Frank had a knack for incorporating already existing components and unrelated mechanisms into his engines. This one is no different in that he utilized an iris diaphragm from a vintage camera for air control into the carburetor. It is a gas burner with spark ignition and has a 1.25 inch bore and stroke. The engine weighs 13 lbs. Courtesy of Dick Pretel.

Exhibit added: August 1, 2011 - Last modified: March 22, 2023

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