Engines: Continental

Tiny Tim chargers

(Source: Some of the data is from “Tiny Tim Manual”)

During the 1950s Continental Motors Corporation manfactured the Tiny Tim Chargers. Listed below are the various models of the Tiny Tim Charger and some data regarding them.

Model Generator Data Cycle Bore Stroke Gas Tank Capacity Displacement Compression Ratio
L-62 6 Volts 240 watts 1 1-3/4″ 1-3/4″ 2 qts. 4.2 Cu. In. 4.13 to 1
L-122 12 Volts 300 watts 1 1-3/4″ 1-3/4″ 2 qts. 4.2 Cu. In. 4.13 to 1
L-322 32 Volts 300 watts 1 1-3/4″ 1-3/4″ 2 qts. 4.2 Cu. In. 4.13 to 1

Tiny Tim engine generators information

These engine generators were designed for battery chargers. The charging rate of the average battery is as follows: 6-Volt-between 6-l/2 and 7-l/2 volts, the 12-volt between 13 and 15 volts, and the 32-volt between 33 and 36 volts. The ampere-charging rate of the charger in your possession meets these requirements.

Engines

The engine is of the single cylinder, four cycle, “L” head, internal combustion, and air-cooled type. The Lo-Ex aluminum piston has 2 compression rings and 1 oil ring, forged aluminum connecting rod, crankpin bearing 5/8 dia. by 3/4″ long and piston pin bearing 25/64″ dia. by 5/8″ long. A ventilating fan, incorporated as part of the flywheel rotates on the crankshaft and drives off engine heat and circulates fresh air to the engine and generator. Also, the engine could contain either a 6, 12, 32 volt battery ignition with resistance coil and timer

Lubrication

Lubrication is by the splash system from the crankcase, with a splash arm on the connecting rod. The crankcase oil capacity is l pint. The gasoline is carried in a compartment recessed in the engine cast iron base. The gasoline tank capacity is 2 quarts.

Generator

The generator is coupled to the engine, the armature being wound directly on the crankshaft. The generator requires no lubrication provided they are of standard automotive or radio size. The 6-volt unit will charge four batteries at one time and as many as four 12-volt batteries of standard size may be charged with the l2-volt plant. The time required to charge tile batteries depends on the number of batteries being charged.

How to start the engine

The generator is self-cranking from the battery push button starting switch.

The ignition system of these chargers is for 6, 12, or 32 volts, depending upon the charger in your possession. Starting ignition is withdrawn from the battery. When the charger is in operation, ignition is obtained from the system as the current cutout has opened and draws ignition from the generator. If, for any reason, you should desire to stop the engine before the battery is fully charged and the automatic cutout operates, the ignition may be shorted by pressing the spring anchored to the engine baffle against the spark plug.

The charger cannot be operated without a battery, and no attempt should be made to draw current directly from the generator. A maximum load of 240 watts with the 6-volt and 300 watts with the l2-volt or 32-volt plants may be connected across the battery. Any greater load will cause discharge of the battery.

The engine of these chargers is not intended or claimed, to be large enough to operate power appliances either directly or indirectly, as the horsepower rating of the engine is approximately 1/2 of l horsepower.

These chargers are equipped with an automatic voltage cutout which grounds the ignition when a battery is fully charged, thereby automatically stopping the charger and eliminating the danger of battery overcharge. The cutout is adjusted at the factory to react properly with the average automotive or radio-type battery. However, battery conditions and length of terminal connections may sometimes alter and restrict the current flow. If it is determined that the cutout is not operating properly, it may be readjusted. No adjustment should be attempted to increase or restrict the voltage output. The unit stops automatically when battery is fully charged. The generator have four poles with four brushes.