No, they don’t build them like they used to and this video sure is proof. You are going to watch a group of guys get a really big old stationary engine fired up on a Pakistani farm to run an irrigation pump and water their crop. This is a cool video on multiple levels. Firstly, we have this crazy of YouTube “will it run” videos being made these days and while those are cool, they’re effectively cheap and easy entertainment, right? This “will it run” video is about feeding people. There’s no option of this ancient engine not running. No engine, no pump, no pump, no water, no water, nothing to eat.
We believe this to be a Ruston Hornsby engine. That company was based in England but they did have manufacturing operations in Pakistan back in the day. This engine has obviously been here a very long time and it was placed here not be accident but on a proper concrete base and likely by trained millwrights.
We’re guessing it dates somewhere from the 1920s and everything about it is dangerous and cool. Hell, watching the guy slip the belt onto the flywheel is frightening enough. How the man has all his fingers after likely doing this for decades of his life is either proof of a higher power or astronomically good luck.
Appreciate what you have and how you have it. These guys sure appreciate this old chuffer. Imagine how many gallons it has moved over the years?!
