What is a hit and miss engine?

A hit and miss engine is a type of internal combustion engine that was commonly used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for a variety of applications, including powering farm equipment, water pumps, and even generators.

These engines are characterized by their unique operating cycle, in which they "hit" to ignite the fuel mixture and produce power, then "miss" by shutting off the fuel supply until the engine speed drops and the cycle repeats. This design allows the engine to operate more efficiently and smoothly, compared to other types of engines at the time.

Hit and miss engines are typically small in size and have a distinctive sound when running, making them popular among collectors and enthusiasts. They are often used in demonstrations at agricultural shows and vintage machinery events.

Overall, hit and miss engines played a vital role in the development of early industrial machinery and continue to be appreciated for their historical significance and unique design.