spokesNspin

I took this pic while on a bike ride earlier this year. Not every day you see a tractor pulled up to a fuel stop like this. This was more than just an interesting pic for me. It was a warm and fuzzy nostalgic moment.

The tractor was running. I don’t know a lot about engines and how things work but the exhaust from these old tractors has a distinct odor. The odor was one of the first things I noticed. Mmmmmm it took me back more than 30 years to my home and farm in Idaho. Who’d a thunk it that smelling exhaust would be so nice.

Take note that the exhaust comes out of a muffler rising straight up and out of the engine. Back in that day we would often put a tin can over the exhaust when the tractor was off to keep stuff from getting in it. There were also permanent flappers attached that would cover the outlet. When the tractor was off the flapper would fall over the opening. When the engine is running the pressure of the exhaust pushes the flapper open.

This tractor had such a flapper. You might think this is insignificant but it also added to the nostalgia. When the engine is idling there is enough pressure to open the valve but not hold it. The result is that the flapper is constantly opening and closing. Every time the flapper closes there is a little clink as metal strikes metal.

When I arrived at the station the tractor was there idling  and I immediately noticed the two things I have just described.  The smell and then the clink, clink, clink , clink, clink clink over the top of the idling engine.

It was like a hug from an old friend.

I think my fondness for tractors must have been with me from birth.

Happy Friday Foto Fiesta.  I hope to be back at my blog now.