The [Online Etymology Dictionary][1] suggests:

> **conk (v.)** as in *conk out*, 1918, coined by World War I airmen, perhaps in imitation of the sound of a stalling motor, reinforced by *conk* (v.) "hit on the head," originally "punch in the nose" (1821), from *conk* (n.), slang for "nose" (1812), perhaps from fancied resemblance to a *conch* (pronounced "conk") shell.

However, here's a 1911 snippet from *Motorcycle Illustrated* Volume 6 (Motorcycle Publishing Company):

![... were apt to "conk out" on exceptional hills ...][2]

> The single-geared machines of the past required a good deal of agility at starting, were apt to **"conk out"** on exceptional hills and possessed very limited climbing powers when faced by a stiff ascent strewn with traffic, smeared with grease and twisting round abrupt corners.

Care must be taken with snippets in Google Books, as occasionally the date is wrong. However, the middle column confirms the year:

> ... and almost every maker will list a variable gear for 1912 as a consequence.


  [1]: http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=conk&searchmode=none
  [2]: https://i.sstatic.net/FwXHl.jpg