Colwood Motor Hoe

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi
I have just brought home a complete non running model A and a model B missing its engine motor hoe with the intention of getting one running to use in my veg plot
Unfortunately I have just done something foolish and could kick myself.
The complete model A looks like it will run again and I started freeing of the chains however the clutch cable is slightly seized allowing the clutch to slip , so I took off the cable at the gearbox end and let the lever drop. Now I guess some of you on here with experience of the Albion three speed gearbox might know what happened next that’s right my excitement got the better of me and I gave the starting lever a big pull to check for compression and caught the clutch lever shearing it half off the gearbox!!!!!!!!
I don’t suppose you just order a new housing from Albion so I will have to fashion a small bracket to hold the lever .
The model B has a two speed gearbox but the starting lever doesn’t seem to be catching anything will that be a hard fix .
I will try to post some pics but if anyone has any advice or tips to help me overhaul these I would appreciate it
regards
Clarke

[charlie]

If you know which model of gearbox they are I may have a manual and parts list.

[will-haggle]

Those starting levers very often don’t work, the one on my Spraymobile is a bit hit and miss. Best plan is to use the rope. Try your local vintage motorbike specialist for Albion parts, Meetens may be a good place to start.

[will-haggle]

Here’s a picture of a model A gearbox….

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[vhgmcbuddy]

Thanks for the replies . I have checked the gearbox casing but cant find a serial or model number on it, all I know is that it is a three speed gearbox made by albion.
I started to look over the jap engine and after cleaning the points you could weld with the spark however the ht lead is all perished . Could anyone tell me what size ht lead should I get and do I just solder it on to the coil?
When trying to pull start the engine I thought it felt a wee bit tight and decided to remove the aluminium base plate and look inside the engine and I am glad I did as the big crankshaft bearing on the output shaft end had seized and the whole bearing is turning in the casting so I will have to pull down the engine and replace it .
The rest of the engine looks good and other than a clean up should be ok
If anyone could tell me where I might get a manual for this engine I would appreciate it.

I am thinking about fitting a modern engine On the model B and using that one for my garden and wondered if anyone had an idea as to a more modern engine that is about the same size as the jap 2a engine ? I thought maybe a honda g 100

[charlie]

I have manuals for 2 speed AL, model EJ, 3 speed and reverse HJ and HR and four speed HJR and H.

[steve-d]

This year I will try and start work on my own colwood website re the register. I’m doing my best to build as much info as I can to try and make a source of info for all you colwood fans. I have five model A s a model B which are all jap 2a engines plus will be using an ra model this year and hopefully a hornet.
Would be very interested in getting your machine no s for the register and if you require any assistance drop me a pm.
Best steve.

[vhgmcbuddy]

have you got both of ours steve?

[steve-d]

Not sure kev do you want to bring all the details to Isfield mate and if you can find date stamps on cowling would be even better.

[vhgmcbuddy]

I will try and take some photos of the motor hoes for you however I can give you the serial numbers.
The model A is no 6008
The model b is no7845

[vhgmcbuddy]

will do steve

[steve-d]

Many thanks for the nos I will add them to the list.
Steve.

[franktonpaget]

Thought you might find this page interesting from Farm Implement and Machinery Review dated December 1st 1945 announcing start of production of Colwood Motor Hoe by Dashwood Engineering

regards Joe Paget

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[vhgmcbuddy]

Thanks Charlie for the copy of the engine manual and thanks Joe for the advert you have posted above very interesting .
I stripped down the engine today to replace the crank bearings and I have to say it is a swine of an engine to dismantle . To get to crank out I had to strip the whole engine down leaving only the valves in place I thought I would only remove the timing plate ,then remove the aluminium side plate complete with crank and bearings but I didn’t realise the camshaft sprocket would foul the governor. Luckily I noticed that before the heavy hammer came out and any damage was done . I will try to take some photos of the rebuild and I could post them if anyone would be interested

[steve-d]

Very interesting article there Joe thankyou for sharing it with us.
Steve.

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