Ransomes MG2 Serial number 137

[expeatfarmer]

Nice new air filter arrived today courtesy of a chap called Chris Pamplin an expert on Vokes filters, he had two made for me. I have fitted one but not run engine yet, yesterday the mixture was good at speed but rich on tickover so may risk fitting a smaller slow running jet especially as the filter will richen things up slightly. Finally fitted the second floorboard. The fan belt was annoying me and very difficult to tension so fitted a new one a bit smaller, it meant completely unbolting the engine and sliding it forwards but gave me chance to clean up the flywheel etc which were covered in grease and oil from bedding in the starter mechanism. The canopy has suffered a bit with the efforts at getting the engine started so have pulled it off to clean and repair the damage.Hope to give the engine another test run later today and then start a new project.

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[expeatfarmer]

I am extremely pleased and relieved to report that 137 has now had a maiden voyage up the drive, along the road and round the garden. Changing the mag to a later impulse Wico transformed it, started and ran second pull. Not without a glitch though reversed out of the garage 10 yards and it stopped , I thought here we go again, took the plug out expecting it to be fouled no it was fine, changed it anyway to a two terminal 18mm plug, set it up went to tickle the carb and it did not tickle, took the fuel cap off NO PETROL I have used a whole tank full ( 2 gallons ) just trying to get it started over the last ten days. Full tank of fuel and it started first time. I have refitted the air pipe and then the filter in stages to check for any change in running, no apparent effect so it looks as if Cinderella will go to the ball in malvern. I am annoyed with myself for persisting so long with the two original magnetos. I justify it in that I have tried so hard to restore it to as it would have been when it left the factory, I have rebuilt so many bits of scrap to as new rather than replace but there comes a point when common sense and my physical well being prevail over total originality. I will have the mags rebuilt when I can find someone who knows what they are doing. I have blisters on my right hand and muscles I never knew I had. But now it all seems worthwhile.

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[andyfrost]

There’s an awful lot of truth in the old saying “99% of fuel problems are electrical”.
The best way to rebuild a Magneto is to source the parts and do it yourself , the only part most of us won’t have access to is a PROPER ignition tester , but generally we know a man who has..
Glad all’s well .

Andy.

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