What is it?

[vhgmcbuddy]

This machine was recently given to me. I understand it is a Clifford rotavator. Its been in a shed unused for the last 26 years and had worked fine up until that point. Anyone know which model it is? Would it be a relatively easy/worthwhile restoration project? Thought I might tackle it over the winter.

[charlie]

benjamin you need to resize photo files as they are too big, software such as shrinkpic will do the job and is free.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Sorry I couldn’t work out how to shrink files. However I have worked out the machine is a mk1 clifford rotovator. I am stripping it down as it’s been unused for 25 years and moisture has got in. Here (hopefully) is a pic of the flywheel/magneto. The points and coil look fairly corroded, should I give up now or is it worth trying to clean the up or try and find a replacement. Any help gratefully received.

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[charlie]

Benjamin, if the engine turns then it would be worth restoring, you may need new coil, points and condenser for the magneto if water has got in. First job would be to remove flywheel then strip and clean magneto, especially areas such as where coil attaches to back plate. Then reassemble, set points and fit flywheel so you can spin it over to see if you get a spark.
If engine is seized then it will be more work.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Did manage to get the flywheel off which looks rough, but the components inside don’t look too bad after cleaning. The back plate however is corroded and even a small hole in it + the engine is seized and I cannot get the plug out – Perhaps a donor engine is in order if I can find one!
Thanks for your advice Charlie.

[andyfrost]

25C engines are not overly difficult to source , there are some at present on that well known auction site , all ignition components are readily available new , so you should not have too many problems.
Personally , I would say it is definately a worthwhile project.

Andy.

[will-haggle]

Here’s an advert for the Mk1…..

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[will-haggle]

…and the bottom section….

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[vhgmcbuddy]

Andy – Would this one fit for example?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/Villiers-MK25C-2-stroke-engine-runner/172383474857?hlpht=true&ops=true&viphx=1&_trksid=p2050601.c100103.m2451&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D37140%26meid%3Dd1cf52f910a542cfb25fe9d5a8dbf890%26pid%3D100103%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D172383474857%26clkid%3D70468998620665504&_qi=RTM2065550

[andyfrost]

It would have done , one piece of advice I always offer is “bide your time” , one will turn up somewhere or other.

Andy.

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