Vintage Horticultural and Garden Machinery Club

Grahame , interesting post , out of all the countless engines that have been built over the years , rings from some engines will fit others , it would be interesting to pool all our knowleddge onto a permanent topic on this site , one example that I stumbled across a few years back , Anzani Super Single outboard are the same as Shay120cc. Another…[Read more]

Ransomes used Sturmey engines quite alot , the MG2 crawlers for example.Piston material…..well I think you’re trying to get too technical , remember many engines we play about with originally had cast iron pistons , but replacements such as hepolite etc. etc. went over to alloy , with no modification to any components. Just one of many examples…[Read more]

Dents in your float will make significant issues on running , engine appears to be Sturmey Archer.

Andy.

Sorry David I can’t make alot of sense with that , there’s no way a 2A would rev to 4000 , it would simply blow up after VERY short time.Assuming you had both engines stripped out , did the ungoverned one have any sign of the internal govenor components.When correct they are one of the easiest starting engines , I’ve just finished one on a Howard…[Read more]

I’ve worked on quite a number of 2As , and have seen both types of camshaft , but have NEVER seen one without govenors , out of interest is the block machined to take the govenor shaft. I can’t envisage a 2A lasting very long at 4000RPM…… something doesn’t seem to add up here.

Andy.

Grahame , Cox and Turner should be able to help you with SV54 rings.

Andy.

It’s quite a common problem with the 21/Osprey models , having the Duralinium disc , they tended to “bend a small set” where the blades bolt on (see pic 2) , take the carrier off and simply hammer back into shape using a suitable anvil/block, in other words until perfectly flat , the blades should rotate freely through 369 degrees.When these…[Read more]

Well done again Robert.

Andy.

That’s a good start , next thing is remove flywheel , THOROUGHLY clean and reset points , and you should have a spark.Clean out Carb and tank , and most importantly fit new diaphragm.

Andy.

Valves usually stick “open” , check again , as you say it appears to turn over OK , in which case the valve should at least be seen moving.

Andy.

George at villiersparts has a reasonable stock of Allen Scythe parts , he’s well worth a try.

Andy.

Dave , personally I would give it one more go at removing the boss give it as much heat as you reasonably can , and immediately pour cold water over it , if it doesn’t “sizzle” then apply more heat and repeat , then try your puller , tighten it up , and give the puller a brisk tap with your hammer.
There’s nothing to say your existing…[Read more]

To paint or not to paint always divides opinions among collectors.For me personally I prefer not to paint, unless I absolutely have to , indeed only one of my machines in my collection have I painted , and that was because it was really rough when I aquired it. I’m far more interested in mechanicals, whether it starts ,runs and performs as it…[Read more]

Dave , any chance you could post some clear and precise photos of exactly what you have left on your crankshaft.

Andy.

Grahame , personally speaking , Ive never problems with tickover or starting(provided ignition components are 100%) , I have quite a few Villiers engined machines , most notably a pair of Howard 700s , which always start with one pull of the rope , and tickover is sweet.Of course other factors come in besides ignition to get our machines running…[Read more]

Grahame , any flywheel from a 24c/25c/26c should be OK , there are minor differences , such as fixed/detachable cooling fan , starter pulley mounting etc., original Allen scythes had the mechanical centifugal governor cam , but they will run perfectly well without it , Howard bantams , the smaller Cliffords to name but two.

Andy.

I’m still a little confused here , going back to your very first photo , it looks to me like you have(or had) the flywheel removed , it appears to be in your hand , and certainly not siezed on the crank ????

Andy.

Dave , I sometimes consider getting one of these modern phone gadgets so that I can photo ongoing projects , and send in an article or two , but my fear is by the time I get the hang of it , my collecting days will be over.
Hope to see you at Stanfield if you’re coming.

Andy.

Arrived safe and well , you’re doing an A1 job Robert , nice wide range of articles.

Andy.

David , you’re spot on , “shock” is almost always the best method of parting a taper , quite why Villiers went for their method often has me wondering. Perhaps the original poster will get back to us and confirm exactly what has happened.

Andy.