[andyfrost]

Yes , the seals are all the same in the small “centre drive” howards.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

The seals , which are a special type are available on the well known auction site , albeit rather pricey. It would be worth calling Paul Childs at Meetens , they may have the elbow you require , failing that keep an eye on the auction site for a secondhand one.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Glad to hear you’ve cracked it , it’s just what this forum is for……helping one another.
I always time Villiers engines with a Vernier , the marks were stamped on at the factory when new in pairs , after 70 odd years very few are totally original , with the Vernier method you are eliminating any doubt.
Keep enjoying it and above all else stay safe.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Your points gap should be between 12 and 15 thou.
Do you have access to a vernier gauge , if so , remove spark plug , and reset timing so that your points just begin to crack open at 3/16″ before top dead centre, without Mr Googles help I’ve forgot what 3/16 equates to on a vernier. ALWAYS re-check after you’ve fully tightened the flywheel.

[andyfrost]

In image 12 the insulating washer appears ok , it’s the fibre one under the brass nut that tightens your points in place , you will notice it’s missing in the pic with the screw tightner.
Did you check the insulator bush under the points , it’s a tiny fibre bush , sometimes it comes out on the points when you remove them.
It is possible that you have a duff coil , but IMO highly unlikely , I would go as far to say that the modern coils supplied by reputable dealers such as Villiers services , are better than the originals , unlike the Chinese rubbish that I wouldn’t bother wasting money on.
I think it far more likely that you have a wiring/insulation problem , also rather an obvious question , is it a BRAND NEW condenser.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

You will still get a spark if your timing is wrong , hence backfires and kickbacks etc. , and yes you will always see an obvious spark.
In image 13 there is no insulating washer,so if you’ve been trying that unit you will have no spark , and in image 12 the points gap appears way too much…….I know photos at times can be deceptive but it seems so.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

It’s hard to say without actually “being there” , it sounds as if you may have had two issues, the large backfire would probably suggest incorrect timing. As for no spark , thoroughly check the little insulator bush behind the points and the insulator plate itself , also check the dimple on the coil is lined up with the HT pick up ,sometimes if not lined up correctly the spring loaded pin will jump out.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

I would say it’s had a replacement engine fitted, the condenser will be built into the coil , unlike the earlier Aspera which had the phelon set-up with a seperate condenser.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

My late father bought a Yeoman brand new for use on his smallholding. I think it’s fair to say they weren’t one of Howards sucess stories, over complicated gear /transmission system , that with commercial use gave unreliability problems. I well recall him fitting the sliding dog that engages the rotors on almost a yearly basis. Eventually he parked it up and got the well used 700 back into service.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Yes , that is the correct one , matters not if it came from a fourstroke , they are all the same.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

That isn’t the correct condenser.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Straight 30 grade.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Alan , were the UK imports badged as Jacobson or Simplicity , something in the distant Grey matter seems to recall that there was some kind of link between them……… on the other hand I could be miles off track.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

If you can find anyone who is breaking a Hayter Osprey , the 7hp cowling will be OK.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Sounds like it was the American market model, there was one the well known auction site a short while ago.

Andy.

[Author]

Posts