[andyfrost]

Well done again Robert.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

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.

[andyfrost]

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.

[andyfrost]

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

Andy.

[andyfrost]

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 coil/condenser have gone , could still be OK, just remove them out of the way before applying the heat.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

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 should , and doesn’t leak oil all over the place.
As Charlie says , it’s yours , so do as you wish.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

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

Andy.

[andyfrost]

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 spot on.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

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.

[andyfrost]

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.

[andyfrost]

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.

[andyfrost]

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

Andy.

[andyfrost]

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.

[andyfrost]

Dave , if you’re saying the nut turns freely(by that I mean continuously) , it is more than likely stripped thread in the nut itself , seldom if ever will it strip the crankshaft thread. I’ve had this happen before , and it boils down to how much time and money you are preparde to throw at it. I have managed to cut the flywheel off , but it takes great care so as not to damage the crank. I can personally vouch for the new coils from villiersparts , they produce a better spark than the ones I used to fit as a youngster when working for a villiers agent , same as his condeners.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

It’s a shame you didn’t post before trying to remove your flywheel , we could have helped with that. They are “self pulling” ,the nut will loosen , then go tight again , then use a CORRECT size socket and hammer to continue undoing the nut and it will pull the flywheel off , if you have one , an impact gun will do it in seconds but it sounds as if it is too late for that. Any flywheel from a 25c will fit and do the job , although the original Allen ones had a centrifugal govenor cam fitted , they will work OK without it. George at villiersparts may have something that will do the job , other than that it’s a matter of keeping your eye out for a secondhand one.

Andy.

[Author]

Posts