[andyfrost]

Congratulations , the 700 is a superb piece of kit, and yours appears to be a fairly straight example. The Engine is a Villiers Mk28b , 353cc twostroke. Unfortunately engine “internals” are EXTREMELY hard to source ,I’ve managed to accumulate a few over the years should I need any for my machine, most of the carb bits are just as rare , ignition wise , no problems.

Looking at yours it appears to have been tampered with to some degree , the cylinder head has been put on the wrong way round.
Let us know of your progress and what parts you think you may need.

Andy

[andyfrost]

I can’t recall the proper name or model for it , but that is a genuine Mayfield product.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

I’m with Charlie on this one , it certainly shows signs of being a homemade conversion , although I’d say the handles are Westwood.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Grand job Alan.

Thanks for all your time and help.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Alan , many thanks for your quick reply , but it still won’t take me to a payment page.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

The parts you were after have turned up on that certain auction site , plough,wheel bands, extensions, hitch etc.
Only trouble is the seller appears to be one of lifes dreamers , judging on his valuation.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

I find my 700 the easiest starting machine I have , it never fails to start first pull(I’ll regret saying that one day) , I have also fitted all new electrics. One other point to look for is wear in the Carb butterfly , they were renowned for this , and will cause bad starting and running.
Hope all goes well for you in hospital.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

I’ve said it countless times on here , you can’t test a coil PROPERLY with anything other than a purpose built ignition tester , your local mower/small engine centre should have one.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Same as Angus , I’ve re-installed old ones many hundreds of times with no issues whatsoever.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Ploughs are not exactly plentiful , but they do turn up from time to time , so just bide your time. The larger ploughing wheels are harder to source , I’m assuming you’ve got these with it.
The 700 is in my opinion the best machine by miles that Howard produced , if you’ve ever really used a Gem , and then a 700 , you will soon realise.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Assuming you have your old one , it shouldn’t present a problem. Many on here speak highly of John Cruse , who will make one to pattern. The original should have a midway grease nipple fitted , if your overly worried about keeping it original , if not , it will be an easier option for whoever you have makes you one.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

VERY VERY nice , good to hear you are going to put it to work.

Top job Andy.

[andyfrost]

In that case it may be down to trial and error , I did this with my 56A , from memory I started off at 3/16 BTDC , and played around from there.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Chris , I’m sure when Charlie looks in he will have the answer.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Just measure , inner , outer and width and go to your local bearing stockist and with this info they should sort you out.

Andy.

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