[andyfrost]

VERY nice Geoff , I’m hoping to bring a nice original Earthquake to Weeley this year.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Joe , firstly try what you have been doing DIRECT off the end of the HT lead and get back to us.
NEVER try or use old plugs , there’s usually a very good reason why they were taken out and “put in the spares box” in the first place.
From your description it does sound like a duff magneto , if this proves to be the case , have it professionally tested and go from there.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Get a selection of imperial woodruff keys ……..job sorted.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Phil ,if you mean the cam on the inside of the flywheel (the part that opens the points) the “counterweight” as you describe it is actually the engine govenor system , the idea being that centrifugal force operates and opens the points too wide for a spark.
Allen Scythes were the only machines that I have seen that use this method , the 25c fitted later also deployed this method.
They will sound rough running without any load , put them into some serious work and they will even themselves out.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Your flywheel and crank clearly show that a key should be fitted , get yourself a snug fitting key and you do not have to faff around with the timing as described , it will be spot on with the keyed method , it’s the whole idea of having a key in the first place.

[andyfrost]

A 16h definately should have a woodruff key.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

I’m not convinced that a “ride on mower” transmission is suitable for draught work , many of the standard ride ons had transmission reliability issues just cutting grass.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Bish , therein lies the problem , he’s paid for them. Fortunately my daughter is a solicitor , so shortly I shall be seeking some advice.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Same thing has happened to me , had two really good machines taken from what I thought was a very secure allotment shed. So now keep all my gear at home , shed is a bit crowded now , and to make space matters worse , some clown bought some stuff from me on the auction site absolutely MONTHS ago , and still hasn’t had the decency to pick them up.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Don’t know if it applies , but how long have zenoah been producing machinery.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

To avoid pulling your hair out , remove the stator plate , and take the complete ignition to your local garden machinery dealer , they “SHOULD” have a purpose built ignition tester , have it tested and go from there.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Charlie , there is a job lot of NOS Clinton spares going on that auction site , may be of help to you.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Amazing after 40 years it’s not seized , that in itself is one major obstacle that you will not have to overcome.
Look forward to hearing of you progress , Simars are indeed truly brilliant pieces of engineering.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

There’s an awful lot of truth in the old saying “99% of fuel problems are electrical”.
The best way to rebuild a Magneto is to source the parts and do it yourself , the only part most of us won’t have access to is a PROPER ignition tester , but generally we know a man who has..
Glad all’s well .

Andy.

[andyfrost]

“One of the great things about our hobby is we can use what we collect.”

Exactly , great feeling when you can actually use these machines , all mine have to earn their keep.

Andy.

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