[andyfrost]

I did think it should have been V111C , as they were the model used by Allen and Simmonds. Should you ever need one I have a new piston (cast iron) for one of those , along with a used , but good cylinder barrel.
I would go along with your views and measurements , but as you say , we’re not dealing with formula one engines.
Many years ago I fully rebuilt a 25A on an AutoCulto model L , the crank rebuild cost a small fotune back then , I dread to think what the cost would be today.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

A couple of things , which model Autoculto do you have that has an V11C engine.
You don’t mention valve guides , often a cause of bad running and burning oil.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Measure the size of the two pulleys along with centre to centre of shafts , give these measurements to any reputable belt supplier and they should help you out.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Yes 400 , not the original engine though.

Andy

[andyfrost]

Millar systems , even when new they produce very weak spark , along with certain types of Villiers. Have you noticed that the newly made coils sold by George or Villiers Services produce a far better spark than the originals , nothing to due with weak magnets or whatever.
And my friend who owns the tester knows more about magnetos than either of us are ever likely to.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Well , I started working on horticultural stuff in the early 1970s , and continued all my life although latterly as a hobbie , and have amassed quite a collection over the years , all of which start , run and perform as they should , and I lay alot of that down to have fully working magnetos , many in the collection have been fully rebuilt , I’m lucky knowing someone who has a PROPER tester.
With regard to your so called 6mm spark test , some ign systems will seldom if ever produce that kind of spark , most notably certain Villiers mags , and Miller systems are notoriously weak. Again there is a vast array of info available , but most of it comes from amateurs with little to no true experience.
I will ask again why do specialists use equipment costing large sums of money , rather than a MM.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

“Lastly on the thorny and unfortunately contentious matter of multimeters. I would readily agree that specialist magneto repairers have an extensive range of dedicated test equipment that is vastly superior to a multimeter.”

On that I would agree , common sense should tell that IF they could get away with using MMs , why would they purchase equipment costing many more £££££s , the simple answer is they’re not reliable enough.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

It is truly amazing what some folk will believe what they read on the internet , sorry but I’ll stick to my experince gained from the university of life.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

You’ve obviously made your own mind up over this matter , aided perhaps by some very dodgy internet info , there are EXTREMELY FEW proper magneto engineers about , but many hundreds of amateurs , many of whom put their extremely limited knowledge on Youtube etc.
I have a drawer full of duff coils(why I keep them I’ve no idea) many of these are ones that have passed the so called multimeter test , but have been proven beyond any doubt to breakdown. Like you I’ve read an awful lot of internet blurb , and quite frankly the vast majority is misleading rubbish , with the exception of George on his ignition page , just a last question , why does he write this ??………..the answer is fairly obvious.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

I noticed the change also , have to say I much preferred how it used to be.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

I guess we’d better agree to disagree.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Grahame , proper testing equipment is rare thesedays , and not many folk have them , I don’t actually own one myself , I rely on a good friend who happened to be the workshop foreman when I was a young lad. His is an old school tester , but is 100% reliable , incidentally it will not test the modern magnetron/electronic coil units. George is absolutely correct in what he says regarding testing with multimeters , yes you may find a circuit , but proper testers simulate what actually happens when you “load the coil up”. I note you use the word “PROBABLY” when you have tested with a multimeter , when done on a proper unit , there is absolutely no element of doubt.
I’ve had numerous people call me saying it tested OK using a MM , but still fails to start or run properly.
My advice would be to try and locate someone who has the proper eqipment , if that can’t be done George offers a service , and will advise of what you need and cost before going ahead , one other piece of advice , don’t but a MM especially for ignition testing , it will be a waste of hard earned , many folk have one(I don’t) , and I would be the first to admit that they have their uses , but not for magnetos

Andy.

[andyfrost]

I’ve lost count of the ammount of times that it has been said on here that magnetos can’t be PROPERLY tested using multimeters , To do it properly a purpose made ignition tester is required , that is afterall why they were made in the first place. George Shead at Villiersparts has interesting reading on his “ignition” page on his website , and expains why multimeters give false readings , and he certainly knows an awful lot about ignition systems.Myself , I’ve worked on them for over 50yrs and would NEVER trust multimeters.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Your man ripped you off over the carb cleaning , “usually” mine is only on for a 15min cycle , don’t worry about one with a fancy heater , I just boil the kettle and use ordinary fairy liquid , pop it in and it’s job done. With practice you can also add some drain unblocker liquid , but only a very small ammount , you will get the hang of it the more you use it.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Clockwise as you look at the flywheel.

Andy.

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