Vintage Horticultural and Garden Machinery Club | aquila787 | Activity https://vhgmc.co.uk/members/aquila787/activity/ Activity feed for aquila787. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:39:51 +0100 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-US 30 hourly 2 36fe754c171a74757cf3c7d8f113e9c5 aquila787 replied to the topic Petter pu8 twin in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/petter-pu8-twin/#post-40457 Mon, 16 Jan 2023 18:47:02 +0000 https://www.stationaryengineparts.com/home.php might be better

]]> c63dd8a2cae54907135aaf02bf5c652a aquila787 replied to the topic Petter pu8 twin in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/petter-pu8-twin/#post-40456 Mon, 16 Jan 2023 18:43:10 +0000 Maybe try these http://www.villiersparts.co.uk/

]]> 3173346f9badd8339cfa0a454eda37da aquila787 replied to the topic Air compressor issue. in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/air-compressor-issue/#post-40281 Sun, 27 Nov 2022 23:23:10 +0000 That should be microfarad rating.

]]> db99fb0497877496b305110f846c9e05 aquila787 replied to the topic Air compressor issue. in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/air-compressor-issue/#post-40280 Sun, 27 Nov 2022 23:22:09 +0000 There was air in mine till I fixed the spring valve. That was why it wouldn’t start.

If you’re trying that, don’t try with air in the tank as things could go flying fast.

If there’s no pressure there then it could be your capacitor. Check the microwaved rating on it and have a search on ebay. Usually plenty of them there.

]]> fd0e47b96b97b799ba27f54768be08ac aquila787 replied to the topic Air compressor issue. in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/air-compressor-issue/#post-40269 Sun, 27 Nov 2022 12:44:16 +0000 I had same problem years ago. There was a pressure relief valve in a special fitting which relieved the tank pressure from the cylinder. When I opened it up the little stopper was covered in gunk. Cleaned it up and gave the supporting spring a slight stretch and it ran fine again.

There’s also a little valve over the piston that moves up and…[Read more]

]]> 72919ec0d71299c97063c83446234476 aquila787 replied to the topic Ignition magneto in the forum Groundcare Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/tandmagnet/#post-40158 Wed, 02 Nov 2022 18:38:36 +0000 They’re for sale on ebay or you could overhaul if you have one available for the 56

]]> c62a5733e74fa4d47b33b74d4d0fad4a aquila787 replied to the topic Douglas SV54 in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/douglas-sv54/#post-39887 Thu, 01 Sep 2022 11:36:08 +0100 There’s a sprocket on the side of this trusty tractor. Don’t know what it could have been used for. Any ideas?

John

]]> 1f4ef324c2f1b25b92299f3d7d38465e aquila787 replied to the topic Douglas SV54 in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/douglas-sv54/#post-39886 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 12:44:31 +0100 Might try that oil trick, tomorrow though. Thanks

]]> d0fe9ed9b58a480bc91787fe494b623f aquila787 replied to the topic Douglas SV54 in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/douglas-sv54/#post-39883 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 09:39:57 +0100 Well I’ve taken the head off and had a look. Valves are working as they should. Timing seems spot on. The gasket is copper and is ok-ish few little spots of black carbon. Valves look OK. I suppose they might benefit from grinding. Don’t think any of that would account for zero compression though (correct me if I’m wrong). The only other thing…[Read more]

]]> bd52f3ee4e788e8b701ab6470f587cd9 aquila787 replied to the topic Lister d sucking exhaust port in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/lister-d-sucking-exhaust-port/#post-39878 Tue, 30 Aug 2022 20:08:04 +0100 George

Maybe your exhaust valve is stuck open. (if it has valves.)

]]> 9f4cf2baa1a28a79a6596ed77760517a aquila787 started the topic Douglas SV54 in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/douglas-sv54/ Tue, 30 Aug 2022 17:30:18 +0100 Hello again

I’ve acquired a Trusty tractor with a Douglas SV54 engine. Anyone know where I can buy a new head gasket for it.

I’ve no compression in the cylinder and I think it’s leaking through the gasket. Could be something else too but I’d need the gasket if available anyway.

Kind regards
John

]]> d298545819e5857f4c968030dc8ec6ab aquila787 replied to the topic Howard 300 Ignition in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-300-ignition/#post-39380 Wed, 29 Jun 2022 13:23:02 +0100 Thanks for that. That’s the way I’ll go so. I’ve seen them on ebay.

John

]]> 7a18c95467c859c4d85dcfdc8d8fed1e aquila787 replied to the topic Howard 300 Ignition in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-300-ignition/#post-39375 Tue, 28 Jun 2022 21:31:39 +0100 Well got it running briefly by putting small dribble of petrol in the spark plug hole. It ran for about 3 or 4 seconds. Then I discovered I was out of petrol. May wait till tomorrow now. And it seemed to run great.

I think I’ll find a magnetron for it. Can’t be taking off the flywheel every time I have to change or set the points. Might…[Read more]

]]> cd9b2fee2e5d5edd43d43fde4b0b08e3 aquila787 replied to the topic Howard 300 Ignition in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-300-ignition/#post-39368 Tue, 28 Jun 2022 16:06:33 +0100 I’m afraid the cover is missing.

John

]]> 2e5771604218d1e713010e80712a302c aquila787 replied to the topic Howard 300 Ignition in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-300-ignition/#post-39362 Tue, 28 Jun 2022 14:45:03 +0100 The engine number is 140202 0147-01.

I don’t have any settings for the points etc. Is there a manual for this model.

When I removed the flywheel I found that the points had fallen out of its slot and wouldn’t work properly. This is the likely cause of no spark. I’ll put it back together properly and test.

John

]]> 7b98fd844880e291d97cb78aacb3ec92 aquila787 replied to the topic Howard 300 Ignition in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-300-ignition/#post-39346 Mon, 27 Jun 2022 21:55:55 +0100 I’m guessing that wire should be connected to the engine body to form a circuit.

Maybe that’s why I don’t have a spark if it was a bad connection or not even connected at all.

John

]]> 56a9b15101230904c982b2c251cbe1cc aquila787 replied to the topic Howard 300 Ignition in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-300-ignition/#post-39339 Mon, 27 Jun 2022 20:18:43 +0100 Hi Andy

I attach a couple of pictures of the magneto. I can’t seem to find it anywhere. The ones available have 2 legs whereas this one has 3.

Do you mean ……just replace the coil.

When I removed the magneto the thin wire came free very easily. Where should it be attached?

Is there a wiring diagram available?

]]> 0da48ee2dd4b3bef5339e6bbdba22185 aquila787 started the topic Howard 300 Ignition in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-300-ignition/ Mon, 27 Jun 2022 16:06:17 +0100 I’ve just bought a Howard 300 that I think has bad ignition….no spark. The armature magneto seems to be obsolete. Is there a way to convert it to electronic ignition or anyone know where I could buy the ignition system. It’s Part Number BS296834…..Briggs & Stratton

John
PS there was a seized Mayfield came with it free.

]]> 3e0fd0158ec4808bea755b49b92c85ab aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/page/3/#post-39114 Fri, 27 May 2022 22:32:58 +0100 Andy

He thinks it’s repairable…..I don’t know myself…..I’ve seen a worse example of piston on here I think which was repaired. It had a large hole in the top. I’ll find a piston somewhere if all fruit fails. I know at the end of the day it will cost more than I can buy a good working machine but that’s not the aim. I want to experience the…[Read more]

]]> a380c831f1dc514fa81f604522b597b5 aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/page/3/#post-39111 Fri, 27 May 2022 17:38:49 +0100 He’s going to drill them out and tap the hole for a grub screw as replacement. I suppose it’s worth a try. I’m hoping he’ll put loctite on them and if he drills right through that he’ll put a grubscrew with a lock washer on the back as well as the loctite.

John

]]> 05ca927c2ac65082200ec01aa9051caf aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/page/3/#post-39103 Thu, 26 May 2022 14:36:39 +0100 Hi

The engine builder is finding it very difficult to remove the piston ring pegs on my piston (part numbers 5268 and 5269) Have any of you done this or are they available to buy. I seem to remember reading somewhere that there might be a fellow in Switzerland selling some parts for these Simars. I attach pics.

]]> 3f371cf4d493a1fb93acdbced39d32ab aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/page/3/#post-39085 Mon, 23 May 2022 18:14:49 +0100 Thanks Charlie

]]> 5b0f3cc3aeacd637a951e773e2626e47 aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/page/3/#post-39069 Sun, 22 May 2022 12:37:07 +0100 Hi Charlie

It’s the RD310 I have. Could I get the drawing for that spring. I’ll do a Solidworks drawing of it if it’s not already in Solidworks and make available free.

John

]]> f1455aec32685e6830ad8fde58466e59 aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/page/3/#post-39067 Sat, 21 May 2022 17:22:16 +0100 Hi again

Just wondering can the springs for the tines on this machine be purchased anywhere. If not I’ll draw them in Solidworks and see can I get them made.

The piston and cylinder is with engine remanufacturer at the moment.

John

]]> 68f4e2f8103d76ee4005ff743fa7b8e2 aquila787 replied to the topic Orolo tracked barrow in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/orolo-tracked-barrow/#post-38905 Fri, 29 Apr 2022 15:49:21 +0100 Found this maybe you’ve seen it already. There’s a few photos there too.
Practical Machinist.

https://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/antique-machinery-and-history/ot-crawler-tractors-196276/index16.html

believe this to be an “Orolo” track unit, or a copy of one. “Roadless – The Story of Roadless Traction from Tracks to Tractors” by Stuart…[Read more]

]]> 189b72b48fb472671617dbc12dc3095a aquila787 replied to the topic Orolo tracked barrow in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/orolo-tracked-barrow/#post-38904 Fri, 29 Apr 2022 15:25:53 +0100 Do you have photos. I dont know anything about it but I’d like to see it.

John

]]> 765ab60fc9c7f9a2cc66b4db43cc3d91 aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/page/3/#post-38887 Sun, 24 Apr 2022 11:42:13 +0100 John E-W

Every day’s a school day. What I thought was a split pin is the bottom piston ring divider. I attach a photo.

John

]]> 4379916d7b88a63ac7116701bdd4b6f3 aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/page/2/#post-38874 Fri, 22 Apr 2022 22:37:01 +0100 Wristpin

No I think you’re getting it wrong. Read it in this photo….not the one you added

]]> f9e69586278380461bd7bf6958ab6338 aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/page/2/#post-38869 Fri, 22 Apr 2022 18:26:12 +0100 Hi Wristpin

Attached is photo of the can of Owatrol oil.
It’s definitely better than WD40 anyway.

]]> e4103f0174f5362d9e662d0c07b8631a aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/page/2/#post-38865 Fri, 22 Apr 2022 13:11:03 +0100 Now how do I remove this wrist pin. I dont want to do harm finding out. Picture attached

]]> 18221e3416a595de8a5ab4dc47c5e13d aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/page/2/#post-38856 Thu, 21 Apr 2022 19:43:01 +0100 Thanks for the books Charlie.

I attach pictures of the piston and cylinder which finally came apart just now. The cylinder looks OK but I won’t know for certain till later. The piston has a little damage. Rings were broken. And a break between the rings as well.

Anyway what do ye think…..is it repairable?

]]> 412271a19587f375ce714c9e2409912f aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/page/2/#post-38836 Tue, 19 Apr 2022 10:54:44 +0100 Thanks Charlie. I could use a copy of the parts book please. Might not have to take the crank apart…..hopefully…..Will try get the piston out the bottom today. A lot of this is learning for me.
Thanks again.

John

]]> c1106bd689b41b3c1b55fcb81d8c5114 aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/page/2/#post-38831 Mon, 18 Apr 2022 19:40:33 +0100 It’s a split pin for sure. Looks like there’s a flange on the bottom of the cylinder but I wouldn’t be sure. It stops the piston coming out the bottom. The pin doesn’t come out the cylinder either.

]]> 66e117742915eec4c9528b5d65348ff9 aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/page/2/#post-38827 Mon, 18 Apr 2022 17:28:23 +0100 I have a couple of questions for ye….
1. I attach a picture and am wondering what the split pin is for?

2. How to remove the Big End bearing. Picture attached as well.

]]> b435cff2820859c6885bcfb3cfdbdac1 aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/page/2/#post-38819 Fri, 15 Apr 2022 17:28:47 +0100 Andy

I knew that before I started. I might refill those holes and see can I balance it some way.
I doubt it would have come off any other way. The starting ring was beginning to break apart when I tried that.

John

]]> 0e4372eed05877f72109db1bd63bce82 aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/#post-38811 Fri, 15 Apr 2022 11:07:47 +0100 Got the flywheel off after a lot of drilling and grinding and heating. It shot off like a rocket when I hit it with a hammer. Flew about 2 feet. Luckily I wasn’t standing in front of it.

John

]]> f7c56bb32ce1a33fd56b53b1a1106e1c aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/#post-38778 Sun, 10 Apr 2022 14:53:17 +0100 I bought a can of owatrol oil yesterday. Supposed to be good. I’ll try it and see.

John

]]> 53702f25262269a157fc50dda7336d88 aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/#post-38759 Fri, 08 Apr 2022 16:02:09 +0100 Charlie

I’ll see can I get the plus gas

]]> 0d663deb4a61a57fb05e1ae6bd7dec2b aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/#post-38757 Fri, 08 Apr 2022 10:27:25 +0100 I tried most of that. The starting ring started to break so I stopped before it disintegrated. Thinking now if I drilled two holes in the flywheel big enough for the pullers to go through to the back of the flywheel might do the job. I’m using wd40.

John

]]> 5518b70606a6243171f5e447eca7589d aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/#post-38755 Thu, 07 Apr 2022 18:01:13 +0100 Hello again

Does anyone have any suggestions for removal of the flywheel from the 56. I have the nut removed.

John

]]> 34ffb8959a5aee50344022c7d12477ff aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/#post-38692 Tue, 22 Mar 2022 15:14:01 +0000 Hello

Thanks for that Charlie. I need info on the engine in this model. Think mine may be seized as when I took off the head there was a small piece of what looked like a broken ring on top of the cylinder. Is it a Jap engine. Anyone selling or making the springs in the picture. Where can I get gaskets for the engine and body?

Regards

John

]]> 0e005fb62514676bcd4b262c12321a00 aquila787 replied to the topic in the forum Members https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/rototiller-56-serial-number-561473/#post-38668 Sun, 20 Mar 2022 11:45:51 +0000 Hello

Picture of mine

John

]]> 0e005fb62514676bcd4b262c12321a00 aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller - Serial No. 561621 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621/#post-38668 Sun, 20 Mar 2022 11:45:51 +0000 Hello

Picture of mine

John

]]> 0e005fb62514676bcd4b262c12321a00 aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller - Serial No. 561621 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621/page/3/#post-38668 Sun, 20 Mar 2022 11:45:51 +0000 Hello

Picture of mine

John

]]> 6931c4b2f70b693d699aa8917fae9cf5 aquila787 started the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/ Sat, 19 Mar 2022 15:16:27 +0000 Hi everyone

Just bought an old Simar 56 A. Serial number is 561473. Taking it apart at the moment. Last owner must have had an underperforming engine. Head gasket was damaged and leaking slightly. Where can I buy gaskets for this model. I want to do a full restoration if possible.

What make and model of engine is in it.

John

]]> 6931c4b2f70b693d699aa8917fae9cf5 aquila787 started the topic Simar 56A Rototiller – Serial No. 561473 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/moved-reply-to-simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621-2/ Sat, 19 Mar 2022 15:16:27 +0000 Hi everyone

Just bought an old Simar 56 A. Serial number is 561473. Taking it apart at the moment. Last owner must have had an underperforming engine. Head gasket was damaged and leaking slightly. Where can I buy gaskets for this model. I want to do a full restoration if possible.

What make and model of engine is in it.

John

]]> 6931c4b2f70b693d699aa8917fae9cf5 aquila787 replied to the topic Simar 56A Rototiller - Serial No. 561621 in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/simar-56a-rototiller-serial-no-561621/page/3/#post-38667 Sat, 19 Mar 2022 15:16:27 +0000 Hi everyone

Just bought an old Simar 56 A. Serial number is 561473. Taking it apart at the moment. Last owner must have had an underperforming engine. Head gasket was damaged and leaking slightly. Where can I buy gaskets for this model. I want to do a full restoration if possible.

What make and model of engine is in it.

John

]]>