[charlie]

Ouch. I wonder if a previous owner had been using Easy Start or similar?

[charlie]

This article has a basic circuit diagram for a magneto circuit.

[charlie]

Have you tried the SIMAR website it is in French but google will translate page.

[charlie]

Greg, I can’t help with a source of a new spring but can give some indication of what the servo mechanism does. The early Allen Scythes were notorious for nothing happening when the clutch lever was operated, this was due to load on dog clutch preventing it from releasing, the trick was to open the throttle slightly to release the load. Later models with the servo overcame this problem by having a mechanism that drove the clutch out of engagement irrespective of load.

[charlie]

There are two sizes used on Villiers engines I believe, the smaller one is 1/2″ UNF see link the larger one is 5/8″ 20tpi see link . I have used the links to show the two variants, other suppliers have them in stock.

[charlie]

There should be a metal tab on the side of the magneto at the points end near the clips that hold the points cover on. Press to stop.

[charlie]

Sounds a similar story to Jim Wilkie and his collection of old films.

[charlie]

Sounds a similar story to Jim Wilkie and his collection of old films.

[charlie]

Another great article from Alan. Another show I know garden machinery manufacturers exhibited at was the Smithfield Show, archive records of which are held at MERL.

[charlie]

Brian Bells book, ’70 Years of Garden Machinery’, has some information. A 10-12cwt capacity model was introduced in 1954 with the single wheel at the front, earlier models had the single wheel at the back. Engine was a 2hp or optional 3 1/2hp BSA. No mention of unladen weight, so it might be a case of putting it on a weighbridge.
Another problem you may have trying to register it for the road is providing a date of manufacture. The FBHVC newsletter contains articles about registering vehicles archive of newsletters

[charlie]

Great result.

[charlie]

The easiest way for us to identify the model is from a photo of the machine. The factory records of serial numbers are held at MERL (Museum of English Rural Life) Reading.

[charlie]

It looks to be a later version with an Aspera engine.

[charlie]

Looking good. I have had a couple of potatoes dug out by a four legged thief wearing a black and white mask, he has also been stealing bird food.

[charlie]

That may be one of the reasons for cancellation.

[Author]

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