Vintage Horticultural and Garden Machinery Club | David Bliss | Activity https://vhgmc.co.uk/members/davidbliss/activity/ Activity feed for David Bliss. Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:50:43 +0100 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-US 30 hourly 2 db0e15ca91739216cefcc4c86b11e432 David Bliss replied to the topic Ransom mower in the forum Groundcare Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransom-mower/#post-44694 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:51:15 +0100 Andrew
Thanks for that, and you now say engine was probably made by Ransomes can see know looking at parts not quite finished as the old three speed jobs, I thought would have been like barrel sort of overhangs crankcase in parts, carb looks the part and very well machined but design is a bit more than just lacking especially they got things right…[Read more]

]]> a0f1365ebc5df9b985ba9066a820c991 David Bliss replied to the topic Ransom mower in the forum Groundcare Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransom-mower/#post-44691 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:00:39 +0100 Andrew,
Engine is the Sturmey-Archer and looks like a 150+-cc going by piston size I just forgot to measure it but needs a piston but doesn’t knock as bad now as found old and worn but better rings and is running weaker and no smoke, idles in low hundreds just like a sowing machine that was just a desperate try to weaken the mixture off and…[Read more]

]]> f2a6829770b8a7af19b323f260b51a9c David Bliss replied to the topic Ransom mower in the forum Groundcare Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransom-mower/#post-44686 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:54:38 +0100 Its sort of presentable it runs really well with little smoke as manage to find old rings that were a bit better, but it needs a piston and rebore. Quite a few nuts had to be replaced as rotted away that hold cutting cylinder bearing housings, the special seals were sort of useable but to hold them in place and to stop them turning on the shaft…[Read more]

]]> 8728ec4663aaa816ff0162d7e6b8258c David Bliss started the topic Sturmey-Archer engine with poor running in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/sturmey-archer-engine-with-poor-running/ Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:46:23 +0100 I spent hours last year to stop the carburettor running very rich, Its a very very poor design of how the float works bit like standing on one side of a Coracle as little weight upsets it so same with the float gives little weight to lift needle to stop flooding, so added set screws to opposite side helped a bit but still very poor, been like it…[Read more]

]]> 7465a47e5873e2c4292927f230962b68 David Bliss replied to the topic Type of wood for rollers on mower in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/type-of-wood-for-rollers-on-mower/#post-44675 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 06:37:28 +0100 Andy,
Many thanks, I had forgot oak eats metal as often seen bad stains where nails have been used, friend has off cuts from building thats why I used oak, he also has Accoya and Saple, I have lost all my ash trees one by one, I think there are seedlings still coming up that were a nuisance, There is still Ash round this way they had masse’s of…[Read more]

]]> 05987be4262d341f52c3ccbf5ce59226 David Bliss started the topic Type of wood for rollers on mower in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/type-of-wood-for-rollers-on-mower/ Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:59:13 +0100 I have started to get the Ransom’s mower as it is to go to an event later this year, I have just used a fence post for now and for the handles bit of oak, I have seen many old mowers rotting into the ground like this one had been, I was always amazed how the rollers often survived even mine were still un-split but riddled with worm and rusted on,…[Read more]

]]> beeb397cd4d0e836dc78a564a3a08e03 David Bliss replied to the topic Petter AVA 1 diesel gone very noisy in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/petter-ava-1-diesel-gone-very-noisy/#post-44543 Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:39:50 +0000 A update, So a just encase mice had carted nuts up the silencer and blocking that, I dropped it off and found it was quite clean inside, but end was rotted so fixed that, and ran it up for few minutes and what is failing got much worse and even turning it over by hand makes a good thot sound. so some part of cam lobe has gone or the follower,…[Read more]

]]> 384defd3b9674bcbc4332fb331d6d61e David Bliss replied to the topic Petter AVA 1 diesel gone very noisy in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/petter-ava-1-diesel-gone-very-noisy/#post-44531 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 18:35:04 +0000 I have just found the paperwork from 53 through to 62 when it was stopped being used regally it says cast iron head without seat inserts, one fault with old oil was the oil restrictor supplying oil to the valve gear used to clog and nearly stop, now with high detergent oil it hasn’t slowed in years in-fact its quite wet up top and very clean.

]]> 10a4ab9950592eb86c51873407a8493a David Bliss started the topic Petter AVA 1 diesel gone very noisy in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/petter-ava-1-diesel-gone-very-noisy/ Mon, 29 Dec 2025 15:27:10 +0000 I have a old 1953 starto-matic generator with Petter engine, I ran it for about 6hrs three months ago when work was being done to main lines, at that time hadn’t been run for a few years and before I started it ran all the diesel out and changed the oil and ran as normal. There was a intermittent line fault for a few hours a few days ago, so…[Read more]

]]> 86ae1c24ccdb5fdc7034e9837c840623 David Bliss replied to the topic Sheen Flame Wand in the forum Garden implements https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/sheen-flame-wand/#post-44263 Sat, 25 Oct 2025 16:22:53 +0100 We had a large version that looked like a very large fire extinguisher 1930-40s, no idea of make but held getting on for three gallons brimmed, had a carrying strap but a bit on the heavy side. My grandfather and my father used it quite a bit and in the 1963 winter was used to thaw water pipes out to get water for the animals, I never used it for…[Read more]

]]> 2c106565e5029a2676eb69a355827501 David Bliss replied to the topic can anyone identify this tiller? in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/can-anyone-identify-this-tiller/#post-44150 Wed, 24 Sep 2025 08:21:09 +0100 Grahame, I have had severals things to make conversions for and with parallel inner up to a shoulder and tapered outer and split to work, that could be to save a nasty accident. if working in opposite with tapered inner and keyed the outer but if you split the bush it works even better as long as the driven part has a good strong boss. On some…[Read more]

]]> b962cef78b40c6033814618fb215f061 David Bliss replied to the topic What model of Shay? in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/what-model-of-shay/#post-44100 Fri, 05 Sep 2025 14:12:56 +0100 About what year, engine looks like a Rotor scythe. Looks less Heath Robinson than what my neighbour put together in late fifties always wondered where he got the idea from, using a plough disc powered by a very early Mk 12 Villiers, two pram wheels, can’t remember what he made the frame out of but was very impressed being open consumed little…[Read more]

]]> 6a8ee33d50db2c2374bef2620d64aa20 David Bliss replied to the topic BMB in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/bmb/#post-44028 Wed, 27 Aug 2025 10:38:04 +0100 I tried leather as had it at hand but wrongly used the crocodile fasteners, soon found out they only like going round to bend in one direction over pulleys so the tensioner soon destroyed fastener and belt, I did get it right as have laminated and glued leather for large cone clutches and worked, one hadn’t needed attention in 60 years use so work…[Read more]

]]> b004989250211bb25f9445bd2044a47f David Bliss replied to the topic BMB in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/bmb/#post-44026 Tue, 26 Aug 2025 10:12:07 +0100 My Grand father used one for years and then got a Ransoms that wasn’t ideal late 50’s got a David Brown 2D that ran rings around the crawler, I resurrected the plough Mate in the 60s it was easier to use than most and soon put a wheel up front so if need be going anywhere went in reverse. Belt got bad and Fenner just glued one it worked for a…[Read more]

]]> 3adc531eed7c986ea78541a254df08a8 David Bliss replied to the topic JAP 2a flywheel removal in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/jap-2a-flywheel-removal/page/2/#post-43968 Thu, 31 Jul 2025 11:08:03 +0100 Grahame, I wouldn’t worry about reinstating how you took it apart, I look at it as some idiot of an idea to cause other issues when in standard form it would be impossible to get. I have seen this before like a lad on the shop floor knew what he was doing wasn’t quite the ticket but expressing his opinion gets told off from above. A certain…[Read more]

]]> a5ecdcf587aa27bbece56c981e7a6b3e David Bliss replied to the topic JAP 2a flywheel removal in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/jap-2a-flywheel-removal/page/2/#post-43954 Thu, 24 Jul 2025 11:18:52 +0100 Grahame, I would restore to original spec so wouldn’t cause other issues, not a modern? bodge up of an idea, flywheel, locktite and fail safe? key with a nut locked with a roll pin as couldn’t see that saving damage as with speed comes inertia. crank with its assisted flywheel with locktite and safety shear key don’t think parts would survive. I…[Read more]

]]> 46b39f86ca106b9e7daacbbadea0c67c David Bliss replied to the topic JAP 2a flywheel removal in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/jap-2a-flywheel-removal/page/2/#post-43943 Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:45:50 +0100 Grahame, I have an idea what someone has done, the flywheel nut should be done up quite tight without the need of locktite, and with it being held in position with the roll pin and flywheel locktited sort of sends shivers down my back. and it could be penny has dropped. Right the crankshaft should be pulled up tight against that mag sides bearing,…[Read more]

]]> 134b0c54bede98366b9452e3fb001849 David Bliss replied to the topic JAP 2a flywheel removal in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/jap-2a-flywheel-removal/#post-43935 Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:11:07 +0100 Andy In Grahame’s photo just visible I recon can see hole in the thread towards its end, I have seen all these sort of things bodges get up to, like a nut coming loose so they found one with a tighter thread being a different thread rate. Going back many years the one of the engines I had was a bit flat for some time but always started and checked…[Read more]

]]> 5c350529f7d68cce8c1263e2617abb04 David Bliss replied to the topic JAP 2a flywheel removal in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/jap-2a-flywheel-removal/#post-43926 Sun, 20 Jul 2025 21:24:04 +0100 Andy Yes reckon the roll pin come the bodge it it up brigade as never seen a flywheel nut come loose had alloy break a few times where the rope hooks onto so fitted a new one and found the alloy is just a tight push fit so skimmed a bit off the steel and welded a nut and pressed the alloy back on this makes it so much easier to fit and all that I…[Read more]

]]> b187ea8b878799588da36f6b971271f2 David Bliss replied to the topic Membership costs in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/membership-costs/#post-43858 Fri, 27 Jun 2025 06:39:54 +0100 Yes to everything, A for sale and wanted section bit on here think would be good.
David

]]> d25e53c86eead9d4de7ee3824bcb4110 David Bliss replied to the topic Ex Air ministry Alcon Pumps in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ex-air-ministry-alcon-pumps/page/2/#post-43853 Thu, 26 Jun 2025 11:14:53 +0100 What you need is a small two stage fire pump so pressure not volume, I was always at Knights engineers for anything from re-bores to any type of shaft grinding, they had a small splined shaft that had been hard chromed in places and was set up for grinding it back. They said here you are guess what sort of engine and hp drives onto that shaft,…[Read more]

]]> cf377e1262de01539b13b039c8960a2d David Bliss replied to the topic Ex Air ministry Alcon Pumps in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ex-air-ministry-alcon-pumps/page/2/#post-43848 Thu, 26 Jun 2025 06:58:38 +0100 Andy
It isn’t yellow paint and for some reason with the LED light ether over exposed bits and changed material colour, its 60 years of crud from evaporated petrol, some places it was on very thick but did blow off a bit. that carb in my infancy I fitted for my father, as originals with the ball floats being dented looking like golf balls often…[Read more]

]]> b72242586c205a4849f105b2e4403500 David Bliss replied to the topic Ex Air ministry Alcon Pumps in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ex-air-ministry-alcon-pumps/page/2/#post-43839 Tue, 24 Jun 2025 18:21:56 +0100 Andy
On both pumps there are non-return flap valves just inside the threaded suction hose connection, so not really foot valves but do same thing not on the pipe, and both pumps are sort of the same, the faster priming one has a smaller water re-circling jet and different housing where the ball fits. I did take it into Panks and they said never…[Read more]

]]> cad9c7cef2ccc7665a6b559321d9eaab David Bliss replied to the topic Ex Air ministry Alcon Pumps in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ex-air-ministry-alcon-pumps/#post-43832 Mon, 23 Jun 2025 10:49:14 +0100 Grahame
Both pumps seals might be ok, the old faithful has the just rubber washer and carbon ring running on a brass bush and is very quick to prime other has real good suction but takes ages to do so, the others carbon bush was robbed so thats got modern Alcon seal ceramic buts looks more to fail, never seen more than just over 20psi with those…[Read more]

]]> 05c55362facd81e6ff3155015dbf0ff9 David Bliss replied to the topic Ex Air ministry Alcon Pumps in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ex-air-ministry-alcon-pumps/#post-43825 Mon, 23 Jun 2025 07:23:32 +0100 If any bit of equipment is not going to be used in the next few months I get the fuel out and if its a steel tank suck it completely dry, spray bit of oil in helps and same with the water side but you must not get oil near any part of the rubber seal. Just after the much used Alcon primed and with two engines running didn’t twig which of one of…[Read more]

]]> 04fbc1731a9a5f9f4c0bf7b15eb9db84 David Bliss replied to the topic Ex Air ministry Alcon Pumps in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ex-air-ministry-alcon-pumps/#post-43819 Sat, 21 Jun 2025 18:16:45 +0100 Grshame, daughter has done a video of the two Alcons today it might be a time before i see how it came out, I can tell how long the one pump was in work to as stamped date in 2002 as that was when I resurrected the donor parts pump back into working order and used that, So stood twenty two years. Bit disappointed as had to give it two pulls before…[Read more]

]]> 0f4addfd08d096bd177c6861bf334143 David Bliss replied to the topic Correcting fixed ignition timing in the forum Groundcare Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/correcting-fixed-ignition-timing/#post-43782 Tue, 03 Jun 2025 11:46:44 +0100 I got the key width wrong it was .035 thou wider and that amount of joggle would retard it quite some bit and has worked as with every thing fixed being modern so there no way of adjusting and I wouldn’t have thought such a small engine could be that vicious but it was. I have worked on the really old 40s Briggs with the peg that ran onto the…[Read more]

]]> 4bd9ba9f1bbaf175c783f3220e557618 David Bliss started the topic Correcting fixed ignition timing in the forum Groundcare Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/correcting-fixed-ignition-timing/ Mon, 02 Jun 2025 20:03:52 +0100 Its a bit modern but earlier this year a friend had stood two mowers out to go to the tip, the little rotary no idea of make had apparently been outside for many years all the control cables had rusted off and as being one of the modern types as soon as the hand controls are released it cuts the ignition and applies a brake on the flywheel so…[Read more]

]]> 55ea563ae0f48dc874c8b177865f39f6 David Bliss started the topic Post hole borer in the forum Groundcare Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/post-hole-borer/ Mon, 02 Jun 2025 08:24:24 +0100 I expect most of us have had the task of driving wood stakes in for fencing, well if its heavy clay with flints and hedge roots it can be a bit testing, I have a good 6” inch hand auger and its ideal and easier than using a spade but if you have roots or stones the auger gets caught and takes time and effort getting the odd stone or root out,…[Read more]

]]> 067a131b3b3f96c6369b3546cdb546b4 David Bliss replied to the topic Cylinder Mower replacement blades, in the forum Garden implements https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/cylinder-mower-replacement-blades/#post-43762 Fri, 23 May 2025 18:28:11 +0100 Andy
We ran Ransomes stuff, Combine and we broke up one that went to them for spares, ploughs, modern reversible and one of the old last heavy Hexatracks behind one of the first 1941 D7 7M so often used Stennets and Denison near Bruisyard,and with Ransomes gone with poor non genuine wearing parts used them quite a bit, but often came back with…[Read more]

]]> 061810eb411cc0642d7097adc21dedf9 David Bliss replied to the topic Cylinder Mower replacement blades, in the forum Garden implements https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/cylinder-mower-replacement-blades/#post-43758 Thu, 22 May 2025 21:19:05 +0100 I had a phone call today and he still has barrels he said somewhere, so are going over in the next two weeks to have a look. Anyone need Ransomes parts, ill take my camera anyhow.

]]> b37e67a25f1e09e96430523e559d7d19 David Bliss replied to the topic Cylinder Mower replacement blades, in the forum Garden implements https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/cylinder-mower-replacement-blades/#post-43755 Thu, 22 May 2025 06:50:24 +0100 Andy, I am not holding my breath but got a phone number from long back and is still good that took most of Ransomes parts, I will try.

]]> 1a2dffa8192f54ec6b4c8ed0d5e378f8 David Bliss started the topic Cylinder Mower replacement blades, in the forum Garden implements https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/cylinder-mower-replacement-blades/ Wed, 21 May 2025 20:53:29 +0100 Going back to late 60s I was ask to go and look at a old Ruston diesel engine, I found a engineer in one part of the old farm redundant buildings servicing gang mowers from the council, there was a cylinder grinder automatically sharpening a cylinder, I noticed one of the cylinders had some blade damage missing the odd bit, I said you cant grind…[Read more]

]]> e2cdefc93fd545434c837d091548a098 David Bliss replied to the topic Howard Rotavator 200 Spares in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-rotavator-200-spares/#post-43751 Tue, 20 May 2025 21:51:13 +0100 Graham
On some of those old carbs they just a long screw that holds the air cleaner on if not screwed back in with the air filter off I have had them suck up fuel strait through that hole.

]]> 5f84a08c5af73cdcc977b058ef6dcc52 David Bliss replied to the topic Ransomes engine carb improvement in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransomes-engine-carb-improvement/page/2/#post-43714 Sat, 03 May 2025 20:02:38 +0100 Grahame
I agree get pleasure in getting scraped bits of machinery working and used for years, and keeping mine in top order. That SA engine ticks over near to 120rpm so not flustered at all. I will be at Stradsett with my ride on mower, silent, few revs and uses less fuel, today we burn more fuel for low emissions that makes masses of heat to be…[Read more]

]]> 1f81b5873d5339695b48e516764da84c David Bliss replied to the topic Ransomes engine carb improvement in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransomes-engine-carb-improvement/page/2/#post-43710 Fri, 02 May 2025 21:10:35 +0100 Engine runs fine better than some clocks, with the impulse mag from cold I gently pulled it over on the flywheel and was away. I am a bit of a perfectionist and when I hear people saying they all ran like that or when they just put and put every few seconds eight stroking afraid its not good enough for me so will still have ago with the carb and…[Read more]

]]> 1317e5a3fc81a0279416221e4fd2bb59 David Bliss replied to the topic Ransomes engine carb improvement in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransomes-engine-carb-improvement/#post-43707 Fri, 02 May 2025 08:49:34 +0100 I will see if I can find a small motorcycle early carb as they work fine before I try to gets spare parts, as looking at the design it doesn’t hold water in my view and was the demise of its piston. I can just remember being sat on my grandfathers MG6 it had all its tools of tiny discs, cultivator and plough. My father never had a good word about…[Read more]

]]> ced428eb672ea635b8b1cf268fb05a0d David Bliss replied to the topic Bernard W317 no spark in the forum Groundcare Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/bernard-w317-no-spark/#post-43706 Fri, 02 May 2025 08:15:38 +0100 Even if you get a spark it maybe not good enough. I have had engines running quite well but if you hadn’t been using them at the time or had in the past you wouldn’t have known something wasn’t quite as it should be, i had a engine suddenly go flat running hot with reduced power, it started just fine and even just altering the mixture helped. Took…[Read more]

]]> ba1226be6221f539bb17a2849a2998c9 David Bliss replied to the topic Ransomes engine carb improvement in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransomes-engine-carb-improvement/#post-43688 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 15:02:45 +0100 Grahame
Think I am going to try and find a small motorcycle carb, the design of how the float tries to shut the fuel off just doesn’t, I must have spent 4hrs carefully taking apart removing dents, cleaning and back together. I had just fitted it and was interrupted for an hour, came back and hurrah still dry, started and within less than a minute…[Read more]

]]> 458638134fab9c0d65d11bd8041fc393 David Bliss replied to the topic Ransomes engine carb improvement in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransomes-engine-carb-improvement/#post-43683 Sun, 27 Apr 2025 07:11:52 +0100 Andy
I used to use Knights engineers in Norwich, I can remember John Knights saying leave it with me and will try and find something and he did, I believe he was looking through old Hepolite books, maybe one of those old books would be a start.

I used to use JP pistons Australia with some still in use today without issues and were very…[Read more]

]]> c2afa269d9112769b3749c116770054e David Bliss replied to the topic Ransomes engine carb improvement in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransomes-engine-carb-improvement/#post-43671 Fri, 25 Apr 2025 09:04:12 +0100 Andy
Yes many pistons were changed without balancing and often they got it wrong to start with and comes down to a good bit of guessing and if you get it right its so satisfying. I restored a 1905 Rover 780cc 6HP single cylinder car engine the balance was was a bit lucky with a new rod of different design and lighter piston, however taking masses…[Read more]

]]> cc1346785d2335b54645af3b41f98568 David Bliss replied to the topic Ransomes engine carb improvement in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransomes-engine-carb-improvement/#post-43667 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 21:59:02 +0100 Never knew the bicycle three speed makers made engines. And yes the float isn’t good but the worst bits are inboard of the float needle, the tickler goes through at an angle. I was hoping they used a engine from a well known motorcycle manufacturer. so might have found a piston, not a problem making one but then would have to balance the crank as…[Read more]

]]> 381b9de7f7f6f89f62e2618964422f80 David Bliss started the topic Ransomes engine carb improvement in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransomes-engine-carb-improvement/ Thu, 24 Apr 2025 20:15:42 +0100 After getting the engine to run found it had quite bad piston slap, however much looks unworn, after getting the mag to work better so easier to start found it run perfectly for thirty seconds but then started to 8 stroke and longer it idled the worse it got and if stopped lost what little compression it had, and would often flood after stopping,…[Read more]

]]> 0fb7e186f2e944f9eb2325580665de0a David Bliss replied to the topic 5hp hayterette compression issues in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/5hp-hayterette-compression-issues/#post-43656 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 19:20:11 +0100 Those little Briggs have that odd way of a compression release by a bump on the back of the inlet cam thats a horrible idea, thats why the odd valve clearance 2-5, so you must not get the cam in the wrong place when going to adjust. I once just ground that bump off, this made the engine run like any normal engine, however it could snatch a bit on…[Read more]

]]> bfbe447c07d39cfc512913855b929daa David Bliss replied to the topic Ex Air ministry Alcon Pumps in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ex-air-ministry-alcon-pumps/#post-43651 Tue, 22 Apr 2025 22:02:52 +0100 The Villiers engined pumps were the 2” inch JAP’s 1.5 inch and I just had a bit of seamed stainless pipe, don’t think the engine shaft was more than 4 inches, so a reamer took the bumps out, the new ceramic seal worked similar to the very simple carbon disc, bit of rubber with a spring to push those bit up against the brass bit the pump body, it…[Read more]

]]> 20a829eff54652d788de5e1d38a6e577 David Bliss replied to the topic Ex Air ministry Alcon Pumps in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ex-air-ministry-alcon-pumps/#post-43645 Mon, 21 Apr 2025 15:44:53 +0100 Yes they are very easy starting but these two really do take some bit to get over compression and best way is to turn them over by hand until at TDC then rap the rope and go for it, if you don’t they bite back, There was nothing of any governors on the one.
One was running last year when it was getting dry so just incase soaked round my bonfire,…[Read more]

]]> 6bb6de36034db615136148e992ef5747 David Bliss replied to the topic Ex Air ministry Alcon Pumps in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ex-air-ministry-alcon-pumps/#post-43643 Sun, 20 Apr 2025 21:21:57 +0100 The one on the right that did have governors just has the one small brass plug carburettor side, I found you had to hold the governors open to be able to prime in a reasonable time and when it did the governors just opened the carb to full throttle so they were of really no use so did away with them. However the engine started to knock in only two…[Read more]

]]> d1f48a5b2960887c43ed9aa2e6623f77 David Bliss started the topic Ransom mower in the forum Groundcare Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransom-mower/ Sat, 19 Apr 2025 19:40:15 +0100 I brought this home today and after about 4hours got it to run, the build quality is extremely good and engineered to last. The engine was free but no compression so took the head off and remarkably no rust and valves were free. its got the Wipack with the impulse mag, cleaned the points and got a poor intermittent spark, points were set at 30-40…[Read more]

]]> da9bacfe5b619b158688be957abbf2cd David Bliss started the topic Ex Air ministry Alcon Pumps in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ex-air-ministry-alcon-pumps/ Fri, 18 Apr 2025 14:20:31 +0100 These were bought sometime in the 1950s, ex air ministry. One was seized and was only used for spares. The other one also came crated with a multitude of spare parts, this was used for years and we never realised the differences between to the two pumps.

The one Jap engine has no governors and internally the valves only have the normal single…[Read more]

]]> a859c3749a2b78489fbbb114c0b291c1 David Bliss replied to the topic Hayter 21 project in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/hayter-21-project/#post-43618 Sun, 13 Apr 2025 18:28:37 +0100 When we had one never gave it a thought and fitted the free swinging blades the other way up so like all rotary mowers.

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