Vintage Horticultural and Garden Machinery Club | John E-W | Activity https://vhgmc.co.uk/members/john-e-w/activity/ Activity feed for John E-W. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 20:54:25 +0100 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-US 30 hourly 2 e21b52068f169bd0786649e6ecf39eed John E-W replied to the topic Membership costs in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/membership-costs/#post-43859 Fri, 27 Jun 2025 07:57:51 +0100 Having been through the same issues with another organisation I belong to, here are a few ways to cut the costs.

1. Use slightly cheaper paper for the magazine so that it is lighter and doesn’t cost so much to post. We now use 80gm A3 folded in half to make $ sides of printable A4 – and we keep the issues to 2-3 sheets of A3
2. Only post-out the…[Read more]

]]> 9a2d812b5cbd180e3cdc2f9d4068ae74 John E-W replied to the topic Fuel Taps in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/fuel-taps/#post-43726 Mon, 12 May 2025 08:28:30 +0100 Having looked on U-Tube how to take the tap apart I copied their idea and replaced the cork washer. However, when it came to reassembly the inner shaft was not long enough to be re-swaged over – so I had another idea – thread the shaft and “pull” end – as I didn’t have a small enough metric Tap & die, I used a 4BA on both halves – fitted a treat…[Read more]

]]> 5420c4a7b0be90ada05eca794d320aca John E-W started the topic Fuel Taps in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/fuel-taps/ Fri, 09 May 2025 15:37:26 +0100 Does anyone know if these motorcycle cork washers fit the fuel taps on a Monroe Mk3 Villiers 15 engine

Ewarts Petrol Tap Corks for AJS Ariel BSA Matchless Norton Triumph

Regards
John e-w

]]> 16b11e61bf25f1fe004e5592c02ef1b8 John E-W replied to the topic Hayter 21 project in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/hayter-21-project/#post-43610 Sat, 12 Apr 2025 15:33:28 +0100 Try spacing with a washer
John E-W

]]> 18560494503e40b53be65468ffa08605 John E-W replied to the topic February cultivator in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/february-cultivator/#post-43377 Mon, 17 Feb 2025 09:58:06 +0000 Mine has just arrived
John e-w

]]> 69acd1823b56ae322b7a50cd8c9b1ee0 John E-W replied to the topic December Magazine in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/december-magazine/#post-43230 Fri, 27 Dec 2024 13:36:47 +0000 Magazine arrived today 11.30 – subs in the post tomorrow morning

John e-w

]]> 93822d7998447b06c846218c61d61aac John E-W replied to the topic December Magazine in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/december-magazine/#post-43217 Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:32:12 +0000 Hmm – mine hasn’t arrived yet! – next delivery day should have been Wednesday, so if I’m lucky it will be Friday – or sometime next week – maybe!

Happy Christmas one and all
Regards
John E-W

]]> 4b42e970a3d5f4f381d12e8c60c47203 John E-W replied to the topic Howard 350 petrol cock stuck on. in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-350-petrol-cock-stuck-on/#post-43177 Wed, 11 Dec 2024 20:56:41 +0000 with the output pipe facing up, try filling it with penetrating oil

John e-w

]]> ae4c51f5770fb2c880ae802fe81c62ca John E-W replied to the topic October cultivator in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/october-cultivator-4/#post-43067 Tue, 22 Oct 2024 09:39:59 +0100 I understand Charlie – mine arrived yesterday about 13.00 (apparently there is a shortage of “Posties” in Sevenoaks and they are having to double up on their rounds)

By the way it looks good with 2 columns – makes it easier to read – probably easier digitally as well.

Regards
John E-W

]]> 1b7788a0e85a82ba4afe015dede88006 John E-W replied to the topic October cultivator in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/october-cultivator-4/#post-43062 Mon, 21 Oct 2024 07:34:28 +0100 Hmm – mine not yet arrived – put it down to the “postie” working a 3 day week!!

I note that it’s not on our web pages yet either.

Regards
john e-w

]]> c0e6f7359b51627c4d792d7fdb7854c9 John E-W replied to the topic Monro Mk3 Rotavator in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/monro-mk3-rotavator-2/#post-42886 Mon, 16 Sep 2024 10:34:07 +0100 Good morning Charlie, sorry I couldn’t make the Weeley weekend, I would have loved to actually met some of the members of the club – face to names is invaluable.

So are you saying that in the locked position the tines should not rotate? If that is the case how much slack should there be in the cable as there isn’t much in mine and I am reluctant…[Read more]

]]> 5fa1a778c62666df2a4d9b5504595100 John E-W started the topic Monro Mk3 Rotavator in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/monro-mk3-rotavator-2/ Fri, 13 Sep 2024 16:21:18 +0100 I have a Monroe Mk3 working and another I am restoring. I am currently replacing all the Bowden cables and have long wondered what the locking mechanism is for on the clutch lever and reverse lever. Neither seem to have a great effect on my working model, but maybe they are set up incorrectly. Both levers work when squeezed up to the handle and…[Read more]

]]> 65aba26f30fc47fbdddf9a5ad441062d John E-W replied to the topic August 2024 issue The Cultivator in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/august-2024-issue-the-cultivator/#post-42733 Sun, 11 Aug 2024 08:30:38 +0100 Well done Charlie – mine arrived yesterday pm – paper seems a bit heavier than usual

John E-W

]]> 59ed90fe760121be5f7f7b4912ad678e John E-W replied to the topic Howard Gem Series V in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-gem-series-v/#post-42194 Fri, 03 May 2024 11:50:21 +0100 Graham
Have a look at picture 3 on our Home page

John E-W

]]> 50b1c22eeef0a58b24b3f9ae549e292f John E-W replied to the topic Howard Gem Series V in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-gem-series-v/#post-42188 Fri, 03 May 2024 08:36:29 +0100 Hi Graham
From the latest photos, I would say that the wheels are on the wrong sides as the “V’s” on the treads should be facing forwards not backwards.

Regards
John E-W

]]> 8f515326aaaed04b696d00898a863878 John E-W replied to the topic Paint preparation in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/paint-preparation/#post-42046 Tue, 09 Apr 2024 08:32:30 +0100 This conversation seems to have change course over the past few days – the original question was should you remove the rust dents or fill them in. I would rub them down, use a rust preventative, then spray with Hammarite which will go a long way to preventing rust occurring again and also “look like” rust indentations all over the bodywork, so…[Read more]

]]> bdee35ddb7305ce9b5d0a17a2b5ffa97 John E-W replied to the topic Howard 810 cc in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-810-cc/#post-41852 Sun, 25 Feb 2024 13:44:45 +0000 video worked for me – about 10sec duration

John E-W

]]> 7fc422047075e289a3a85ec6747617b3 John E-W replied to the topic TRUSTY ON FILM in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/trusty-on-film/#post-41728 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 21:58:02 +0000 Sorry, but I got error 404, site could not be found

Regards
John e-w

]]> 967854c3214d985c9e24579a3d5cf88b John E-W replied to the topic howard bantam flywheel issue in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-bantam-flywheel-issue/#post-41534 Thu, 07 Dec 2023 13:51:31 +0000 Part No 168 looks like a Woodruf key – lucky you as it should mean that the timing is pre-set. I would guess that it would require two bolts screwed through the flywheel to push the flywheel off the shaft. From experience it is absolutely no point in trying to prize the flywheel off from the edges as that will either break the flywheel or…[Read more]

]]> df30ff38b1f555b913737c9b4e22d0e8 John E-W replied to the topic McCulloch 240 Carburetor in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/mcculloch-240-carburetor/#post-41365 Sun, 29 Oct 2023 10:25:14 +0000 Thanks for all your help – it is now working.

So just for information:- the feed to the carb (in my case the small dia tube) goes to the lower brass pipe and the overflow which in my case was the larger dia pipe (return to the tank) goes to the top tube. Its not helped that both brass tubes are the same diameter although the neoprene pipes are…[Read more]

]]> 1cadc273353a2aa391147d7edec2025b John E-W replied to the topic McCulloch 240 Carburetor in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/mcculloch-240-carburetor/#post-41362 Sat, 28 Oct 2023 15:39:10 +0100 When I prime it the fuel seems to go into the carb, it certainly doesn’t run everywhere. I don’t know about the diaphragm as I didn’t strip the carb down, just pushed the hoses onto the brass tubes. I didn’t notice any notches, but I will have a look tomorrow – as far as I can remember both tubes were smooth. I’m pretty sure there are no kinks in…[Read more]

]]> 6bd34200e5fca031f8ed62862e8534a8 John E-W started the topic McCulloch 240 Carburetor in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/mcculloch-240-carburetor/ Sat, 28 Oct 2023 09:19:23 +0100 I must be getting old – I have just replaced the fuel pipes on my leaf blower – the original feeder pipe had a filter attached to the end in the fuel tank and every time I tried to put it back on, the pipe split – so I fitted new ones. I have touched nothing else, but now the machine refuses to fire up let alone run. The question is – have I got…[Read more]

]]> f4bfa9d20876106fd3018126168ba70e John E-W replied to the topic Monro Mk3 Rotavator in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/monro-mk3-rotavator/#post-41135 Fri, 18 Aug 2023 19:13:31 +0100 Hi Charlie – worked like magic – only a slight “pop”. For somebody that has never fitted a tyre to a Mk3, you certainly provided the wherewithal to do it. Took about an hour to do both tyres. Only point to bear in mind is that you have to keep your wits about you to make sure the tyre is fitted in the right direction.

Do you have any tweaks…[Read more]

]]> a025bd905ee83ffaaee12bf1dd6f2a49 John E-W replied to the topic August 2023 issue The Cultivator in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/august-2023-issue-the-cultivator/#post-41130 Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:37:24 +0100 Mine also arrived today

John E-W

]]> a2ee8b2f2a6241a9bf4b0eaf856f26ef John E-W replied to the topic Monro Mk3 Rotavator in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/monro-mk3-rotavator/#post-41125 Mon, 14 Aug 2023 21:41:39 +0100 Thanks Charlie I will give it a go and let yo know how I got on.

John E-W

]]> 455448a8be756585225f4a33129d86ef John E-W started the topic Monro Mk3 Rotavator in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/monro-mk3-rotavator/ Sun, 13 Aug 2023 17:06:09 +0100 Has anybody changed the tyres on a Monro Mk3, or removed them to repair a puncture? If so how did you get them back on the split rims again? Mine were a fight to remove, but I put that down to the rusty condition they were in. Unlike other split rims I have come across, these are aprox 95/5 (with the majority of the tyre on the 95% half of the…[Read more]

]]> f910da1ff72ae861a7bf03c15dbe8832 John E-W replied to the topic Mystery hand tool in the forum Garden implements https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/mystery-hand-tool/#post-41003 Wed, 26 Jul 2023 15:42:58 +0100 At a guess, something to do with an individual weed remover – below ground level

John E-W

]]> 16cb02ab94d022552cc87b045e1ab137 John E-W replied to the topic June issue The Cultivator in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/june-issue-the-cultivator-2/#post-40906 Fri, 16 Jun 2023 12:19:20 +0100 So has mine – now all I have to do is find time to read it!

John E-W

]]> 6fac931d203048188ea03f0765140239 John E-W replied to the topic Rodents! in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/rodents/#post-40810 Sun, 07 May 2023 08:46:16 +0100 Where do you get hold of Creosote these days??

John E-W

]]> 01ea0b4d826ab5d1d0107a5c7f745e55 John E-W replied to the topic April ,The Cultivator in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/april-the-cultivator/#post-40755 Tue, 25 Apr 2023 21:21:08 +0100 Mine arrived this morning

John E-W

]]> 62b46771285929f2605beea3aca0ffef John E-W started the topic Split Rims in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/split-rims/ Thu, 09 Mar 2023 21:02:24 +0000 When splitting/reassembling split rims (on rotavators) should you have “some” air in the tube to prevent the tube from being pinched between the two halves?

Regards
John E-W

]]> 4fdee05eb86d175e03ad0b6fb2d00428 John E-W replied to the topic February 2023 magazine in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/february-2023-magazine/#post-40535 Sat, 18 Feb 2023 11:39:58 +0000 Mine arrived today

John E-W

]]> 95a6c4bd7b35255444715a4bd7dfa718 John E-W replied to the topic Monroe Tiller in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/monroe-tiller/#post-40407 Thu, 05 Jan 2023 10:54:55 +0000 Sorry pics should have been supplied but battery was flat on my camera – so here they are now.
Wristpin – I have the same booklet and I read it as the Mk10 & Mk12 have the AB10 or Type V. The Mk15 service manual indicates that an S12 carb is fitted to rotavators. However, thanks for your help and I will now try George at villiersparts to see…[Read more]

]]> d9a188ea34ce60b471b16f92d7e12bd9 John E-W started the topic Monroe Tiller in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/monroe-tiller/ Wed, 04 Jan 2023 15:59:52 +0000 Hi Guys – I have recently purchased a Mk3 MonroeTiller with a Villiers Mk15 engine and I’m attempting to refurbish it. The first thing I have to do is replace all the cables – not too much of a problem until I looked at the carburetor – Unfortunately it is missing it’s needle. Now trying to find the right carburetor and matching it to a needle…[Read more]

]]> 078428def40aba3606188c61166433dd John E-W replied to the topic More motor triple questions. in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/more-motor-triple-questions/#post-40357 Thu, 15 Dec 2022 12:57:07 +0000 Could you not fabricate your own belt tensioner?

John E-W

]]> 4de738a2a2dd32c0a9e8e6dfef119806 John E-W replied to the topic 2023 membership renewals in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/2023-membership-renewals/#post-40338 Sat, 10 Dec 2022 11:10:06 +0000 I gave up trying to renew on-line and have put mine in the post – every time I follow the links I end up with the page that says it’s renewed automatically

]]> 180b9210f02a3994d2f0a09034705101 John E-W replied to the topic 2023 membership renewals in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/2023-membership-renewals/#post-40318 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 15:57:09 +0000 Hi Charlie – I see on-line, that my membership is set to automatic renewal – so I assume that I don’t need to fill the form in, as nothing has changed at my end.

Regards & Happy Christmas
John E-W

]]> 65fbf3036c099476313fc92fcc0a2f4d John E-W replied to the topic December issue of The Cultivator in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/december-issue-of-the-cultivator-2/#post-40314 Sun, 04 Dec 2022 12:15:01 +0000 Well they haven’t got round to me yet!!
Looking forward to being able to download the on-line version

John E-W

]]> 029398e718618a2e6cb6a84e3eb2d55e John E-W replied to the topic October issue The Cultivator in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/october-issue-the-cultivator-3/#post-40146 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 17:15:50 +0100 Mine arrived this morning!

John E-W

]]> f78b0ad0058d1db8914cbfcc7a945f5c John E-W replied to the topic October issue The Cultivator in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/october-issue-the-cultivator-3/#post-40124 Sun, 23 Oct 2022 12:33:45 +0100 Mine is obviously stuck in the post – and I note that an on-line version isn’t available either!

john E-W

]]> 1ad1cc28a55e5306ade640cf38ece6b3 John E-W replied to the topic Rotella 10 or equivalent in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/rotella-10-or-equivalent/#post-39982 Wed, 21 Sep 2022 21:06:27 +0100 Google it – try Amazon

John E-W

]]> 5eef116d140676d9a65509f96a16233f John E-W replied to the topic Howard 350 EP90 EP80W90 GL4 GL5 for info. in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-350-ep90-ep80w90-gl4-gl5-for-info/#post-39981 Wed, 21 Sep 2022 21:02:49 +0100 Try Halfords or Amazon – just Googled EP90

John E-W

]]> 5cc32586536405bd363742718bc04270 John E-W replied to the topic Douglas SV54 in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/douglas-sv54/#post-39884 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 10:01:24 +0100 Hi John – been round this loop with my Monroe tiller. Ended up replacing the rings – but don’t forget to gap them halfway down the barrel and make sure the gaps are not lined up when you replace the rings.

However, as its a copper gasket, you could try annealing it and putting it back on the head. Heat the gasket until it is cherry red, then…[Read more]

]]> 9e192c2aaa309c51f5dd2695a211992a John E-W replied to the topic August issue The Cultivator in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/august-issue-the-cultivator/#post-39749 Tue, 16 Aug 2022 17:02:53 +0100 Mine arrived this morning

John E-W

]]> c4f36515659e75b756b689775156a32e John E-W replied to the topic Norlett Versatiller 1000 MK5 in the forum Garden implements https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/norlett-versatiller-1000-mk5/#post-39737 Mon, 15 Aug 2022 15:28:36 +0100 I agree – no problem at all. Click on Zip file, click on doc and the picture opens up a treat as as it’s in MS photo you can zoom into any part of the photo that is pertinent. I did notice that despite the age of the tiller,the handles are adjustable for both height and offset – something that is missing on the modern counterparts.

John E-W

]]> 2969c9779e1b587dc0eebb98d3debe29 John E-W replied to the topic Monro tiller spark plug in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/monro-tiller-spark-plug/page/2/#post-39648 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 11:25:13 +0100 Hi Mitzygolf
My Mk3 has never had a plug cap, it has always been (for the past 30 years) a direct brass fitting crimped onto the HT lead and now that I have rebuilt the engine and have some compression, it starts first pull every time – see photo (I hope it’s attached)

John E-W

]]> 44cd1ef88073bcdc8bff0a099c111fd2 John E-W replied to the topic Monro tiller spark plug in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/monro-tiller-spark-plug/#post-39608 Tue, 02 Aug 2022 16:42:27 +0100 If it’s screwed in you will not be able to see if it’s sparking or not and you will have to overcome the engine compression. Try removing it and whilst it is still connected to the HT, rest the plug on a metal part of the engine so that you can see the sparking end whilst you are rotating the engine. If it sparks then it might just be timing…[Read more]

]]> e0d6bfd36348d6ebc82cbdbd4927f2b0 John E-W replied to the topic Monro tiller spark plug in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/monro-tiller-spark-plug/#post-39606 Tue, 02 Aug 2022 13:41:42 +0100 I assume you have a good earth on the outer of the plug and also not earthed the inner of the plug. I know it’s stating the obvious, but…….

John

]]> bcb6dcbd4a2cc6d8b76009bf72b04f29 John E-W replied to the topic Piston in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/piston/#post-39092 Tue, 24 May 2022 19:08:35 +0100 Hmm – I had the same problem on an old car I once owned. It turned out that the piston had broken above the gudgeon pin, so the piston went up and down, but the top of the piston remained at the top of the bore with the engine constantly misfiring and the compression reduced as a result.

Best of luck with the strip down

John e-W

]]> 70dde0ad3b8295f84baa1e1ed334202e John E-W replied to the topic Allett Regal No.1 in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/allett-regal-no-1/#post-38959 Fri, 06 May 2022 12:07:20 +0100 I think Reliant used the basic engine for the mini and had mods made to suit the Reliant – I think they later moved to an all alloy, slightly larger and more powerful, Imp engine.

I have found that the biggest problem with wet liners, is that they are normally a loose fit in the block and might come out with head removal. To overcome that – tap…[Read more]

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