[ransomes256]

Full choke, drop to half choke once started and easing off as engine warms.

[ransomes256]

Iain,
Now you have it timed to TDC mark the position of the magneto then retard it a little (turn it anticlockwise) This should aid starting but will drop max revs and power a bit.
If you have been trying to start it a lot you may have lost some compression due to bore wash. Try squirting a bit of oil into the bore.
Are you keeping the carburettor flooded to ensure engine can suck fuel?
Starting procedure I have found most effective is.
Spark plug lead off.
Full choke.
1/4 throttle.
Flood the carb.
Pull engine over 3 times slowly.
Put plug lead back on.
Flood the carb. again.
Pull over to start.
Good Luck.
Neil

[ransomes256]

Iain,
There are no bob weights.
When you rotate the rotor in the corect direction with the magneto mounted vertical the dog in the drive mechanism should drop out and contact the pin in the mounting flange. This then stops the rotor but allows the drive to continue to wind up against the spring. At a further 20 degrees of rotation the drive device contacts the dog and pushes it in and the spring is then released to flick the rotor. ie 20 degree retard to aid starting. Once running the dog is held out of the way by inertia so affectively advancing the spark 20 degrees.
Hope this helps.
Neil

[ransomes256]

Iain,
Yes I can supply points and condensers.
Drop me an email
Neil

[ransomes256]

Iain,
Brass cased condenser is an early original and would now be a black plastic moulded item.
If the magneto is slow to charge / discharge it will spark at start but may not give a constant output when running.
I have never seen an aluminium cased condenser in a Wico A magneto unless highly modified by a previous owner.
Neil

[ransomes256]

Never seen any hard evidence only some imaginative ideas. This includes the one pictured.

Neil

Attachments:

1. Doc1.docx

[ransomes256]

If you plan to regularly use the tractor I would suggest the MG5 or MG6 would be better choice due to availability of running spares. A modern replacement engine such as a Lomdardini Diesel is a good plan (especially if you want electric start) but to retain the centrifugal clutch you need to be able to get a slow idle. The original engines although small were long stroke and high torque.
If yo are successful in getting a machine contact me for spares and info.
Neil

[ransomes256]

I do not know if there is a difference between engines but I can supply a glow plug conversion that fits in place of the fuse holder screwed into the barrel. Neil

[ransomes256]

Kevin,
I have a set of drawings for the floor.
Send me an email and I will return a copy.
Neil

[ransomes256]

I do not have much info on the Sachs engine and cannot see what would be holding the pump but with regard to non start have you a plug heater (glow plug) fitted and is it working? Additionally have you lost sufficient compression to allow ignition? This may have happened due to excess fuel washing oil from the bore.
Neil

[ransomes256]

Martin,
Not familiar with towpath tractors but this is a version manufactured by Ransomes in the 60s based on the ITW derived from the crawlers but with a step through frame and a steering wheel.
This is a reconstruction based on photographs and available documentation.
Neil

Attachments:

1. 

[ransomes256]

The chances are that both condensers have failed. Very unlikely anything to do with the HT lead. Trust the tractors were stored in a relatively dry place or damp in the magneto may be causing a short in the LT side.

[ransomes256]

Peter,
I keep most of the parts to repair the Wico A including, condensers, points, coils etc.
Remember cleanliness is very important and check you get the insulation correct where the stop button contacts are.
If you have a multimeter an indication of coil condition is to check from the HT tag to the earth terminal you should have a reading of about 5 k ohm.

Neil

[ransomes256]

Andyham,
Welcome to the group.
Hope no longer as I have read your post.
I can assist with all the parts you require.
Please email me njarrett@btinternet.com and I will send you a list.
Neil

[ransomes256]

Hi,
Have you tried these?

http://www.silverfoxtractorspares.com

home.hccnet.nl/m.hooijberg/bristol.html

Neil

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