Vintage Horticultural and Garden Machinery Club

Thanks Neil.
I will order hex bar and try to make them before Christmas.

Keep Safe.

Iain.

Sorry to hear you are selling up.
I only hope it’s not a health problem.
Thank you for all your help with my MG5.

Iain

After a bit of research I decided to purchase a Hyundai post hole borer.
Adapted it to fit a starting dog and tried it out yesterday.
Success! Got to have a very firm grip on the borer until the Ransomes engine kickers over, but it started first try.
I now feel confident that I can use it to extract logs from my Wood.
Thanks for all the help and…[Read more]

I have always tried to start on 1/2 choke. As per the manual. I will try your method.

Just had a thought, Ransome 256. Posted his starting procedure. Neil, you don’t mention opening the choke after flooding. Do you start the Engine using full choke? Or 1/2 choke?

Update.
Well, I have replaced the Magnito coil. (Thanks to Neil Jarret) After a bit of mucking about I got it to start on Saturday.
Once running, it performed perfectly. No misfires. A nice steady beat. Tick over was slow enough for the clutch to disengage. Acceleration was smooth with no flat spots.
I took it for a short run round the yard before…[Read more]

Update.
Well, I have replaced the Magnito coil. (Thanks to Neil Jarret) After a bit of mucking about I got it to start on Saturday. (Thanks to X peat farmer for his tip on sealing the piston with a little oil)
Once running, it performed perfectly. No misfires. A nice steady beat. Tick over was slow enough for the clutch to disengage. Acceleration…[Read more]

The MG5 manual is quite specific, the impulse timing is set at TDC.
Also I am using original specification spark plugs, properly gapped at 0.035″.
I have obtained a replacement coil and I will fit it tomorrow.

I live to the north of Glasgow. Tucked in behind the Campsie hills, in a small village called Fintry.
Only 20 miles from the centre of Glasgow, but it’s another World!

No. The only one I know of is not available for a borrow.
I have asked. But no chance.

The condenser is new. As for testing the coil, can anyone tell me how to test it.
Will an electric motor insulation tester be sufficient? I think they produce about 5,000volts.
Or is a special test rig required?

Thanks.

Iain.

I fitted the Magnito today. I have a “fat” spark. I have removed the cylinder head and set the timing to TDC.
FlusHed the fuel system and refilled with fresh Petrol.
It s still will not start!
The best I managed was Bang,Bang!
I am running out of ideas.

Well, I have completed a strip and rebuild of the Magnito. I have a good spark, 10mm as per Trusty220’s method.
However, I am a bit confused about the spark advance.
I have found no evidence of bob weights to advance the spark.
Can someone shine a light into my darkness.

Sorry Niel I was not clear. This is the only Wico A Magnito I have worked with.
On other engines using contact breakers the condensers all had Alluminium casings.
Are replacements available? Also new points.
Or am I better just getting the entire thing reconditioned?

I have removed the Magnito and reset the points and ran it with a drill.
I have a spark, but not as fat as I would like.
Reset the points to 0.015″ and tested again. No change.
But I did notice that the impulse mechanism was reluctant to trigger. It appears to jam against the post and requires considerable force to make it fire.
Is this normal? I…[Read more]

Well, when I rebuilt the Engine I set the timing as per the instruction book. Everything is tight and I have no reason to suspect that it has changed.
However I am prepared to try anything as it is no use as it is.
The annoying thing is, sometimes I can start it on the first attempt. It then runs well with plenty of power, no backfiring or…[Read more]

Hello Rob.

I can’t thank you enough for the pictures and drawing you sent.
I now have enough information to fabricate the cover and the box.
I will post pictures once it is completed.

Best regards

Iain