[stuart]

They are a Wico ignition system on an AC120 engine.I have a few Wico bits and pieces if you get stuck.

[stuart]

Stick your hand over the back of the carb (to choke it) and see if it still does the same.If it keeps running you need to clean that carb (Zenith ???) more thoroughly.

[stuart]

Try Meetons for Villiers parts.

[stuart]

No problem.Sorry I cant help with your fuel tank / filter issue as I have never taken one apart but I hope you get it sorted.

[stuart]

I have an original manual for the JAP engine as used on the Rotary Hoes rotavator and the oil type is SAE30 for winter use and SAE40 for summer use.My owners manual states use “Wakefields Swanshot gear oil” for the rotor chain drive box and transmission / gearbox.Wakefields is now Castrol so give them a call to see what the modern equivalent is (probably SAE80/90 or something similar ???).

[stuart]

Yes keep turning the flywheel nut.You will notice it becomes loose at first but keep on turning it and it will draw the flywheel of the taper.
Timing…..I set the points gap first.Then position the piston at TDC (there should be a scribed line or mark on the end of the crankshaft so that when its at 12 o clock the piston is at TDC).The alloy armature plate should have a timing mark on it and so should the face of the flywheel.Put the flywheel on the crank to align these marks then carefully tighten up the nut making sure the flywheel does not move !.Let us know how you get on.

[stuart]

Clean the points (contact breakers) and fit a new condenser while you are there.If still no spark a new HT coil is needed.

[stuart]

Put a picture of it on here just so I can ID it and I will see if I have one.

[stuart]

Was the reason it was put away for all that time because of its ignition “problem” ?.If so then a new coil is required.Before you buy one though just remove the thin cut out / ground wire on the coil terminal and try again.If still no spark (and you are sure that the spark plug,HT cap and HT cable are all ok) then a new or replacement coil is the answer.

[stuart]

Yes 1966.

[stuart]

If the engine is a Briggs and Stratton and its the original one then the first two numbers of the CODE number stamped on the cowling will give you the engines year of manufacture.Generally speaking the machine will also date to the same year (or the following year).

[stuart]

Maybe a case of having to make one Tim as I guess an original new old stock one would be very hard to find ?.

[stuart]

I thought Emery made there own engines Charlie but I could be wrong.

[stuart]

The Howard Gem rotavator as seen on the The Good Life was a series V machine with a Kohler K341T petrol engine.I would guess that particular Gem was a very late 1960,s / early 1970,s model as it looked a bit beat up even when The Good Life was first aired in 1975.
Definitely worth keeping and using unless its totally worn out in which case it will cost £££,s to put right !.Spare parts availability is very good so you should have few problems in that area.Now lets see some pics :):).

[stuart]

Have you another small Villiers “Junior” type carburettor to try on it ?.If not you could try the larger “Lightweight” carb from your Clifford rotavator and see if the problem persists.

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