[stuart]

If the coil laminations are not slotted then there is no adjustment required.If they are slotted then it would be a case of using the “factory service tools” to set it up.

[stuart]

Before buying more parts check your valve clearances as they tend to close up !.The GS130 engine is a side valve engine so remove the valve chest cover at the rear of the engine.Set the piston just past TDC on the power stroke and check the clearances and adjust if required (by either recutting the valve seats or grinding the valve stems)

[stuart]

Looks like you done a great resto job on the 300.My dad still has a 350 which he bought new in 1967.He really wanted a 400 but it was too big to go in the back of his Ford Anglia van.

[stuart]

I have a Howard 400 with the same engine (J.A.P 4/3).Just half a turn on the handle and the engine fires up :).

[stuart]

They use a single dry plate clutch.If it was all ok before the engine was removed then you must have reassembled it incorrectly.Take the engine of again and reinvestigate.

[stuart]

Clean the contact breakers behind the flywheel (and if you don’t have the proper test equipment to test the condenser fit a new one for piece of mind) and all should be ok.I like the Italian Aspera engine(s) very much and in my mind were a better engine than the USA built Briggs and Stratton.I still have a few horizontal crankshaft Aspera,s amongst my collection.
Parts should be easily sourced from the popular auction website.

[stuart]

If its a 3hp engine then the five digit model number will start with an 8.At a guess the full model number may be 80303.The engine,s type number is not really required as the carburettor is a common “pulsa-jet” type and any parts you need are easily obtainable from either your local B&S / garden machinery dealer or on-line.

[stuart]

Are the blades correctly fitted so that only one enters the ground at a time ???

[stuart]

The part number for the original TOOTHED forward drive belt on a 5hp Spartan is W25496 (or EC.1352.A1).Its the same belt just under a different superceded part number.Im presuming yours still has its original Briggs and Stratton IC 5HP engine fitted and also the correct pulley ?.Note there should be a plastic cooling fan fitted on the end of the crankshaft next to the pulley to keep the belt cool and prevent shrinkage.

[stuart]

According to my service bulletins the very first Bantams used a Villiers MK25C 2 stroke engine and “drum” type wheel centre.You have an early model there !

[stuart]

I have a identical machine :).

[stuart]

Cant beat the sound of a 2 stroke diesel :).

[stuart]

I know the engine is the excellent Italian made Aspera 4 stroke.Im sure they had a cast iron / sleeved cylinder bore and proper valve guides fitted.

[stuart]

Have just renewed mine Charlie.

[stuart]

BSA 320 engine ???.I would think SAE30 oil should be fine.

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