[vhgmcbuddy]

Still haven’t found the engine number on the side of the cowling, it might be hidden by the petrol tank that raps itself around one side of the engine or hidden by the air filter on the opposite side. Engine is as shown in the early 1980’s parts lists and diagrams.

I have tried to establish a specific year from the parts list/diagrams by looking for simple changes in design like how the dash board lights are mounted. Change from shaped petrol tank engine mounted to square bulk head tank mounted by the side of the battery, but I guess the Westwoods design developed continually between years and I won’t be able to pin point a year until I find that all important number and as mentioned replacement parts or mods could have been installed. All of your suggestions and links have been very helpful.
Thank you all for your help.
Eric.

[vhgmcbuddy]

You might find this link interesting. I hope it works.
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCcQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.beltingonline.com%2Fgarden-machinery-belts-80%2Fby-manufacturer-102%2Fmanufacturers-m-z-124%2Fwestwood-851%2Fwestwood-parts-manual-850%2F&ei=00GQVa_YGoT5UIXjmJgB&usg=AFQjCNEasoa8d2T32yYNWStOXD5ydA3wEg&sig2=TlGxecSCe7mJeS-SUKDowQ

[vhgmcbuddy]

Where the spring is fitted in the second photo it’s a larger hole so when the rotavator was repaired they must have thought the throttle cable had to go in the largest hole.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi Dave
I’m happy that you have put it on your register. For info. the engine no. is 3699184.
Thanks for your offer of help, as I said my priority at the moment is finding sources of spares before I start.
Jerry

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the tips. I’ve been in touch with Neil and he is able to supply me with a diaphragm, which is good news. 🙂
That hopefully will allow the delivery of fuel to the carb. It is strange that there is no evidence of a TVO tank. So yes, I assume it will run OK on petrol..

Does anyone have any advice on things I should check with regards to the magneto? It does seem to spark, but perhaps not every time when turning over.

Cheers

James

[vhgmcbuddy]

This is the video on youtube

[vhgmcbuddy]

Thanks again Charlie.

The project continues…

Rebuilt engine fitted.
All oil drained and refilled.
Grease nipples filled and tyres pumped up.
Cutter bar fitted and blades adjusted as well as possible.

It started first pull and cut tall grass well without quite shaking itself apart!

Sadly a quickly deflaing tyre stopped play.

So to the next phase…

2 tyres and tubes on order.

Anyone any idea where to obtain a set of the curved brackets that press down onto and retain the blade. Mine are worn to the point of almost being useless?

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi all,

I have a weekend free in a few weeks which I plan to use to see if I van get the crawler running. A spark plug has been obtained and the oil has been ordered.

Given that my fuel pump seems to be knackered can anyone point me in the direction of a new diaphragm, overhaul kit or a known working pump replacement?

Anything else I need to have in stock ready? A friend mentioned about greasing the bendix on the magneto. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Many thanks Charlie.
Yes it is the Mk12 and as far as I can tell it is a 15 and the belts have been ordered.

Apologies for doing things a bit backwards but I was keen to get going on sorting things out…

I am a Norfolk based allotment holder that is fed up with digging!
The Monrotiller series 3 that I got running a few years ago is very good at chopping up the weeds but that is about all, so I thought I would invest in something that I could plough with, hence the Atom.
I acquired a non runner (not much compression) a couple of weeks ago and it came with a plough and a cutter bar along with a few assorted bits and pieces.

First look at the engine showed a good spark and a possible little end knock so out with the spanners. The only thing found amiss was a badly sooted and corroded exhaust valve.
An hour or so with the grinding paste along with some new rings and big end shells (might as well as it is all in bits) should see the Mk 12 going again.

Looking more closely I found that the movement of the hubs was the hubs on the axle rather than the hubs themselves. A strip down found very little in the way of both wear and muck in the ratchets. I think the first was down to luck and the second was down to the lack of grease.
The axle is also worn where it passes through the gear box, giving what appears to be a worrying amount of movement, but by inserting the un worn axle ends and wiggling I can see that the bearings have no movement.

I don’t intend to do anything to the gear box except to drain and refill with oil.

The wobbly plough wheel appears to be down to wear between the shaft and the wheel, I will have to see what I can do in the way of bushes or re machining to reduce the wobble.

Next on the list will be to have a closer look at the cutter drive and bar.

The advice now required is…

Is it worth flushing the gear box out with anything to clean it before refilling it with the correct oil?

Is it worth stripping down the cutter drive before I try to use it, or just give it a good dose of grease and see what happens?

Is there a recognised way of setting up the reciprocating cutters or is it just a case of fiddling to get a compromise between performance and friction?

Once again, many thanks for the advice.
Simon (Poxihen – don’t ask!)

[vhgmcbuddy]

we were already on holiday Charlie !!

Good to see you at Semington today, along with Mr Haggle and Mr Trusty Bloke

[vhgmcbuddy]

Very interested in exhibiting at this event with our three MG’s. Just got one question, do exhibits have to be in place on the Friday or can they still arrive on Saturday and if so what is the cut off time? I’d rather not pay for two nights accommodation if possible. Thanks.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Thanks both for your responses; I’m just about to pick it up and was told it doesn’t start although worked last year… so just thought spark and fuel. Good to see that might be able to get parts, Hailsham is useful as only live in Mayfield…

Cheers,
Derek

[vhgmcbuddy]

I’ve now decided that due to space, money, ability and other projects, that starting with a ride on may not be the best approach. Vintage horticultural and garden is still an interest though, so I’m going to start simple – hand held tools. I remember being a child and seeing all sorts in my Dads garage, lots of which came from my Grandad ( I’ll have to see if he still has any interesting bits when I’m round there next 🙂 )

And recently received the welcome pack ( figured it was worth being a paid up member ) with letter, magazines,sticker and membership cards, so thanks for that.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Many thanks Charlie for your reply, mine is the 15 (I think), I will check by measuring the pulley today.
The hubs and hopefully the plough cutter wheel will be started this weekend. I will let you know how it goes.
Does anyone know if there are any replicable bushes in the hubs or cutter wheel?

[vhgmcbuddy]

I use a tea spoon, drip the oil evenly over over the foam. Then squeeze it to make sure the oil is dispersed in the foam and then remove any excess.

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