[vhgmcbuddy]

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

[vhgmcbuddy]

just in case people need to know i contacted winget and they have replied that the correct colour is signal red BS 04 E 53 also called poppy red so i just ordered some tractol from smith and allen very helpful company and good for old machine lubricants too paint should be here on wed so i can get ready to topcoat it

[vhgmcbuddy]

The gem used in the good life was a late 1960’s series V as Stuart said. The engine was actually a k301T Kohler. I have heard rumours to the actual machines location but never any proof. If you want any information please see my website http://www.howardgem.webs.com

[vhgmcbuddy]

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

[vhgmcbuddy]

Darren and I had an interesting discussion on timing the Wico mag. on the Howard Gem. I went back and re read the original instructions from the Howard Gem original manual which gives no instructions for timing on the impulse spark, However , the original Wico instructions do! The setting for the imulse spark is 1/8″ BTDC (and it tells you not to wind up the impulse, but to hold the trip lever in with your thumb) and the timing for the running spark is 3/8″ BTDC, it also mentions that the three positions for the “Stop” on the impulse are to give a variation of 5-35 Degrees, with more variation from moving the mounting plate. So, back to the drawing board!.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Good to see you again ‘Plonker’! Remember to to contact me regarding the Wico Mag!

[vhgmcbuddy]

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 :):).

[vhgmcbuddy]

No need to book in, it’s a “run wot ya brung” week-end. The more varied the machinery the better.

However, once you have ploughed be prepared for someone else (probably me) to follow on and rotovate your nicely done furrows !

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hello, Does one need to book in to enter a working display or just turn up? Is ploughing available?
I would like to bring a Ransomes crawler.

[vhgmcbuddy]

looking forward to meeting old and new members don’t know how much ground we have until this week !! food and drink ordered plenty of room for static displays under cover. more the merrier..

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi Andy i thought that might have been the reason why , was the first one id ever seen so i thought id ask lol. See you on sunday m8.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Heres a closer pic

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[vhgmcbuddy]

Ive noticed this 700 has a different configuration to the one i have , it looks like the tank was re designed due to the vibration issues breaking the fixings where the tank used to connect to the head . I do know these used to break due to vibration , so did howard re design the tank or has some clever clogs modified this tank themselves ?

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[vhgmcbuddy]

This may be of interest, I hope that you can print it out for easier reading!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/33v45tlt239r0ur/Villiers%20Mk25c%20two-stroke0001.pdf?dl=0

I notice that someone has noted an alteration to the BTDC timing dimension – may be a clue there?
I also see that on page 3 the plug gap is given as the “expected” 25thou but on page 7 18-22thou.
Fair amount of suggestions under “engine four or eight strokes” and “engine lacks power”.

[vhgmcbuddy]

I tried using the carb from my mk1 clifford rotavator, but it still doesn’t rev properly. I also tried putting the machine under load; it’s like it gets quite close to going into that purring mode, but not quite. It does cut the brambles ok, but just doesn’t quite sound right.
I also looked at the govenor, but that seems to be fine. Would the points gap affect the revs? Does anyone know what the points gap should be? Any other ideas as to what the problem could be would be appreciated.

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