[vhgmcbuddy]

As there is effectively no mixture control on the MG2 carb I have found that the only way to get a slow enough tick over to avoid gear crunch is to play around with ignition timing by both adjusting points gap and magneto. The valve clearance also effects slow running so again have a play with the clearances. I also find that unless you run any MG crawler for about 5 minutes from starting to get it all hot then slow running and crunching are worse. Changing the clutch springs may help but shoes may make it worse.Getting it all hot and good oil in the air filter would be first on the list.

[vhgmcbuddy]

I like the cam belt idea. I think I even have an old one in my shed. Charlie i will measure up later and let you know.

Cheers

[vhgmcbuddy]

If it’s the non chunky type tyres then cam belts turned inside out and bonded into place with a good contact adisive make a good alternative, allmost indistinguishable from the original.try your local garage they will probably have loads of removed old ones.

[vhgmcbuddy]

The solid tyres are obsolete / NLA (no longer available) unless you can find some new old stock ones anywhere.Might be worth contacting Chester Hudson as he has lots of Howard parts.He has a website which I think is tillerparts.com ??

[vhgmcbuddy]

Wow thank you all so much for your help. I am now 99% sure that it is a 200.

One other thing, when I ran it the other week the tyres kept saying coming off. They are not in the best of condition anyway. Any idea where I can buy new ones from?

Thanks once again

[vhgmcbuddy]

From left to right in the above photo you’ve got a Bulldog, a Bullfinch,a demon, a 200( later type with chunkier tyres) and a 220.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi all had the same gearbox and rear end etc,the bulldog was introduced in 1954, then in 1955 the name was changed to bullfinch after legal action from lanz. Both had the jap 2a fitted. In 1957 the demon was added,fitted with a BSA 120 cc engine. In 1961 the 200 was introduced with the villiers mk 10 then very quickly afterwards the mk 12. At some point in production the tyres were changed for a more chunkier type. The final version had the aspera htb 35 and was called the 220. I believe it was made 1972-77. The handles on this one could be offset like the bantam’s.
If the original engine is missing then stand in the operating position. The bullfinch/ demon etc had the tilt mechanism on the left and the 200/220 had it on the right.

Attachments:

1. 

[vhgmcbuddy]

The “Bullfinch” (very first models were named the “Bulldog”) which was first made in 1954 only ever had 2 blades fitted on each flange.The engine should be a 98cc JAP 2A.The very similar Howard “Demon” had a BSA 120cc engine fitted and had 3 blades on each flange.The original Howard 200 which also had 3 blades on each flange was originally fitted with an underpowered 98cc Villiers MK10/1 so from serial number 18404 it used the 120cc Villiers MK12/1.
The serial numbers on all the above models are stamped in two places…..on the brass plaque on top of the front shield and between the two clamps on the rear end of the worm housing.That concludes todays history lesson :):):).Hope this helps.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi. Thanks for you reply. I will struggle with the photo ads I stripped it down last night to give it a full going over. Its definitely not a bantam its either a bullfinch or a 200. Any idea where the serial number would be?

Thanks

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hey Jim
When is Lotmead on ?
Dave

[vhgmcbuddy]

Where does it say it is a WALBRO, looks like an early Carter to me

[vhgmcbuddy]

An alternative to the pointed object is a small self tapper gripped with mole/vice grips, just don’t screw it in too far and damage whatever is behind it. I’ve reused plugs after sealing the hole with Devcon or similar and a smear of Wellseal around the rim.

[vhgmcbuddy]

thanks alan took of the flywheel cleaned the points checked out the funny shaped mag but no spark. looks like a new mag gulp

[vhgmcbuddy]

The only way to remove the welch plugs is to drill a small hole through them and then prise them out with a thin screwdriver with the end ground down to a sharp point.Obviously the plugs have to be renewed so make sure replacements are still available before you do it.Clinton parts (new old stock) are still available in the USA on that auction site or you can make the plugs yourself.

[vhgmcbuddy]

delighted your coming to lotmead don,t forget to bring the family, lots of food and drink on saturday, Did it come with a tool bar or plough??

[Author]

Posts