[vhgmcbuddy]

When the line on the end of the crankshaft is vertical the piston is at TDC.Set the flywheel mark opposite the mark on the alloy back plate (there should be one there somewhere) and then tighten the flywheel making sure the crankshaft does not turn whilst doing so.Ignition timing should then be set.

[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]

I have now started work on the engine and find that I am missing the alloy cover that goes over the valve springs and tappets. I have contacted the previous owner with no luck, if anyone has one or a complete/part T series Sturmey Archer engine I would be very grateful. There may be a dead mower out there that has the same part or engine. 016974 78292. 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]

Make sure any insulating pieces in the contact breaker box are in place as if they are missing the LT current will be grounded (earthed) and no spark will result.Also make sure the magnets on the flywheel are ok.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi
You will be able to bring machines in first thing Saturday, I will confirm cut off time in a few days once I have final show details. Glad you are coming which machines will you bring?

[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]

Not a silly question but a bit more info wouldn’t go Amis. Is the Ransomes the model that was called the Twenty Four. If so the engine is probably a Villiers F15.
Before you rush off buying new parts have you started by giving the contact breaker points a thorough clean and then set the correct gap?
Your best bet for Villiers parts is either http://Www.villiersparts.co.uk or meetens,co,uk

[vhgmcbuddy]

Put the air filter in a clear plastic bag.Pour a small amount of engine oil in bag.Press and squeeze oil into airfilter then squeeze out any excess whilst still in bag.No oily hands and no mess :):)

[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.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Thank you.

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