[vhgmcbuddy]

morning all first thanks for the replys i had a feeling there might be ,,now can any one tell me how to contact darmic1 please as i cant see any where to message said person
thanks
pete

[vhgmcbuddy]

Thanks guys, no large nut , obviously threaded end thinking left hand thread is probably it. Thanks hortiman. Will give it a try and see.

[vhgmcbuddy]

I am restoring a trusty with a douglas engine at the moment any chance you could post a close up picture of the linkage between the long trottle control rod that comes down through the handlebars and the carb ? I just used a modern B5HS NGK plug and its got a great spark/runs well.

[vhgmcbuddy]

I got a set off Darmic 1 a few years back for my british junior howard gem.they are excellent quality and its been running great ever since. The original gaskets blow and are a weak spot in these machines.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Thanks for all the replies, it’s refreshing to find other people who are interested in these old machines.

Nice to see the photographs of the old Concorde E30, incidentally that was the first lawnmower I ever used, I can remember the distinctive noise it made to this day.

I have a couple of 2T Flymo machines in my collection, a Domestic 19″ from around 71-72, and Contractor GT2 from 1987. The Domestic runs well, though sometimes has trouble starting, the non-return valve in the carburettor is rather worn. The GT2 is in pristine condition, I don’t use it very often to avoid getting it dirty.

I’ve had a few old Atco and Suffolk machines in the past too (dismantled a few to make go-karts in my youth), but I’ve always had a soft spot for the old two-stroke hovers, a lot of folk had them in our neighbourhood when I was growing up in the 80’s, I think the noise and smell are very nostalgic.

I was fortunate to find a Flymo service manual on Ebay a few years ago, it covers all machines from 1964 to late 1977, and is a gold mine of information. If anyone needs any exploded diagrams, please let me know and I can scan/photograph pages for you.

[vhgmcbuddy]

if its of any interest theres a brand new impelor on ebay now.
Really nice to see this project.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Managed to get some pictures uploaded to Photobucket, so here’s hoping they show up as intended.
As purchased, with NOS cutting deck included in sale:

https://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/stucane762/s-l500_zpszlmwe7fg.jpg

Motor cowling showing dealer sticker form many years ago

https://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/stucane762/SAM_1200_zpsfnxcy3p7.jpg

Included in the deal was this GLE from 1978

https://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/stucane762/SAM_1210_zpsprkcxbdp.jpg

The blue machine ran but very noisily, so the motor and drive gear was stripped, cleaned and reassembled with new bearings

https://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/stucane762/SAM_1204_zpsmceufqeo.jpg
https://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/stucane762/SAM_1214_zpsqzkcbms3.jpg
https://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/stucane762/SAM_1211_zpsnpu6f1oi.jpg

Motor bracket came up nicely after a cycle in the dishwasher

https://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/stucane762/SAM_1195_zpsrazyu1ya.jpg

Original impeller was badly damaged, the GLE gave up it’s impeller and ring gear

https://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/stucane762/SAM_1203_zps2mo4ucdo.jpg

Original vs new deck

https://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/stucane762/SAM_1201_zpsfhcqvhiz.jpg

Switchbox has no operator presence control or deadman’s switch, a very solid-sounding switch turns the machine on or off, mains indicator lamp and thermal reset button are all in working order.
Original yellow rubber cable has cleaned up well and will be reused.

https://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/stucane762/SAM_1209_zpstlfi4brd.jpg
https://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/stucane762/SAM_1208_zpsehc94vcq.jpg

Finishing up work for today, the refurbished motor and bracket fitted to new deck

https://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/stucane762/SAM_1215_zps1eosfqwa.jpg
https://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/stucane762/SAM_1217_zpsgsipyrum.jpg

Which just leaves the handlebars to strip and repaint, their condition is good and even the rubber hand grip has survived

https://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/stucane762/SAM_1206_zpsfqk2jr2j.jpg

Will add some more pics when I make some more progress. Regards, Stu.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Sorry auto correct hunger should read gunge.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Looking at it, I’d say it would be worth a bash at restoring, under the hunger it doesn’t seem anywhere near as bad as it first looked.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Here’s a photo.

Attachments:

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[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi there’s a head gasket, then another under the valve chamber, forum member darmic1 has had new gasket sets made so drop him a message.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Wow! You weren’t kidding about being “in” the garden! Good to see you’ve rescued it and look forward to more pictures once it’s cleaned up a bit

[vhgmcbuddy]

Wow,quick response..Thanks Jack, will phone shortly..Mark

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi If you can give me a ring we can have a chat about the 700
my number is 0 7 9 7 1 5 1 6 6 1 7

All the best Jack ” myosotis “

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi, very helpful posts on here..I have just been given a Howard 700 with a Villiers 28B petrol engine which hasn’t been used for years so I too need to get it running. It has no spark so I am presuming points, condenser or coil issues. My mechanical skills are limited so would appreciate advice from members..My first issue is how to take off the flywheel ie best way to stop the engine turning to allow the flywheel nut to be released..Does taking off the flywheel effect the engine timing ? (As mentioned I’m no mechanic but willing to learn!!!)I have read the posts about spare parts which are helpful..I will need a repair manual to assist my knowledge if anyone can assist.Can anyone recommend the best agent to swill and flush the petrol tank? I will definitely need a new air filter too. Thanks in anticipation, this machine really deserves to be working again.

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