Ray Hogben (hillsider)

Try cleaning the points with a fine abrasive strip before replacing them, there is probably a layer of oxide formed on the contact faces that is preventing them from sparking, it works most times that I have tried it.
Re the plunger unless it is damaged or badly worn just check that it moves freely in the hole that it is located in they can become…[Read more]

You may struggle to find a source diamond pattern Chequer plate, I am sure it was discontinued many years ago in favour of the five bar pattern Durbar plate that you have probably found already.
The only places that I can think of that may help is either a ship repair yard or a ship breakers as it was commonly used for deck plates in engine rooms.

Thank’s for the tip off re Paul I shall send him a message.
Ray.

Thank you Stuart for your thoughts re the Versatiller, judging by the diameter of the bearing housings I would go along with the needle bearing theory and like you I suspect that the seal arrangement is contained in the press fit steel caps that also form a shield on the ends of the bearing housing.
However as the machine is not mine and the…[Read more]

Hopefully this pic shows the sealhousing

You pose an interesting question there, it all depends on the expected loads that would be applied. For instance is the winch intended to be used in anger or just for display purposes, If not spring steel then certainly a decent grade of steel would be needed not just flat black bar, bearing in mind that the band will need to be rolled into shape…[Read more]

Very good point about using the correct type of oil to suit the engines lubrication system. That was the reason for asking what the originaly recomended oil was along with its specification.
It would have been all to easy to say use a 15/40 Detergent oil like most diesels can use, but from what I have seen of them the Drayton engine is not like…[Read more]

I have couple of old oil company cross reference books tucked away, If you post the recommended oils and grades and any specification numbers on here I shall then check to see if they are listed and can then be translated to a modern brand.

Mine arrived safely on Saturday also, thank you.

Ray.

You are not dreaming re the Orange colour, Epco jacks were usually that colour. I have not seen a jack exactly like the one in your pics but I have seen jacks where you have the normal pumping stroke on the handle to raise the plunger but to lower it you go to the bottom of the stroke where you then push the handle harder to overcome a strong…[Read more]

I think the text below that forms a part of the OLC profile of the Allen Scythe is a good enough reason for the Allen to be featured on the front of their magazine.

Quote:-
The Allen Scythe is one of those odd machines that does not easily fit into a specific category. Although designed for cutting grass, the Allen Scythe was not a lawn mower in…[Read more]

The Allen Scythe may not be a lawn mower in the strictest sense but it it is old and it cuts grass.

The most likely location for the engine numbers is stamped onto the side adjacent to the carb or the end near the spark plug of the recoil start housing
You should find a Model,Type and Code number under the paint or in some cases rust so be prepared to give the area a clean with some fine emery cloth.
Ray.

Re choosing oils for use in Engines and oil change frequency I go along with Wristpins wise words re choosing the grades to use. If the engine manufacturer has done their job correctly and (and most do) the handbook will contain a list of oil grades and specifications that are suitable for use in the engine. If this advice is followed then the…[Read more]

I guess the thinking is that dealer tests the fuel and convinces his customer that he desperately needs the fuel treatment. Which is a shame as I would have thought that the tester would sell equally as well as the preservative will?

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/jpl-seaclean-2-double-strength-concentrate-05l-a76lg

I use the the Seaclean product available from either the company in the above link or via the internet in my U/S cleaner and it works fine. The issue of cost over capacity is a major deciding factor with these machines, I settled on the 2.5Ltr heated machine from…[Read more]

In addition to Joe’s suggestion you are probably aware that the emulsion tube needs to be removed before you can seperate the float chamber away from the upper body. Be carefull before assemby to ensure that all passageways are clear and set the ide and main mixture screws to a base position of one and a half turns open from the lightly closed…[Read more]

Hello Kevin,
There are a few things that could cause your problem, it would be helpful if you could post the Model, Type and Code numbers for the engine then we can look up the correct manual for your engine and can hopefully give you better advice.

Ray.

Good luck with the ploughing, hope you remembered to take a spare spark plug.
Ray.