STUART

Ref the ignition timing Joe…….i have on my workbench a Villiers MK15HS (the High Speed version of the MK15) which I have dug out as I am going to sell it.It had a +020″ rebore and new genuine Villiers / Hepolite piston kit many years ago and has never been used since.Anyway on this engine there is a mark on the flywheel rim and a mark on the…[Read more]

I have a 1960,s Uni-Horse tractor too in original and unrestored condition and is fitted with a BSA engine with the electric start option.It also has a mid mounted mower fitted.The bonnet is fibreglass.It has 3 forward gears and a reverse.It was last used possibly 30 years ago and has been barn stored.I have been meaning to get it up and running…[Read more]

Set the contact breaker gap to between 012″-015″ and leave the flywheel slightly loose on its taper so it can be turned whilst the crankshaft remains stationary.Set the piston at 1/8″ BTDC (remove cylinder head to get an accurate position and only refit the head after the timing has been completed).The flywheel must be turned so that the points…[Read more]

As a matter of course on an engine that has not been used for several years I would check all the following…..contact breakers,condensor,spark plug,HT lead,ignition timing,compression components (valves,valve clearences,head gasket),carburettor (thoroughly strip and clean).

There should be a twin compartment fuel and oil tank on the machine.Petrol in one side where the pipe goes to the carburettor and engine oil in the other.The engine has an oil pump fitted and the oil then returns to the tank (or should do !!).

The model of the carb is stamped on the body.After a good clean take a look around the area where the fixing clamp is and you will see it.It will be something like 379/1 for example.

I have just renewed my membership Charlie and payed with paypal.Thankyou.

They want the crankshaft Wristpin but due to the complete generators size and weight that would mean me removing the engine from the frame etc which TBH i didn’t really want to get involved with.However if that’s the only option then I will have to do it.

Remove the flywheel as it will be SO much easier to work on the ignition system !!.Remove the flywheel nut in an anti clockwise direction when it will start to feel tight.Keep on turning the nut and this will then draw the F/W of the crankshaft taper.The condenser is situated behind the contact breaker box and will need removing from the alloy…[Read more]

Have you any photos which would help us ID it ??

Looks similar to the S3 model but with a cast iron Clinton engine instead of the Villiers MK15.

Ignition timing for a MK15HS (High Speed) engine is 1/8″ BTDC.Loosen the flywheel so that its free to turn on the crankshaft.With the piston placed at 1/8″ BTDC slowly turn the flywheel until the points are just opening and then tighten the flywheel.Make sure the crankshaft remains stationary when the flywheel is tightened or the timing will be out !!

Has your old Commer got one of there 2 stroke diesel engines in her ??.Do love the sound of a multi cylinder 2 stroke diesel :):):).The old American made Detroit 71 series engines sound even better :):):).Very nice Simar rotavator you have there and it looks like it retains its original paintwork too.

When I was working for the Agricultural Eng,s “F.H Burgess” in the mid 1990,s there was some old (1960,s / 1970,s) sales brochures for Solo equipment.I always remember there was a brochure for a twin cylinder chainsaw :):).Wish I had them brochures now !!

When it injects Ken is the fuel completely atomized ??.It should look like a cloud of very very fine mist when it injects.If all you get is large droplets of fuel from the nozzle then that will never ignite under compression and your FI pump needs a good overhaul.
The following is the only information I have for a Sachs 500 engine (as fitted to a…[Read more]

Maybe a fuel injection pump problem ??.And why was the regulator housing changed ??

It seems strange to me that when the excess fuel device is used no atomized fuel is emitted from the fuse holder when its removed (surely more fuel should be seen !!).Take the injector out the cylinder head and if possible reconnect it to the high pressure fuel line in such a way that you can clearly see the atomized fuel spray / pattern when the…[Read more]

Is this the water cooled 2 stroke diesel engine as fitted on some Howard Gem rotavators ?.Whats the history with the engine / machine ?.Have you just brought it as a non runner or have you owned it for years and now it just wont start ?.In either case i would just check and go through the whole engine as a matter of course (compression,fuel…[Read more]

If you want it original and fitted with the correct 2-stroke “Brockhouse” engine then send me a PM as I have a couple of these engines for spares which I brought for my own Hoemate “just in case they are needed at anytime”.
The Villiers MK10 engine would not be a very suitable replacement.