CyberJack, you did an amazing job finding out all the info, I am amazed, it obviously has taken a great deal of effort and time on your behalf and I really appreciate your work.
Finally everyone will know something more about the company and it’s place in mower history from what you have done.
I feel very fortunate to have this machine in my collection and have waited a long time to find the parts to get the engine running so I can at long last try it out on lawn for a demo.
I definitely don’t plan on painting the frame as I think it will detract from its true heritage. In fact other than a few storage scratches and a couple of dings in the top drive cover it’s in really good cosmetic condition for its age.
Ok here’s the update.
I purchased another Villiers MK 12 engine the other night and now have a semi functional armature 👍 the spark is a little weak but the engine starts and runs all the same. In fact the engine I purchased for spares has turned out to be an absolute gem in the rough.
After fixing its spark issue (cleaned points and replaced the condenser) I removed the head in order to time the engine to find the combustion chamber almost clean as a whistle with a 20” thou oversized piston. Someone must have done it up prior to putting in storage, the oil was clean as the day as it was poured into it as well. The compression is really phenomenal for such a small engine and after working on it and seeing how well designed it is, I just wished there were more around to buy as I have grown very fond of them through this experience and really like their simplicity.
To look at the exterior of the engine you would never guessed it was actually going to be a running concern. The only problem I have now is I have broken the pulley bolt starting it and am now trawling the internet trying my hardest to replace it. I’m in a bit of pickle because the thread has broken off flush in the the flywheel nut and has thread locked itself in place. Fortunately the flywheel nut is replaceable but again trying to find one here in Australia is proving very hard. The irony is I now have a working ignition but am unable to attach it for the moment. Just hope I don’t have to wait another couple of years before I find the nuts and bolts.
I will keep on updating this thread as I progress.
