Hi Bruce,
This seems to be a great forum and I've just joined.
I am a collector of vintage stationary engines and the like and have recently acquired 2 Victa lawnmowers. My favourite is the 1960/61 Victa Standard which is earmarked for "next project" but, for now, my questions will relate to a later model which I would like to restore as a working machine.
It's a Victa 160cc two stroke engine on a mower. From what I've been able to ascertain this is of the "older type" engines with a G4 carby. The number cast into the housing is "Victa - EN7 1935 A".
What is the correct ring gap and where should it be measured? I have bought a new set of genuine Victa rings (standard).
If I place a new ring about 20mm (3/4") from the bottom of the cylinder the gap measures 11 thou. (Aligned by pushing it into position with the piston)
The same ring when placed approx. 20mm (3/4") from the top of the cylinder has a gap of 13 thou (14 thou feeler fits but is very tight).
What do you recommend?
I was told (by someone who allegedly "knows", a retired lawnmower dealer who worked on many Victa's over the years !!) that I should measure it at the bottom and allow 20 thou ring gap - this seems quite excessive to me, especially after reading a good number of topics on this forum!!
We have a warm summer climate (this is when the mower would be used) - South African Highveld (approx. 5700 feet above sea level and average summer temperature of 25 degrees centigrade - but going up much higher at times but I will not mow the lawn during these higher temperature times. He (who "knows") did mention something about altitude and temperature when advising me.
After all this information, my question to you is this:
What ring gap should I allow?
I thank you in advance for any help that you may be able to give me.
