I would generally say those holes were to press the flywheel of the shaft,but in this case you might be correct. If the washer and alloy cover are a press fit as I stated then 3 bolts fitted and turend evenly should push it off,same way as it would in reverse to take a normal flywheel off....Yes give it a go very carefully, As I can see this makes sense. Next time you get another villiers,just run subtle external marks on the flywheel side and the coil plate to make it easier,especially since you had some spark to start with indicates its roughly timed correctly and just needed points servicing and cleanup. Just a hint...But when all is said and done,timing of piston position as Gizmo described is as accurate as you can get. so when youve checked the piston is at the correct place and the timing marks are correct,then it cant be wrong...Good luck,hope you get it running soon...love the old Villiers engines....:)

Last edited by Bluegmhtmonaro; 20/04/14 09:16 AM. Reason: Additional info :)