I'm about to do another SB 45 Restoration, and instead of replacing the engine like I did last time around I've decided to restore the Kirby motor. I have 2 motors with me and one looks different to the other. One is the L1055 Spec and the other the H4-5A. Anyone know if there was much differences between specs with the HK25 2.5hp motors internally or is it just the carby bodies that were different? Going off the Scott Bonnar part list it shows 3 different part numbers for the carb assembly, is the three types for the 14" 17" & 20" one for each model?
I've attached pics of the 2 I have, is one carb better than the other or are they all the same? Going off my build plate the motor without the primer bulb looks to be the oldest it come from a solid and the other off a twin. I'm gonna borrow parts from one to fix the other as one motor had a damaged drive shaft thanks to a worn cotter pin.
Going by the Gregorys Small Engines #199 service/repair manual, Kirby used two brands of carbies on the HK25's, and you may have one of each. The brands were Tecumseh and Walbro, and they used several different models from each of these makes.
The one in your 2nd pic is a Tecumseh for sure; that in the first pic may be a Walbro. Edit: Walbro carbies will likely be a lot easier to find parts for, as Walbro is still in business, unlike Tecumseh.
You'll need to find the maker's part number on the throttle body to tell for sure; if it's a Walbro the part number will have a LMG or GEW prefix.
The Tecumseh carb models Kirby used all had a 270L part number prefix.
Last edited by Gadge; 18/04/2005:54 AM. Reason: Add parts info
Cheers, Gadge
"ODK Mods can explain it to you, but they can't understand it for you..."
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Hi guys, slight diversion. This has been nagging me for years. Is Kirby linked in any way to the former Nock & Kirby hardware chain that ceased in 1983 and became BBC Hardware? Is it the same Kirby who made door to door vacuum cleaners?
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
No, and maybe; the engine manufacturer was James N Kirby Products P/L, who also manufactured whitegoods, refrigeration components and other items.
Quote
The end of the war cleared the way for the formal incorporation of the business through James N. Kirby Holdings Pty Ltd on September 24, 1946. Priding itself on superior workmanship and loyalty to staff, the business began a complex transition to become a post-war manufacturer of consumer goods such as refrigerators. With Jim as mastermind, Crosley refrigerators and television sets, Bendix washing machines, Pye transistor radios and other household goods soon started rolling off the factory production lines.
Going by the Gregorys Small Engines #199 service/repair manual, Kirby used two brands of carbies on the HK25's, and you may have one of each. The brands were Tecumseh and Walbro, and they used several different models from each of these makes.
The one in your 2nd pic is a Tecumseh for sure; that in the first pic may be a Walbro. Edit: Walbro carbies will likely be a lot easier to find parts for, as Walbro is still in business, unlike Tecumseh.
You'll need to find the maker's part number on the throttle body to tell for sure; if it's a Walbro the part number will have a LMG or GEW prefix.
The Tecumseh carb models Kirby used all had a 270L part number prefix.
So I decided to clean one of the carbs today. Got the motor going but it's in desperate need of a freshen up, oil leaks central. I think I'll stick with this carby as it looks cleaner without the primer bulb which will be hard to find. This model of the hk25 has the breather tube going into the air filter elbow where the other had the hose at the bottom of the mower and would leak oil everywhere. So I'm guessing this is a newer improved version.
The ultrasonic cleaner did most of the work, some before and after shots, would this be the tecumseh carb?
