OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Victa Lawn Mower Frames Victa 18 special first real run ....

Hi group. So, I fired up the Victa Special for what I can only assume is its first actual use in probably 20 years.

Here are the discoveries I have made/questions. I hope you don’t mine my lack of knowledge but maybe I can be a guinea pig for others. Lol.

Starting.....

When tickling the carb, it seemed to jam, fuel didn’t stop coming out the little hole till I tapped it a few times. ??? Is this a sign the carb needs overhauling?

Started on the third pull.

The throttle won’t stay on a setting, it seems to wind back unless I keep my thumb on it. ??? Is this how it’s supposed to be or does it need repair?

Amazingly, it cut like a champ even with rusty 20 something year old blades.

Ran it for about 20 mins. At the end the engine was HOT, smoking and during the run it just poured out exhaust smoke??? I would imagine this isnt right. What do I need to do.

Many thanks everyone.

The fuel pouring out was the needle being stuck open, if it ran OK for 20 mins it is probably free now, the throttle cable can be tightened by turning the screw on the throttle handle clockwise a bit of a turn this just gives a bit more tension on the control handle which is how it is supposed to operate. If you over tighten you will not be able to move it, the Victa Special is a 2 stroke, the smoke is more than likely the burning off of residue left through lack of use, this residue will be in the carby, the crankcase and in the bore and combustion chamber, 2 strokes are always smokey as it is the oil that is added to the fuel burning off, a good old mower I think I have a couple in the shed.

Regards Geoff.

Hi Geoff and many thanks. I’m going to push past my comfort levels and do a bit of disassembly tomorrow, clean the carb etc etc.

Good on you Scott, it is not all that difficult, where a lot of people fall down is they forget which part came from where so just take your time and take note of how it comes apart, if you like and have a camera on your phone take photos as you go so you can look back if you get a bit stuck when reassembling.
Have fun, Regards Geoff.

Please note on these carbs, to get to the needle you need to remove the 2 side screws and slide the middle out. do not try to bend the brass V shaped adjuster (hopefully someone else will give you a name/picture) or it will snap at the mount and cause issues