Been on the hunt for a supercut or 17 or 20 inch model 45 for a while and found this 170026 for sale. Sold as hasn't been running for a while but assuming nothing is catastrophically wrong with the engine, can't see anything from the pictures that would prohibit it running unless the coil is shot or something, but haven't actually seen it in person yet.
Haven't investigated the front roller situation yet, wondered if the machine had been dropped, hoping not but the frame doesn't look twisted as far as I can see, hoping it can be repaired easily.
I think it may be an ex council or commercial use machine but don't know much history other than that.
A few questions for anyone who can assist.
1) Never dealt with the transport wheels before, do they fold up or get removed to mow? 2) Is the Honda G42 a repower? All the literature seems to indicate a 170026 would have had a G40 or G41. 3) Any ideas on the front roller? Could it just be needing adjustment or has something broken? 4) Don't believe it has a catcher, I have found reproductions online but wondered if anyone might know of one sitting around the place? I travel around the place for work through SA, Vic, NSW mainly so can facilitate collection if someone has something.
Goal isn't a full restoration but a tidy up and return to service at this point in time. Maybe restore in the future sometime.
Had a bit of a look over last night. Spark Plug terminal is gone and replaced with a poorly secured ring terminal - have ordered a proper terminal and boot for this.
Engine turns freely but can't feel any compression, I'm guessing/hoping they have a decompressor setup, can hear it 'breathing' when pulling it over slowly so assume this is correct but glad of anyone who knows this era Honda better than me to comment.
Belts aren't in great condition but this is to be expected, the main clutch for reel drive is very stiff to operate but does work. The ground clutch seems to engage/disengage from turning the main shaft over by hand.
Reel is binding a bit, presumably due to rust, might try and open up the clearance to the bedknife a little just for getting it up and running before taking in for a grind.
The front roller appears to have lost a pivot bolt, doesn't appear to be anything broken so this should be an easy fix.
It's nice to look over a machine from when things were built to last, don't think I've found a bearing yet that doesn't have a grease nipple.
If the engine is good, hopefully shouldn't need much to get it running again.
Cobbled together a connection for the spark plug lead to spark plug for now and tried starting with a splash of fuel down the carby. Got a few good backfires and a glowing something out the exhaust, but not a lot of intention of running. Not quite sure where to start since there's no compression to be felt when pulling the starter cord, but can hear the engine breathing so not sure yet if it has a decompressor setup of some description.
Part of me wonders about pulling the head off just to make sure there's not a burnt valve or hole in the piston or something and if everything looks OK inside, looking at ignition/timing issues. Need to do some more research on this era honda to find out if the timing is adjustable etc.
With checking for a burnt valve or hole in the piston .instead of a visual inspection just remove the spark plug and put a tea spoon of oil down the plug hole then put the plug back in and turn the motor over if the compression doesn't go up there is a problem.
Had a bit more time today to play around with the Supercut.
Firstly, crimped a proper terminal onto the spark plug lead and put a boot over it.
Secondly, pulled out the spark plug for a look. Piston was moving up and down perfectly fine but could see one of the valves was open and not closing through the spark plug hole. Decided to remove the cylinder head and have a look inside.
Bore is very shiny and maybe lightly scored, very slight ridge at the top so long-term, probably needs a hone and some rings.
Exhaust valve was stuck open so I gave it a moderate hit with my hand which pushed it closed. Pulled the cord and repeated this a few more times until it seemed to be opening and closing freely.
Not ideal but I didn't have a head gasket here and upon inspection the gasket on it looked in reasonable condition so gave it a light smear of aviation sealer and reassembled, torquing the head to 30nm (spec is 26 I think) because my torque wrench doesn't go any lower.
Gave a few hours for the sealant to hopefully cure a little bit then splashed a bit of fuel in the tank, closed the choke and pulled the starter. Engine started first pull, was a bit smoky but seemed to clear up after running for a few minutes. Pleased to report that both the blade and drive clutches engage and disengage. Needs a new seal around the carby bowl as this drips slowly and the reel and bottom blade definitely need a cleanup, but will change the oil, replace the spark plug, clean the air filter and leave the engine alone for a while I think.
