OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Victa Walk-Behind Rotary Mowers Victa V160 'Big V' Starter assembly

Hi all,

I found this old Victa V160 'Big V' in hard rubbish yesterday and, aside from the starter assembly/engine cowling, it seems largely complete. Engine spins freely so I'm hoping I'll be able to coax it back into life to replace the modern Masport 4-stroke I'm currently using. I like tinkering with engines so this would be a nice little project for me now we're coming into winter.






I'm new to all of this but from research I believe this is the 160cc full crank motor. Is that right?

Can anyone help out with what sort of starter assembly/cowling I need? Can I just keep an eye out for any of the 160cc cowlings such as the one on the red mower in this picture?



Or do I need to look out for something more specific?

Thanks in advance!

yep that cowl should do it. the 4 holes in your metal shroud will bolt up most old starter cowls. if you dont care how it looks.
note the fuel tank cap has to fit through the cowl if you want it to be exact.

Thanks for the reply!

So, if I wanted to do away with the cowl (i.e. if I secured the fuel tank another way) - could I just use a Zip starter like this one?

absolutely

Cool - well I went out and bought the red 'Classic' for parts but it seems to good to break so will just get that up and running as it is and keep an eye out for another starter assembly for the Big V (might borrow the one from the red one to test it). I also had to pick up the VC160 too as I love its 70s styling



The guy was selling them for $25 each so I thought what the hell. Both are running (although a bit on the rough side) but are solid and both catchers are present and in very good condition. Even the wind-up mechanism on the VC160 works but slips sometimes - takes a few attempts to get it to 'catch'. I'll look into this.

So, having had no project lawnmowers, I now have three project lawnmowers. And a very cross missus.

Is this how it starts?

thats how it all starts lol i got the same issue but i only got 2 mowers one project and one for mowing the lawn. she keeps asking me why do we need 2 lawn mowers i don,t think i,m going to hear the end of it till my victa 18 Mod 4 is all done and on top of my bar