OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Finding and Swapping Tip & Curb Side Finds Victa Commander Self Propelled & Self Propelled 2.

Over the past few months I have had the good fortune of being given a 1964-66 Commander Self Propelled model 508,from a close and great friend (Of whom I thanked a lot.Even gave a man hug to).As well as finding a 1966-68 Self propelled 2 model 548 & or 558,which I got for a song.The Commander self propelled works and works well.It runs well and even still does self propels,a true survivor and a totally awesome gift.Just need to get a catcher and the proper side cover and get rid of the plate that has been riveted to the side,as seen in the 5th picture down.
However the self propelled 2 I haven't had such good fortune with.When I got it the engine still turned over freely but you could hear something inside.I thought since it didn't have a spark plug in it,(and knowing it came from someone who kept his mowers in a dry clean shed) I thought it might have a wasp nest inside,we've all seen that before. I've been busy with other things,but every time I'd pass the mower I'd still spin it over to keep it free.On Sunday I did the same however this time it didn't turn over.Bugger I though so I dropped everything and pulled it apart.A wasp nest hey!!!???? Boy was I wrong it was our old emery RUST.So today I'm trying to find another cylinder and piston to put on it and get it running.Pictures of sad engine below.
Here is some pictures of them.


The name plate is a bit rough.Hoping there is some way of making it nicer.



This is how she was when I picked her up. Minus the dogs legs behind.

This is how she was after a nice bath.



Very simple but effective drive belt set up.A lot easier to change the belts on these compared to a VC-Auto drive which you have to remove the engine.These you just need to take the cutting disc of.Not sure why they changed from something easy like this to something which is more difficult.

OH no rusty cylinder.Oh no rust rust and more rust.

Did I mention rust.I don't think it's going to be OK.This story will contiune and it will be a better story.Anyway off to get some parts together for it.

Thank you to my good friend again,I really do look forward to making them both look like they are right out of the box.

Looks like a nice pair you have there will look mint after a bit of tlc . Is the bore pitted or just surface rust ?

Well actually I was very lucky as I thought I had a spare cylinder,of which I didn't.I had a similar one that would have done,but it was off a later model,and I'm fussy that way.So I took the old one and gave it a good clean out,then I got my honer and gave it a good hone out and it has turned out very well and it will be fine.There is still a little bit of pitting at the start but the piston doesn't go that far so it won't be a problem.The rings of course are no good and piston will clean up fine.I've got the cylinder ready to be installed I've just got to pull the crankcase apart and clean out all the junk that went inside there,but it looks like it will be all good.Which I'm happy about that.Nothing a bit of elbow grease couldn't fix.A bit of a close one though I guess if I'd left it any longer then nothing would have been usable.

Well that's a good result in the end then always a bonus when you can keep it 100% how it came from the factory (minus the paint and consumables obviously) looking forward to seeing the end result.

Just spent most of today cleaning and preparing the rest of the engine.Should be able to get most of it back together tomorrow.Still having problems cleaning the head but I'll get there.I'll stick some progress pictures up tomorrow.Unfortunately I'll have to put rings in as the two that were in it was showing a lot of wear,but that's they way it goes.

nice pair you lucky bugger...

Yes I am aren't I? I think it comes under having good friends.

Keep us posted on progress.

I certainly will.I just painted the engine and carby with a clear coat,but haven't taken pictures yet.I will soon thought.