OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Reel-Type Mowers Scott Bonnar resto

Hi all,
I picked this one up yesterday for $50. Looked to me to be in reasonable condition apart from the oxide styling, but I would appreciate input from people in the know. Engine does not run at this stage, but I believe this is just a minor fuel or spark issue.

The plan is to do a complete restoration. I have read through a lot of other peoples resto jobs on this forum so I have got a feel for what is required, but if anyone can see any glaring problems feel free to chime in.

Modern bearing in the gearset?

Hi Glenn,

Well you've certainly picked up a Goodie there. This to me was the period of the nicest looking machines but with a few design flaws incorporated within.

The Briggs 3 Hp 80202 engine was one of the best in it's time and this one was built on the 10th of June 1977, thus the mower would've been built around October / November of the same year. It is finished in Apple Green and was one of the last to get the Aluminium ID plate here in Adelaide until the beginning of production at Eagle Farm in Queensland when the plate was re-introduced after the final lot in Adelaide having only a sticker used which generally disintegrated over time.

Did you get the catcher ?

The Land Roll clutch sprocket still has it's original bearing as they used an NSK sealed bearing by that time. In actual fact SB used a sealed bearing in that sprocket from day one of production in the model 45.

Honestly this one certainly looks like it could only do with a cosmetic rebuild and changing all it's bearings as a natural progression opposed to needing anything more.

Just one thing I would have a good look at is rail fracturing under the engine where it radiates out from the mounting points.

reel blasting and sharpening along with a new bed knife is all that is really required from where I can see visually at this point in time.

Cheers,
BB.

BTW $50 ????? Bargain !! as once rebuilt its a $1200 machine.

Thanks, glad that it looks to be a good one.

I bought it not really knowing the ins and outs of it mechanically. I figured for 50 dollars I wouldn't be too commited if it turned out to be a dud. Thanks for the info on the build date etc.

It came with a catcher, which is also in pretty good nick. No rust, and only a wide angle dent in the front which I should be able to knock out prior to a repaint.

On a side note, the throttle control on the handle bar seems to be the only real part that needs replacement. I doubt that they would still be available, so what is the common replacement part?

Thanks
Glenn

I think the throttle cable and Black plastic assembly is still available as it was a rather generic part used on many mowers and not like the early Villiers style chrome control lever.

And to think you got a rust free catcher is an instant $200 in the bank.

Cheers,
BB.

Can anyone point me in the right direction to get another flywheel for this engine? The one on it is missing a few fins. I'm guessing this wouldn't really help its balance so I like to replace it. From what I can gather the p/n is 296884. Happy to pay!

Cheers
Glenn

Hi Glenn,

I guess it's not so much about paying but rather more about finding a shot engine that you can glean the parts from. I'm sure you could find a badly knocked about unit that will be your donor.

Keep trawling Gumtree and I'm sure you'll find one in a week.

Cheers,
BB.

Hey BB,
Took your advice on board, and indeed I did pick up another engine for $50 on Gumtree! As I was about to throw it in the back of the ute, the bloke I bought it off wheeled out a 14 inch Rover Thoroughbred and gave it to me free! Pictures to follow.

Hi DM,

I guess the Rover has a 3HP on it ?

Cheers,
BB