G'day Tyler This is certainly not off topic. I do remember that one.
The whole history of petrol and oil marketing was one of how to separate yourself from the opposition.
Valvoline's 'chemaloy' was as superficial as Schweppes' 'schweppervescence' - and I am always cautious of all claimed 'secret ingredients'. The only thing in common is the secret ingredient BS.
If a parody could be created about oil advertising, then it shows the reach of advertising into the psyche of the general public of the day.
Yep, I have a good memory of that - if you know what I mean. In fact, I still use the 'V' oil to get into my ever shrinking clothes.
Folks, compare
As said, follow the maker's recommended oil specification, not the maker's recommended brand.
If you know what I mean. ---------------------------------------- Jack
Thanks CyberJack for that info and the flashback to the past love those FF sketches. I'm glad there's lots of interest and I hope I'm helping others out as I know there were a few threads that got me on track when I was doing my research before starting, I still look back at these pages from time to time to make sure I'm staying on track. Like I said at the beginning of my post lots of people are sharing their builds and photos but some small details are missing which may be obvious to others but for someone like me who is a novice with these engines and SB reel mowers every detail is valuable and I love learning as I go. I'm sure by the time I finish this build I can do another with my eyes closed. So be prepared for a lot more questions as I go along, definately getting my money's worth from this subscription.
And oil companies want you to trust them, I trust them like I trust energy providers and politicians, in fact I would trust a used car salesman more than any of them.
Here it is as promised complete with decals. Last thing I need to do is make a kill switch as mine was missing, is anyone able to measure theirs and supply dimensions so I can replicate one. Also keen if anyone could post a pic of the baffle inside the muffler mine must of rusted away to nothing.
Yeah it's in a z shape that you push against the spark plug, I will just bend something up. Would just be quicker and easier if I had dimensions so I could just bend it up off the motor and bolt it on rather than fiddling around. Would also be nice to make it the same as the original, don't want to ruin it with a dicky piece of steel
Thanks, it really is something I dident expect to look as good as it did for my first Kirby. I exceeded my expectations and I'm so proud, I just hope the rest of the Scotty turns out thef same. I hade so much fun building this engine, glad I decided not to replace it with a Briggs, this engine looks like a beast and their built like a tank plus I love the air filter and the curves.
As many on this forum probably already know, I'm a big one on originality and nothing tickles me more than an item that's been restored to as close as can be to the original unit, thus I'm sure we are going to see something really great here. I must admit I've always liked the look of the larger tank on the Kirby when fitted to a 17 or 20 inch machine, but in saying that it would certainly look overkill on a 14 due to the smaller size machine that it would be sitting on. So in saying that your 14 inch machine will be perfect looking in all proportions.
So,.........Lets call it Marilyn with all the curves in the right places.
Cheers, BB.
I live a 24 Hour lifestyle, but every now and again I seem to fall asleep, well at least that's what my wife tells me.
That's the plan, I think the challenge with these things is the detail and trying to get it spot on as close to original as possible. I have been known to be a perfectionist and if I just wanted to get it going really quick I could of chucked the 2hp Briggs on painted it black and painted the base deck red and turned it into a Rover. Funny you mention the tank, my original was rusted out inside and the filler spout was rusted away to buggery I managed to find a replacement on E-bay that was mint inside for a decent price. Had it been the larger full size tank I probably still would of bought it as I was a little worried I wouldn't be able to source one. I definately agree with it looking out of proportion these Kirby's are a chunky engine and even this little 2hp looks like a 3 sitting on the smaller 14". I still love the looks of the Kirby over the Briggs, you see Briggs everywhere but when you see that Kirby it's like seeing an EH Holden instead of a VW Beetle.
I got that kill switch done, and I'm more than pleased with it. I found under one of the head bolts the old snapped kill switch and worked out it's 12mm wide so I found an old offcut from some guttering I had in the shed and cut 12mm off the end. I bent it to the height of the spark plug and rounded off the ends using the old snapped metal as a templet and it springs back perfect. I sanded back the ends that need to make contact to ground with the spark plug and the head bolt as it was colourbond taped them up and painted the rest.
Last thing left is the baffle inside the muffler, the materials arrived today to make it so I will post that when I get that done. Hoping my idea works as I have no idea how the original even looks, just going off the SB parts diagram uploaded to this site and some images on Google from car exhaust.
I quickly whipped this up this afternoon, any thoughts? I have nothing to work on except this manual attached. It had a small portion of thin metal plate tac welded inside the outer cup of the muffler but it was so rusted there was literally nothing left. I imagine it to be 2 seperate chambers so the gases are trapped in the first chamber then goes through the screens to muffle the sound then exit the screen via the second chamber. The baffle I made is all stainless and seems to fit well, will this work?
Parts 68 & 69 are what I have constructed this idea from, would still love to see a complete one to know how it goes.
Hi Bon_Scott, Mod BB and members I hope you sort this - to help others.
There is sure a BIG difference between a 'Hush-Tone' baffled muffler and one where the baffle has rusted away.
Quote
left. I imagine it to be 2 separate chambers so the gases are trapped in the first chamber then goes through the screens to muffle the sound then exit the screen via the second chamber
I wish I understood muffler theory. What you say is how I imagine it. That's a great job on that inner first baffle.
Thanks I'm happy with the outcome, if I knew what the original looked like I could replicate it. That diagrams the only indication of how it would of been assembled. I found a tea strainer online for $2.00 and took the stainless mesh off, then cut a hollow tube to length drilled out 2 stainless washers the same diameter as the tube then hammered the mesh over the washers. It then slides on the bolt thread as in the picture.
I nice soft puring engine would be the icing on the cake rather than one that's pulsating your ear drums
Yes the Kirby is certainly a bit of a Bambi' Friend. "Thumper" and their muffler was never much chop if I may say so.
One main thing to consider though is increasing the amount of restriction will always have adverse effects on engine performance and the more free flowing exhaust it has will give more power.
I guess you'll find out once you have it in situ and driving the mower.
Cheers, BB.
I live a 24 Hour lifestyle, but every now and again I seem to fall asleep, well at least that's what my wife tells me.
That was my only concern was the amount of flow, it's a fine profile mesh but it has plenty of holes, alot of baffles I have seen have bigger holes but more spaced apart and there usually on bigger engines. Like you said it's trial and error, I will test it with and with out the baffle as it's easy to remove and see the difference. Who know it might work great (fingers crossed).
it doesn't take long for soot from an engine to clog up perforated holes inside baffles etc. thus why many engines fail to start with a clogged spark arrestor over time.
cheers, BB
I live a 24 Hour lifestyle, but every now and again I seem to fall asleep, well at least that's what my wife tells me.
