I just can't bare to see oddball old mowers potentially head to scrap. That's not the problem, the problem is I'm out of storage space now!
Found this Pope 320-04 on Facebook Market Place. They originally had TWO for sale, but someone beat me to the other one. I would have bought both!
However, sometimes lady luck in on your side. The husband of the lady selling remembered there was a spare motor in a box with spares. I now have two Pope 125cc rotary valve motors, some seals, bearings, pistons and rings, magnetos, exhaust and some NOS blades! Unreal.
I also paid the most I ever have for the lot. Unfortunately, I think the chap that bought the one before I did may have clued them on to the fact they're a bit "special". Nevermind, they were nice to deal with and we had a bit of a chat about current events.
They belonged to the husband's father. I suspect that he was a contractor as he had two of the same machines, stacks of spares and a complete spare motor. Also, it looks like it has been "used hard and put away wet". I cleaned most of the crap out from it and wiped it down with INOX as an interim measure.
Considering that, It isn't in too bad a condition. A snapped handlebar base bolt, replacement wheels (at least they're white - maybe from later Popes?) and no high-lift blade carrier or windrower. It has the side throw catcher and original spanner located in its holder on the handle bar. 3 of the 4 wheel height adjustment stickers are in good condition, but 3 of the adjuster caps are missing. Original decals still visible. If you look closely under the deck it has a custom (I think!) exhaust system.
Motor will pull over, but the tank has a lovely layer of oily sludge at the bottom. Don't know if she will start but I'm not going to try that just yet.
Looking to get her looking her best again and back into limited service.
Last edited by Mystyler; 09/05/2011:39 PM. Reason: Grammar mistakes!
I don't collect mowers. I just require Multiple Mowing Solutions™.
