Hi Bluegmhtmonaro, Like the user name, like to see the car ! Yes, I know splitting the crank might be expensive especially since it's for a VC Sport and not the VC160. Unfortunately the bottom end got full of water when the previous owner left it out during a down pour. I replaced the main bearings and seals, honed the bore which was like new and put new rings in it and it runs like a dream - only damn noisy due to rusted big end journals I fear, though they did not feel too bad when I had it apart.
I have solved the problem with the VC160 and a V111 with full compression - the previous owner has removed the decompressor and fitted a spark plug !! I have a couple of these on order so I will replace it BUT I need a spark plug thread tap to clear the carbon from the thread as the decompressor thread is longer than a spark plug. I cleaned the carby and fuel tank out this arvo and gave it a run - very nice indeed, very little mechanical noise and plenty of power, so I may not do a complete rebuild on this engine. The other one will need it though. The next thing that somebody might be able to help me with. Both VC160's AND both my VC Mustangs (V173's) have extremely bad wear in the handle pivot points in the main deck. The Mustangs were easy to fix - I made an oversize nylon bush on the lathe after reaming the hole round - job done and no more play. The VC 160's on the other hand are done slightly differently. Has anyone got a fix for this or is it going to be a case of turning up a "T" bush out of brass or similar and bolting it to the frame, with a suitable hole size to suit the worn pin ? Finally, I am a firm believer that if a piece of machinery is restored it has to be useable, not just a museum piece. This goes for cars, trains, aeroplanes, stationary engines and the like. The NOS Victa VC160 described elsewhere in this forum excepted !! If I can find out how to post photos on this forum I shall post some of my collection to date.
Cheers,
Wombatini.
