Put a piece of hose on the decomp valve and suck on it and if the valve closes it should be ok, if not screw an old spark plug in the hole and see how much compression it has, then you can go from there
G'day all
I guess it's best the decompressor is overhauled.
I will point out that this engine is unique in having a cylinder spacer
to
reduce compression.
also let me add this Victa Imperial is a 14 inch someone told me its rare but surely these were popular for domestic use being a smaller unit
The 14" Imperials are less common than one might think.
The original Imperials were made in 16, 20 and 24 inch. No 14s!
When Victa used their own modified 125cc unit they introduced the 14" (c1972).
The 14" has a couple of unique features over other Imperials.
Note it has a single helix reel - no other Imperial had that!
Second, it is the only Imperial size to lack a differential - having a single length rear roller.
The 16" is, by far, the most common size.
Congratulations burgo on acquiring the rarer 14".
Please keep us informed.
Also, great repair info on the decompressor here:-
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/85918/Victa_Decompressor_Valve__-_Re.htmlHope this helps.-----------------------------------
Jackp.s. I do not think the front roller is original.Imperials appear to have used only split wooden rollers with spacers.
