OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Engines Questions On Victa Two Stroke Engines Sidepull FC Corsair? Should I?

Hello all,
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I have found a cheap Victa Corsair FC sidepull in very good condition, going cheap ($30). Owner tells me it has been serviced regularly through its life and only recently started having an issue where it starts, but as it warms up, it dies. This sounds to me like a carb issue or tap issue, but I thought I would throw it out there and see what you guys that have dealt with billions of the things think as although it is a good price, it is quite a drive away.

Waddya reckon?

Oh, catcher comes with it too, in great nick. It is a black one with the white Victa on the side, while the mower is green, but really, I don't care about that aspect.

Go for it.

Could be the ignition module (most likely - $20) or coil (more expensive)

How's the body? Any cracks or holes punched through with stones as alloy decks are prone to?
How is the left side edge? It's it eroded from years of scraping walls and rockery? The engine is a minor thing.
I'd grab it just for the good thumb latch catcher and the rest will at least be a source of some useful parts.

Hey Tyler and MF,

Body is in great condition. As good or better than the early powertorque I am picking up shortly that you saw MF.

Light scraping on left side. Catcher is in very, very good condition.

I will let them know of my further interest. There was a little humming and haring after I said I would fix it up. The guy suddenly seemed to have some second thoughts, so I think I gave the game away with my enthusiasm for the subject at hand.

We might see another member on here asking for advice haha.

If I get my hands on it, I will put some pics up.

Just out of interest, has anyone opened up one of these ignition modules? I am very curious to see what is in these 'unfixable' electronic devices.

Don't worry about the module there is 5 million Powertorque ones out there and plenty of PT's that have been straight fueled. The coils on the F/C's only fit the F/C's so that can be an issue.

I buy almost any side pull I see if they are cheap. Latest was 2 for $40 non runners. One started up straight away, the other no luck at all. Check the starter carefully. They are worth more than the mower.

Jeff

I have left my details with the (possible) seller. I am assuming the sidepulls were only available during a small time period? Early 80s wasn't it?

Yes the gear reduced side pulls were an early 80s series introduced in 1980 for the 1981 season, most with electronic ignition modules but some with points ignition apparently or am I mistaken?
I haven't seen one without electronic ignition so far.

They overlapped the start of the powertorque era being sold along side and possibly built into the late 1980s for some commercial models and export. I recently saw a UK market brochure with the late 80s Mustang GTS and Powerplus SPFC in the same brochure!!

MF you are correct - the first SPFC Charger came with points, along with the SPFC Commodore in 1981 - same with the 'mayfair ute' if I am not mistaken.

I have a wreck here of a SPFC "MSAA Craftsman standard" from 85-86 - no EI from memory. Has spark, but straight fueled

From the 1970-91 model table, most 1982-3 models used starter assembly "st12587" - has to be the side pull

By the table, this part was used up to 1987 on super 600, pro550 and other commercials

G'day all,
Tyler, you're right on the money in re the Mayfair Ute side pull - the 82-3 Mayfair Ute Model MK326A1 I have here, has points.

How are they for reliability vs the earlier zip starters?

I once started a SPFC tilt a cut without the blade (not thinking of reciprocating mass) and it kicked back and threw me on my a*se. Snapped the cord, and shot the spring out, but no damage to the starter - works fine once reassembled.

So they must be pretty strong

As for reliability not much you can do about that they each only fit that model and you have to make do with what you have. Side pulls are often sloppy and can give some problems but that is the way it is.

Those side pulls seem alright. I managed to fix one that wasn't retracting due to the hook at the end of the spring. A pair of needle nose pliers bent it back into shape and hooked it over the tab and it worked ok, though won't retract 100%. The motor vibrating gets it back in.

My favourite to use is the Powertorque starter.