Spotted this Masport President for sale as a non runner, contacted the seller, did a deal and jumped in the car to collect. What a surprise I got on arrival, I didn't even contemplate that it might be a 2 Stroke, only ever seen 4 strokes on Masports of that era. Have other members seen many of these ? I'm guessing they may have been introduced to compete with the Victa VSX 160's ?. After fixing the things that should not have been touched by the son of the original owner and putting some fresh 2 stroke in the tank that wasn't the same colour as the deck it's running and a powerful unit but runs quiet at 75db, same as the 4 stroke Masport and same as Victa VSX 160.
The M120X engines go hard. There is a spot in my storeroom for a Suzuki powered Rover.
I wondered if these copies were made of Chineseium, and if those reviews are anything to go by, I can understand why we don't see many left! I've only ever seen one, and it was on Gumtree.
I don't collect mowers. I just require Multiple Mowing Solutions™.
I still have a few of the Suzuki motors here, I don't bother with them because the carby is just too problematic. The motors when running are very smooth helped by the fact the motor sits north/south on the frame compared to the Victa east/west setup. I have often thought about fitting an LM carb to one just for kicks and giggles to see how it went but time is always my enemy, but I will try it one day
These engines are known as the Chuzuki or Smokey Mc potface or Johnny Potsmoker .https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/84214/smokey-masport-2-stroke-ironforce-chuzuki.html
The main problem seems to be the engine purportedly. I don't think any conclusion can be drawn from a survey of 4 reviews, in fact the mower get's a pass mark of 3 out of five stars from the reviews. I'm not sticking up for it just putting a hopefully balanced opinion across. After cleaning the jets twice it starts and performs well, starts cold in 2 - 4 pulls, the choke butterfly adjustment is critical as is fitting the air filter element as I found out. Yes it's a little more smokey than expected but not over the top for a 2 stroke and I run all my 2 strokes on 25/1 so that may contribute. Engine failure isn't mentioned in the reviews. I think it's tidy unit and will do the job well, probably set to run on the lean side to meet emission standards of the time and on the last 2 starts when I turned the fuel tap off to let it run the carby dry was amazed at how long it took.
The Suzuki motors had a slightly iffy rep as well - but I think was due to the carby more than the actual motor itself. It was basically a motorbike carb on a mower! If you can keep them clean, they'll be on song. I suspect the Iron Horse carb is straight copy of the Mikuni? Talk to anyone who knows the Suzukis and they love them. But they tell you you gotta keep them set right.
Will it be doing much work, or will that still be the SB domain?
I don't collect mowers. I just require Multiple Mowing Solutions™.
I can't complain about some Chinese engines if they don't cost much you can't expect them to last as long as a more expensive motor ,you mostly get what you pay for.
Here's the real deal I found a few years ago. Haven't got it to run so far but it's complete. Can I get a complete carb replacement cheap? They don't have a decompression system do they?
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
My dry sense of humour has gone straight over the top here ! Tall Poppy Syndrome anyone ? Ive never met the bloke and never will but I guess we all have the opportunity to put our balls on the line and start a mining company ! Yes he's probably made a few quid and payed a few quid in royalties to the state and commonwealth which contributes to us being able to live in the best country in the world. Obviously no other business doe's any trade with China which has assisted them to achieve what they wanted, Mr Norman ? he must be a good bloke too ? If you dont have any appliances or anything associated with being made overseas in your house I guess you can yarn up strong without being a hypocrite. Back to the important topic of lawnmowers, I mixed an exact 30/1 litre of fuel and put it in the tank after the 25/1 ran out. Could not believe the difference it made, very hard to start and smoked like a Bob Marley concert. Stay with 25/1 and you can't go wrong. MF, it would take a bloke of your capabilities 15 minutes to get that running I reckon.
Don't worry wce, I had a chuckle. I must say though, my opinion of him has dropped lately...!
I've got a service manual for those motors of needed. MF, it does not appear to have a decompressor. You could probably buy Chinese knockoff carb for nothing.
I don't collect mowers. I just require Multiple Mowing Solutions™.
wce, I don't give a rats arse about tall poppies, I just get super pissed with somebody flogging off our resources for peanuts to a grub country and then go running around puffing out his chest claiming he is a good guy MF That is the only issue with the Suzuki, the Mukini carby is problematic and are expensive to replace and I have not seen a cheap knock off carby for them so I bin them
