OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Engines Questions On Victa Two Stroke Engines Newbie questions

Hi. I have just bought a Commando off the ebay & love it! See link My Commando from ebay

But I have some questions:
1) How do I accurately identify it? I believe it has a VSX 160 engine
2) Where can I get a mulching plug from for it?
3) Which 2-stroke mix is better for the engine's long term health? 25:1 of Victa's 50:1?
4) Is it OK to use Briggs & Stratton's Fuel Stabilizer Plus in my fuel can? Does it have any negative effects on the engine at all?
5) I have the Gregory's Small Engine Service & Repair Manual Series 2. Would a book like Gregory's Victa Rotary Mowers No. 424 provide any more detail on my Commando? Eg. regarding the rest of the mower (other than the engine)

I look forward to your answers

Regards Paul

1, its a 160cc powertorque motor, there are variants but 98% of the parts are the same and only have cosmetic differances

2, I bought one from my local mower shop last time I needed one, they charged me $65, keep an eye on ebay for one to suit a 18" steel base victa, they do come up now and again.

3, 25:1, victa just puts their label on a generic variety bottle, running it at 50:1 means it would run hotter, wear wuicker and generate more profit in parts and sales in new mowers.

4, I have personally never used fuel stabiliser, so long as you dont keep the fuel longer than a couple of months it will be okay.

As to the manual, I have a copy somewhere, it doesnt cover the mulch or catch parts but all the frame parts are I think.

Hi Joe

Thank you so much for all of your helpful information. I really appreciate it.

I do have one more question. When my mower is running, the throttle leaver moves to the maximum position by itself & the engine seems to run too fast. Any idea how I can fix that?

Regards Paul

A quick addition, as that engine does have a few variations more than most powertorquest.

Yes, thats the VSX 160, starter, block, crank, piston, conrod, etc. all the same as most 160cc powertorques.

the muffler is the bulby one, which is mostly a cosmetic thing.

There are slight variations to the main jet, and govening/return springs of the carburettor.

It also has a wide air hose, and a strate intake post on the block, not the elbow intake port.

I personally don't trust the 50:1 stuff, I just grab a good, standard, non-victa labled 2-stroke oil, and mix 25:1.

I have a few of the gregories manuals, past 1984 (vortex on cover) you dont learn too much new stuff.

With the cable, you could try getting a little more rseistance to moving (make the lever stiffer to move) by checking out the bolt that holds the throttle lever and air cleaner to the handle.


Or you could take it back and get the seller to sort it out. He said he did it in the listing.

My Victa Commando with a VSX 160 engine runs flat out at 3668 RPM. Is this too fast or normal?

Is that sitting on the flat, no load, once the govenor has kicked in?

Yes no load

I'll have a look through my books tonight, but that does sound a little high to me, perhaps there is an issue with the govenor.

Powertorques are set to run fairly high, however by memory the govenor should be pulling it down a little more than that when it's off load.

Theres a few things that can cause over revving, air leaks, faulty diaphram, blocked govenor button or tube, or a mis-adjusted throttle.

however, let me check, as i do know the VSX 160 rev's a little higher, due to the increased air-flow set up.

Thanks Ty. I'd appreciate it

I thought 3600 was the rpm. Well for the older power torque.
Maybe the newer VSX is meant to be a bit lower.
And the Vortex lower again.



In my experience they are all over the shop. As long as it does not sound too high and it does what its meant too when you shove it into some grass it should be all good.
More so with the full cranks but ive had a few here that do not rev very high and 4 stroke like no ones business untill you ask them for some power, then they get up and boogey.