OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Victa Walk-Behind Rotary Mowers VC-160 Restoration

Hi Everybody, I am a new user to these forums (and forums in general ) so please bear with me while I get used to it. Firstly, I have acquired two Victa VC160's in differing conditions but both running. One has the old MK1 dress cowl but has the impulse wind up starter and an engine with a decompressor ! The carby is a G3 with the late white plastic bowl and somebody in the past has fitted a G4 style air filter and snorkel / throttle and taken the cable outside to suit the G3. This also has the "horrible" effect of reversing the throttle. Does anyone know where I can get the correct parts to rectify this ?
The second VC160 is also strange but in much better general condition. It has the designation V111 on top of the air filter cap but the engine appears to be a series 70 MK1 as it has no decompressor. The dress cowl is the later version with the " VC " on top of the "160" as opposed to the MK1 version of being along side and below.
It has been fitted with the Zip Starter instead of the impulse starter. Weird ?! It seems I could swap parts between the two and get each reasonably correct BUT I desperately need two throttle units, cables and snorkels.
I have dismantled the first engine and fitted new crankshaft bearings ( 2 x 6204's and a 6203) and the seals
(1 off 32 x 20 x 7 and 1 off 32 x 17 x 7) and found the big end has loose needle roller bearings and the small end is a bronze bush. I still have to get the existing cylinder bored and an oversize piston set. Can anybody point me in the right direction to get the crankshaft split and new bearings fitted to the conrod for both the roller bearing types AND the bush types - preferably in or near Adelaide.
Thanks,
Wombatini.

Hi Wombatini,

Welcome to ODK,

I dont know a great deal about the Vc series, but a few others here specialise in these Models and will hopefully help with the technical questions.

In regards to the engine, how much do you wish to spend on these?

The parts and repairs you require,will amount to quite a few dollars.

Rebore piston rings gaskets seals and bearings will take you to 120+
Which is fine if your happy to do so. Add a crank split into the build changes things a bit. The small end bush is cheap and simple, but the big end bearings are another story.

I can and still split cranks for early 125 but im in Sydney and my jig is for 125... Some places may do this job, engineering shops but labour alone will be high...min charges now are 80$ then you need to obtain needle rollers. I bought the last few sets from my mower shop a while back for 125,and small end bush from ODK online store a few weeks back, but im unclear if they make either bearings or small end for 160. As the 125 are obsolete as far as im aware. Have you checked clearances? Can you get away with just a small end bush or is there far to much play in the big end bearings?

You may want to check the online store(top left on the forum main page)and if that fails msg the owner Bruce as he may be able to point you in the right direction

What im getting at is VC completes come up fairly regularly on ebay and generally they aren't to expensive...This may be a cheaper and easier way to obtain body parts also. Their are 3 mowers and engines currently on there, just didnt check location

Anyway hopefully some members may have the parts you require and perhaps a good sh crank, as an engine for this series wont run much over 20$

If you have no luck, ODK member Blumbly may be of assistance with info on accuracy with these Models...An introductory PM to him may be off benefit...good luck mate, im sure other members will chime in with some help soon:)

You may also get a moderator to move this to your own thread so it relates more to your needs

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.

OK wombatini hi and welcome sounds a bit like these two mowers have had some time spent together and somebody with a bit of mechanical knowledge.Yes as Blue said if a moderator could move these posts into a new topic that would be much appreciated as this is more focused on a restoration topic.
However I will help where I can.The series 70's mark I engine didn't have a decompressor and had the Impulse starter.As without the decompressor the engine can kick back with a zip starter,and believe me that does hurt when that happens.So you are correct there.
It does happen from time to time people like to swap parts over to keep there old girls going.I picked up a VC-160 Auto drive MK II that some somebody had changed it to a G4 carby snorkel.Fortunately for me they didn't change the hose.
Like this it was.


Unfortunately for you I don't have nearly enough of my own so I can't spear one for you.You will find that a lot of the air tubes off other models will fit.Like a VC-Sports and VC-125's are the same hose.Really not sure if new ones are available.If they are hey please let me know as I do need a few.
OK sounds like you may have a VC-160 Mark I and a VC-160 Mark III.The Mark I should have been a Vicatcode V80 being produced from 1970-71 engine number should start with 5270 or 5271 depending on year made.G3 carby alloy fuel bowl and an Impulse starter.Should have looked a little like this.



Your second mower sounds like a VC-160 Mark III from 1972-73 engine number would be 5272 or 5273 depending of year made.Victacode indeed is V111 G3 carby.It could have either had a alloy or plastic fuel bowl as Victa were changing to the plastic fuel bowl around that time.
My Mark III came with a alloy so I just left it on there.They have the Zip Starter on them.
Here is a picture of a N.O.S mower from 1972 with the plastic fuel bowl.

and mine one with the alloy bowl both correct for this model.

The only other different's is some of the Mark III's had the casting on the bottom for the auto drive belt.Most didn't have it but some did.Here's mine that does.

Generally they look a bit like this.


As far as the work your doing on the engine,as I restore each mower I always go for the standard size bore.If I'm doing an engine and find an over-sized piston and bore I always put that aside and use a standard bore.I guess because I want them as close to factory as I can,and also I guess because once you start going down the oversize road you do start to run into a lot of cost,and I mean yes we love them,but how much do you really want to spend on them?
So if it were me I'd keep it standard.
How bad is the cylinder?
As far as spare parts go,I'm sorry I moved a couple of years ago and I had heaps of spares as I'd pulled apart close to 20 before the move.Some how I've manage to lose most of those parts and are having troubles locating bits I need.
Just keep and eye on eBay they are always popping up there.
Also ask Bruce I know he used to have air cleaners,hoses and throttle housing,but I'm not sure now.It's been a while since I looked in the spare parts section.
I know this has been a long post but I hope it helps.
Also stick some pictures up it always helps us out.
Anymore problems just ask away always happy to help.
Take care all.
Happy new year,and happy mowing.

Hi Wombatini and welcome to the forum.
I see our resident VC160 expert has jumped in and as always has offered some good advice.
You can find out how to post pics to your post HERE
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Hello Everybody, Since my last post I have made a few local contacts and acquired a NOS crankshaft Assy for a 160 engine for the princely sum of $10.00. This will go into one of my VC160's. Also, as of today, I am the proud owner of a VC Autodrive, V136. It runs quite well and is mechanically quiet so I don't think a lot of work will be needed on the engine. It does NOT have a drive belt fitted so the auto drive does not work so I'm hoping that's all the problem is................ ?? Can anybody tell me what size the belt is ? I have a sneaking suspicion it is not a standard "A" section belt and it may be an "M" section as the pulley, from the little I can see of it, is fairy narrow, maybe 3/8" or 10mm ? The chassis needs a little work and the front left wheel is worn and the "C" clip is missing so it falls off - all very minor. The dress cowl is very good as is the deck but the catcher is lousy, to say the least. I'm also pleased to find it actually has an air filter in it and is most likely why it still sounds so good. Can't wait to get stuck into it.
Anyway, I'll post some photos of it when I get some AND I find out how to post them. (I'll follow the link later when I get more time )
Cheers,
Wombatini.

Arh cool that would be a VC-160 Auto-Drive Mark II 1973-74 engine number 10673 or 16074 depending on year of manufacture.
Should look a bit like this.

...and have a handle like this.



Second from the left is the Mark II.
Good work you should have great fun with that they are an awesome mower.
The belt when it is one should look like this.




If you need me to measure any of the belts just let me know and I will get it done for you.

Hi Bumbly,
Ahhh Yes, it looks exactly like that, silver body and grey dress cowl. I decided to dismantle it yesterday to see if the the drive belt supplied by CBC was correct - it was'nt ! Does anybody know the correct belt size ? I believe it is an M profile but the size I have of 815mm ID is too small. I also pressure cleaned all the parts and chassis so it now looks quite good. I could not resist pulling down the engine to see what it was like - it actually runs well - but when I took off the barrel there were next to no rings left! So I have decided to overhaul the complete engine. The bore is standard and in excellent order with no scratches or scores or wear. Without the piston rings fitted and the bore honed I could just get a 0.15mm feeler guage between the piston and bore - all good. The carby is the plastic bowl G3 which I cleaned and put aside.
I was surprised that for a Mk3 160 engine it still had a bushed small end bearing - I thought by Mk3 they had all gone to roller bearings. I shall have to wait 'til I get to work to dismantle the lower half of the crankcase as the drive pulley and blade driver are proving difficult to remove. At work I have presses, pullers and( heaven forbid ), oxy equipment, so I'm not sure if it has the 6204 / 6004 bearing combo or the 6204 / 6203 combo. I may choose to fit the brand new crankshaft that I picked up the other week along with a new piston & ring set as, in my opinion, this mower will be the king of my VC collection.
( I have a V80, V96 and V111 all awaiting my attention - the V111 is excellent mechanically and only requires the handle pivot bushes to be repaired to get rid of all the slop.)
A bit more exciting news - last week I picked up a Victa 500 Supreme twin with two spare engines that I swapped for rewinding a bloke's drill press motor. I was told it had not run for about two years. I got it home, fueled it up, primed it and after two pulls away she went. I then mowed my lawn with it. Needs a bit of a clean up but it is complete. The catcher is poor but still does the job. One of the spare engines is in pieces and needs rings. Any body know where I might get some ? Being all alloy, I can only guess the bore on these was either chrome plated ( or Nickasil ??) Any info welcomed.
I still have not figured out how to post photos on this forum but when I do, I'll post the photos of what I have. Can you post short videos ?
Cheers,
Wombatini

Removing the crankshaft boss that drives the blade disc is a matter of technique, rather than equipment, as it's a taper fit. You just need two hammers, or one plus a solid 'anvil'. See this past thread for the details; https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=53044

Also, check the cylinder bore for ovality. The 160cc Victas, with their short piston skirt, have a tendency to wear oval. That, rather than overall wear, tends to determine when a rebore is required.

1974 was the first year of roller small ends in the Victa 160's, so yours just missed out.
The small end bush is easy to replace, if you have the new bush on hand. Just use the new bush to press the old bush out. A suitable deep series socket makes a good support for the small end eye. This can even be done in a decent vise with soft jaws, if need be. Then any oil holes can be drilled, and/or the oil slot cut with a hacksaw - a fine 32tpi blade works best.

If you haven't acquired a spark plug tap yet, ISO M14x1.25 is the thread spec.

OK it's all fairly easy to upload pictures.You just have to keep the file size down and not make them to big then.I had the some problems when I first started.There are a few ways to solve this problem.One is by using paint then selecting
resize.I have in the past taken it from 100% to 40% it then is a good size and knocks the file in half.You could take it down even further here is the same photo resized at a different percentage.
This top one was resized at 15%.Took the file size from 1.25MB to 55.2KB.You may not need to go that small.




This one I did at 40%.File size from 1.25MB to 484KB.So that one is properly the better size.Once you have the size then just save as JPEG.Then you should be able to upload your picture with no problems.



When I do multiple pictures I use my e-mail program as it can resize really quickly,much quicker than paint can.
There other programs out there that can do it,but I won't confuse you with them as they all have a different ways of doing it.The simplest program sometimes (As is this case) are the easiest and the best way to go.
OK then when you want to upload you simple press the upload button.
Looks like this.

Then a window will appear.
Like this.

Then you click on choose file find the picture on your computer then click on that.
Then click on add file from you PC.
Then if the file is the right size it will then up load that picture.
When it has uploaded you will see it appear.
Like this.

Then you will know it has worked.
Just keep adding photos as you like until you get to 15.I think is the maximum it will allow to put up in one post.
Then click on all done,and your pictures will be uploaded.You will see in your posts lines like this,
[img]https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/02/full-5048-20062-102_0941.jpg[/mg]
This just helps to let you know it has worked.You can check by clicking Preview Post and it will show you if it has worked.
Videos are similar,except you click on,

Choose where your video is.In this case I use YouTube.

So it looks like this.

You then get this window,and type in the URL or web site address and click OK.

Then the window will close and you will have your video attached as you can see below.
Have a look at my video it is my 4 VC-Auto Drives all running together.
A truly awesome site.Well I think it is.

[video][/video]

Give that a go see how you go with that.It's not that hard once you have done it.Nobody told me when I first started about the files size and types when I started had a heck of a time working it out.
Wow this has taken some time to get done.
Whew but I'm done now.You should be right.

Hi All,
Well here I go. Ive just taken a couple of photos of what I have to date. First is my VC160 collection in various states of serviceability. Two V80's, one will be used as a "spares" machine the other will be a working example. I do have the impulse starter surrounds in the shed. The same can be said of the two V96's. The V111 is in Excellent mechanical and deck condition EXCEPT the handle bushes are so worn that they lean back so far the catcher falls off !!I will turn up some new nylon bushes as time pemits. The VC Autodrive is nearly finished except it starts but won't keep running for more than 10 seconds at a time. It has had a full engine rebuild including the later NOS crankshaft with the roller small end bearing. I suspect a faulty ignition coil as the carby is A1. I've ordered two new ones plus some condensers. When it is running it sounds excellent -very quiet mechanically. I fitted an M32 drive belt and I am also very pleased that the drive system works as it should.
The second photo shows the rest of the collection( so far) including two V147 "store brand Corvettes". I was lucky enough to get a brand new old stock catcher for these as both originals are lousy. Both have had little mechanical work done except a carby and fuel tank clean and air filters. Both start and run just like they should. The first could do with a set of starter pawls. The next one was my first - a Sunbeam LawnKeeper 160 G4.This was in excellent condition deck and catcher wise but has had a carby kit and complete engine overhaul. Runs like new but as with all the early G4 carbs is not as easy to start as those with the primer bulb. A nice mower all the same. Next is one of my prize items. The Victa Supreme 170cc twin. I have only had this for a couple of weeks and have done nothing at all to it except fill it with fuel and mow my lawn ! It is fairly "grubby" and when time permits I will clean it, overhaul the carby, clean the tank and fit an external inline fuel filter (something I do to ALL my mowers). This mower came with two spare engines, one complete and intact, the other in pieces, AND 3 spare ignition coils. I was surprised at how easily this mower starts usually first pull, and how smoothly it runs.
Next is a mid '90s Power Torque mower salvaged from the gutter, complete with excellent catcher. This mower had obviously been looked after for many years as it was in excellent condition deck / catcher & handle wise. The engine was clearly worn out so a recond engine was bought from my local mower shop for less than $100, which was cheaper than having it bored /pistons/ rings/ bearings etc myself. A carby kit finished it off and it now runs like a Swiss watch. I have to have one Power Torque model in my collection and the alloy deck clinched it. I like this mower. Lastly is a Mk 2 VC Mustang. This was given to me by my local mower shop owner after my request for a secondhand cylinder head ! It was traded in on a new mower. Again, all I have done to this one is steam clean the whole thing, clean the carby and fuel tank, fitted a fuel filter and away she went.
As you can see I have a few projects up my sleeve but the main one is the Autodrive, then the VC160's in order of manufacture, V80, V96, V111.
Cheers,
Wombatini.

Dunno what's more Impressive, the VC Collection or the Essay...

Great collection Wom! An enjoyable, frustrating, challenging and rewarding time ahead....There is nothing better than seeing a complete lineup of models on Display....

The VC is fast becoming the modern collectors mower of choice for restoration as I think it intersects perfectly at the point of Vintage classics and modern advancement and styling.

Enjoy and please keep us updated on your progress

Maybe one day I might delve into this very popular machine....One day:)

Awesome collection wombatini.Love the VC's.We have come up with other names for the VC-160's instead of using the victacode.Not sure where it came from,but it goes.
VC-160 Mark I (V80)
VC-160 Mark II (V96)
VC-160 Mark IIIA (V111) and
VC-160 Mark IIIB.(V111)
The difference between the VC-160 Mark IIIA & B is the B was set on a Auto Drive casting.
If you have a look and my VC-160 restoration page that is the one my Mark III is based on.
It does make it easier and there other differences between each model as well.
Blue if your going to get some I wouldn't leave it too much longer they are getting harder to find.Especially when people just take them to scrap now as they can get money for doing that.

Hi Everybody, Just a very quick update on the VC Autodrive. She Lives ! A frustrating time after completion, the engine would fire up very easily and rev but then would die and just as it was about to stop it would fire again, rev up and repeat the process until it finally died. Leave it for 15 minutes and it would start again but carry on as before. Very interesting............ Could not be a carby issue as these things rev as they lean out before dying. The engine was running reasonably well before overhauling it so what was the problem ?
A quick check of the ignition coils showed 5.4K ohms on the secondary and 0.6 ohms on the primary. A bit low for my liking. I ordered two new coils, a few condensers and a new HT lead, fitted it up and away she went.
Question - Why would an ignition set that was working OK before the engine was dismantled - very carefully - suddenly die when reassembled ? I've had two do that on me now. Any suggestions gladly taken aboard. I'm also pleased to report the autodrive gearbox is intact and works well. Now all I need is some decent catchers. I also repeat my plea - does any one know of a source throttle levers /cables for the VC and earlier models AND some piston rings for the 170cc twin as I' like to rebuild at least one of the spare engines I have - even aftermarket or have a set made to suit.
As a matter of interest, if anyone is looking for a copy of the Victa 170cc / 85cc engines workshop manual, it can be bought here for $10.00 on CD ROM. This site has many an interesting workshop / user manual available. http://members.iinet.net.au/~caladenia@westnet.com.au/toolman.html I received my copy yesterday.

Cheers,
Wombatini.

Hi Everybody,
Another day, another Victa. This time it is a late 50's or very early 60's Victa 18 with the fixed non recoil starter pulley. This has issues and does not run - YET ! No spark is the first issue. Crook ignition coil although somebody has recently fitted a new condenser. The points were great insulators !! Crankshaft bearings are real rough - does any one know the types ? And seal sizes ? I'd like to get the bits before I dismantle it.It has quite good compression though. I really think I should concentrate on getting the VC's 160 Mk1 and Mk 2 going first - what the heck !

Cheers,
Wombatini.

Throw a picture up Wom so we can see if its a special.

Seals can be bought at the ODK online store, as can rings bearings small end bush and all gaskets. Coils are a dime a dozen, so you shouldnt have any trouble getting her going.

They are an expensive restore if your going concours.

Be sure to check your crank is true before you go any further as Specials are prone to slipped shafts.

Myself and a few others have extensive knowledge on the Special run, so plenty of info is available.

G'day everybody, An update on the VC160 MKI. She lives again ! Started to dismantle her yesterday arvo and was quite surprised and delighted by what I found. Somebody has recond this engine in the not too distant past. There were hone marks on the bore, the piston ring grooves were extremely clean and the rings were as new so they were all just cleaned and refitted. Also, the bore is standard. The lower crankshaft bearings were knackered due to a totally stuffed lower crankshaft seal but there were no seal wear rings on the shaft. The whole engine was cleaned and new bearings, seals & gaskets fitted, I gave the cylinder a light hone and assembled the engine and refitted it to the base. Carby was cleaned and overhauled, new air filter etc. She started after the 4th "wind up" and idled beautifully. I ran her through the rev range over a 10 minute period and then let her idle for 5 minutes before running at full throttle for a further 5 minutes and then idling again. She does not "oil up" at all. Very quiet mechanically. She will probably do another 40 years without trouble. Previous owner said she (65 YO widow ) bought it new in 1970 and got rid of it because it would not start. Wonder why ???!!! All I need to do now is get a set of blades as the local mower shop does not sell the "old style" blades any longer due to no demand.
I have done nothing to the old Victa 18 as yet







but I will do so shortly. In the meantime I will turn my attention to the VC160 Mk II as this is not yet running & I'm not really sure of it's condition, but I do have a "derelict" machine to pilfer parts from if required. Stay tuned

Awesome VC-160 Mark I there wombatini,especially with the starter cover.It all looks fairly original except maybe the fuel tap ,it should be white with the red knob,and I can't quite see the hub caps.They should have Victa on them I can't quite see them properly to tell that,but everything looks good.
It's have to find them that original.
Well done.

Hi Blumbly, Your right about the fuel tap - it's a new one. The old one leaked when turned off even after cleaning it and putting new "O" ring on it. The hub caps are original I think as they do have VICTA on them and are the reddy orangey colour. I do have one question though. The impulse starter cover - were they made in two different heights ? I ask because the winder slightly scrapes the top while turning. The base is sitting fully in it's recess in the dress cowl. I have two of these covers and they are both the same. Another question - I have taken to fitting an after market inline fuel filter to my mowers, hidden from sight if they can be - but I find they seem to restrict fuel flow and make starting harder and in some cases starving the engine while running. What seemed like a very good idea may not be at all ? I always filter my fuel as I fill the tank anyway - overkill ???
Is anyone able to give me a positive ID on the old Victa 18 in my photos ?

Cheers,
Wombatini.

Hey Wom,

Ill leave the VC questions to the experts

As for the filters, im assuming your using the tiny inline ones from auto shops? The problem with these filters on a mower is that the fuel is gravity fed and may not have the pressure required to push the fuel through this type of filter. The Victa tap should have a filter integrated and is made for a gravity feed system. If you add another filter your going to restrict it greatly. If you cant freely/easily blow through the inline filter, then don't use it.

In regards to your 18,

As it stands its a Model 4 Standard" with a later Model 5 Series 3 engine. Snorkel Air filter and tap are Non factory fitments.
A big bonus is it has a good set of AM wheels, that will save you quite a few dollars in your resto.
Correct engine serial for this Model can range from 110,000- 300,000+. (This includes automatic serials)