OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Collectors Corner Cylinder Scott Bonnar Centenary Model

Hello Sir Chook

thank you for updating this posting.
I've never seen an Amplion-powered one before!
Any early post-war SB petrol machine will be rare today... because
they were rare then.

May I ask, do you think this is a 14" machine?
It looks like the clutch has been reversed to make it fit within the confines.

All very interesting.
--------------------------------
JACK

Managed to pick one of these up today. Few more photos for the record

Brilliant Millzy
Brilliant! These machines are so rare nowadays.
Many thanks for the images!

The second version (like yours) appears to have been introduced just before
WWII hostilities began. My earliest ads for this models date from 1939.
Production would have stopped some time in 1940, as SB entered wartime production.
Post-war production recommenced mid-to-late 1940s.

Would you have a close up of the serial number for the record?

--------------------------------
Jack

Sure do Jack, here it is

On a side note i noticed the villiers carbs to be different to all the other mowers i've had (Midgets) This has a rich/ weak needle through the carb itself. Only info i can find is "pre WWII carb" . Wondering if i can swap it out for the regular villiers carbs? (broken throttle cable)

Hi Millzy,

The engine on this Centenary is dated 1/7 = January 1947. These engines are MkXIC's. The carb can be changed but you will need to check the spigot size as there are two sizes. You will also need to be careful with the jet sizing as well as these change for different engine sizes.

Cheers,

Sir Chook

Thanks again, the two mowers i get you know them back to front. I just need the cable, i have the bottom half so i did start it and it ran quite well, just need to hold the throttle open

Hi Gents, I Just thought I'd introduce myself with my new toy. I picked up this old Girl yesterday. I've been reading through the threads on these fantastic pre-supercut machines and am very hungry for as much info as I can get on her before I restore.

Can anyone please identify the engine model and carburettor for me? I'd be keen to get some sort of manual for both if possible.

She has great compression and spark but so far I cannot get her to fire up. Does anyone have a start-up procedure to help me at all?

Probably a silly question but you will notice there are a couple of pieces missing such as the clutch lever and the throttle control. I realise these are rare but some of the parts carried over to the supercuts. Am I able to source these bits anywhere?

Cheers Chris

Hi Chris,

Looks like your Centenary is in quite good condition.

Carburettor is a single lever type (that’s the name in the book of Villiers engines) and will be either 1” or 1 1/8” which were the lightweight and middleweight respectively. Parts for the mower bodies are scarce. Most engine parts are able to be sourced from the UK but frame parts are mainly a case of finding a donor or fabrication. Engine is a mk xic and looks to be from 4/47 based on the flywheel markings.

Manuals are uncommon for these machines. There is a book called The Villiers Engine by B.E Browning that is a pretty good source though.

With starting, the taper needle is set for rich, throttle opened up a little - usually about 1/4 way on the throttle lever which will make the slide sit so that it is open a fraction. Use the tickler liberally and then give it a spin over. Be careful with the crank handle as they can bite if the engine backfires.

Hope this helps.

Kind regards,
Sir Chook