OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Collectors Corner Identification of Particular Machines Victa 18 S5 V1 candidate - S/N AC57407

Hi all,

Here's the first one I pulled out. I'd appreciate any further info on this mower- version, modifications, salvageability, worth, etc.

S/No:
upper half AC57407
lower half 6

First one I got out. In the spirit of 'do no harm', I cleaned as minimally as possible, and then only with warm water and fingers.

Immediately didn't feel good- handle loose and wobbly,thought it might be breaking off. But more seems related to no handle mounting clamps, just bolts only.

Wheels don't rotate smoothly, at least one is rough when turning, couple possibly loose.

Base flywheel rusted and a blade broken off.

But the motor is free- at least I can turn the starter disc with typical resistance. Didn't pull it through to test compression though.

Oh, and I heard rumours of asbestos in the exhaust system...is the grey fibrous matter hanging down in the centre of the exhaust ring photo a problem (and no, not the cobwebs)?

Here are the photos below.

Overview


Carby and Serial no



Front


Left side


Right side


Rear


Underneath


Exhaust


Fuel tank and sticker


Air Intake


Starter


Any info appreciated!

Cheers,

Hey Patrick,

I'll start by saying I noted a possible discrepency in your first posting in regards to the axle mounts. They just didn't look right,but the image wasn't clear. Someone has put model 4,5 S1 mounts on a Series 2 base.

So what we have is a bitsa.

The AC serial is correct for early M5 S2.

Axle mounts incorrect
Cowl is M5 S3
Filter can be Smiley face since its an early S2 serial,but generally would have the big black choke.
Throttle control is the later type,but ok.
And a few other minor discrepencies.

In any case this is an easy fix to revert back to an accurate M5 S2 as the incorrect parts are cheap and easy to obtain.

Hope this helps.

Thanks very much ht6. Your detailed knowledge and informed opinions are very much appreciated. I'm still trying to figure out what's different about the axle mounts (under all the grime)! Is there a page to point me to with these sort of details?

Slightly disappointed at first that it's a 'bitsa', but now I think about it that was just me being unrealistic. And as you say, the main parts are correct and consistent with relatively simple add-on parts to make right.

No doubt various parts were used to keep it running in the past.

I'll let the owner know the details and if I have any more questions or info I'll post them here.

Many thanks,