OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Reel Lawn Mowers, Atco & Villiers etc. AV Everyman

Have just got hold of this one. It is complete except for the front roller which is not a problem. Have got it to start but it will only run with full choke. Am not sure of the model of the Villiers motor but suspect that it is loosing crank case compression threw crank seals or gaskets. I have cleaned the Carby to an inch of its life but with no improvement. Am I on the right track??? Any suggestions

Or the slide is badly worn and it is sucking excess air around it

I think NormK is on the right track.As well as the seals and gaskets (You were talking about) as it does sound like it's got some kind of vacuum leak as when you have the choke on it's still getting enough air to run.

Thanks Norm and Blumbly, I have made a new gasket for the cylinder to crank case which has improved things but I feel that the needle on the slide is sticking (possibly bent) and the float level may be wrong. Dose anyone know what it should be. I also tried to get a new spark plug but there is no listing for the motor or the plug that is in it. Can anyone advise a spark plug that is available which would be suitable.

Thanks

G'day exfarmer and all

I have written about the A-V rotaries, but I am yet to write
about their first mower - the Everyman.

The Powerhouse says these were made under a British Patent machine licence.
I guess they were - that would be Atco ... but I do not believe any parts
would be interchangeable.

This is a favourite because of the exhaust manifold and ... I think this
has the oiler (from the exhaust) directed into the chain case.

I note the maker's plate is next to the manifold - unique to this model.
I'll see what I can find about the spark plug and carby settings.

All the best.
----------------------
Jack

Hi All,

From memory the spark plug is a Champion D16, I will see if I can find the float level for you. Carb is a Villiers Junior, usually don't give any trouble. While your checking things have a look at your timing, at TDC the mark on the side of the flywheel should line up with the set mark on the magneto housing. The mark is on a small flat section just under the rim of the flywheel. If it has slipped it's easy to set it back.

Try 1/4" drill to set the float height.

Many thanks Jack and Paul.
Mine has a Champion 7 com-L spark plug in it which has double poles.
I will lower the float and check the timing as I felt it is lacking power and see where we go from there.
The cylinder block has Atco Villiers written on the base.
Yes the exhaust dose go into the chain case------ what a black sooty mess is in there!!
Thanks again for the help.

We aren't doing much good with this one the float level was right, the timing is also right now, points have been set and cleaned but still the same problem it needs choke to run and wants to rev its head off but wont idle and stops when the choke is opened.
I am thinking that perhaps there is problem with the Carby ?????

Hello exfarmer

It must be so frustrating

I have not been able to find a specific Atco-Villiers manual.
If the compression is good, the exhaust port is clear, the
crankcase is sealing for loop scavenge, the spark is good, and plug
is known-reliable, the fuel is fresh ... then I guess a good
carby would be the next test.

I don't suppose spraying an engine starter fluid down the choke
when you open it might confirm the issue is lack of fuel ...(?)

I'm hoping an engine expert might have a simple test for isolating
the carburetor as the cause on this engine. My explanation would be
the same as Eccles from the Goon Shows ... "the wick has gone out".

I know you asked about the needle setting. I think these are the
setting for the small Atco-Villiers:-




Sorry I can't be of more help.
----------------------------------
Jack

Thanks Jack,I will give those settings a go and let you know how it goes. Have been away but should get time to try in the next couple of days.

The above diagram and measurements put me on another train of thought and after setting to the above and a little tinkering it now runs as it should. Now we can get on with getting the rest of it going as intended (bearings clutch and a sharpen) Haven't decided to do a full repaint or not yet.
Thanks again Jack your info was invaluable.

G'day exfarmer

that's good news.
It's the 'other train of thought' that usually solves problems.

I appreciate the great photos and story in recording this AUS
vintage mower. The A-V story is far from being told.

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

If my memory serves me correctly They had ( as well as mine) a Villiers Mark 2 Midget 98 cc engine on them.

Hello Hermosil

Yes, The A-V used the Villiers MK2 Midget.
But, there is something ironical (situational irony).

The A-V changed ownership and lost its Villiers identity.
My best guess is that the 'Villiers' in 'Austral-Villiers' was
based on a commercial arrangement concerning exclusive use of
Villiers engines for a period.

I have found no closer connection between A-V and the Villiers Company.
Later A-V machines would come to use 4-strokes of Kirby or Briggs manufacture.

Such is life.
-------------------
Jack