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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 9
Novice
Well im new here always wanted to get a Reel mower and Found a barn Find one last week Paid only $50
Looked like it hadn't run for 30 years,
Spent last 2-3 days just pull off pull start and cover and cleaning out 40 years of Junk
I need some Guidance in way of getting it going I mean the blades on roller still look New lovely red
Petrol tank clean'
the white plastic controller for speed is perished
I take it that's the fuel filter in side of motor? I had to take 2 inches of muck to find how to undo it
where can I get those type of parts and carburettor may need overall but looks clean
I can add pictures later when I work it out
Regards Gaz

Portal Box 6
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 131
Apprentice level 2
I'll try help here
1) Check first to see if you have spark (take out plug and place near something metal and pull the starter)

2) Clean the tank/ carb/ fuel lines thoroughly

3) Get an air compressor and blow away all the dirt/ buildup so you have a clean area

4) The plastic controller is most likely the throttle (a generic item and can be found anywhere)

5) No fuel filter that i'm aware of but pics will help everyone

Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 304
Forum Historian
Hello burgo60 and Millzy.

I do feel we need some images on this one.
A 1974 imperial would not have had a Briggs engine.
In fact, no Imperial used Briggs & Stratton.

I have a history record here:-
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=72729

Hope this helps.
-------------------------------
Jack

Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 9
Novice
sorry I really thought I seen made by Briggs and Stratton on it
has plenty of spark but fuel not getting up to engine the part that comes from directly from engine head is completely blocked up
today it did splutter and start for 3 seconds
ive cleaned everything should I put that round part that screws into head and soak it in petrol?

Attachments
mower1.jpg (253.91 KB, 116 downloads)
mower3.jpg (174.06 KB, 115 downloads)
20171226_103950.jpg (67.19 KB, 115 downloads)
mower6.jpg (126.05 KB, 117 downloads)
20171226_125732.jpg (63.04 KB, 118 downloads)
20171226_103944.jpg (29.97 KB, 117 downloads)
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 8,110
Likes: 231
SENIOR TECHNICIAN
Put a piece of hose on the decomp valve and suck on it and if the valve closes it should be ok, if not screw an old spark plug in the hole and see how much compression it has, then you can go from there

Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 9
Novice
also let me add this Victa Imperial is a 14 inch someone told me its rare but surely these were popular for domestic use being a smaller unit

Joined: May 2017
Posts: 131
Apprentice level 2
Originally Posted by burgo60
also let me add this Victa Imperial is a 14 inch someone told me its rare but surely these were popular for domestic use being a smaller unit

They have told you a lie!, by no means rare/ desirable. Good to put to use though when you're not paying huge dollars

Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,675
Likes: 165
SENIOR TECHNICIAN
It's old, therefore it's gold!! Don't you know that? smirk


Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 304
Forum Historian
Quote
Put a piece of hose on the decomp valve and suck on it and if the valve closes it should be ok, if not screw an old spark plug in the hole and see how much compression it has, then you can go from there
G'day all
I guess it's best the decompressor is overhauled.
I will point out that this engine is unique in having a cylinder spacer
to reduce compression.

Quote
also let me add this Victa Imperial is a 14 inch someone told me its rare but surely these were popular for domestic use being a smaller unit
The 14" Imperials are less common than one might think.
The original Imperials were made in 16, 20 and 24 inch. No 14s!
When Victa used their own modified 125cc unit they introduced the 14" (c1972).

The 14" has a couple of unique features over other Imperials.
Note it has a single helix reel - no other Imperial had that!
Second, it is the only Imperial size to lack a differential - having a single length rear roller.
The 16" is, by far, the most common size.

Congratulations burgo on acquiring the rarer 14".
Please keep us informed.

Also, great repair info on the decompressor here:-
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/85918/Victa_Decompressor_Valve__-_Re.html

Hope this helps.
-----------------------------------
Jack

p.s. I do not think the front roller is original.
Imperials appear to have used only split wooden rollers with spacers.

Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 9
Novice
thanks Jack
well today I tested the decompressor and I sucked and it closed like it should I did clean out the inside
I then put case back and zip start back on turned on fuel pressed the spring fuel pumper to bring fuel into carby I then kicked it over and was on verge of starting
then I pulled zip starter and it did nothing just pulled up and felt like it wasn't grabbing took it off and turned crank over to find it just turning and no compression in it at all
any ideas what Happened. me im thinking something has broke in motor?

Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,998
Likes: 16
Former Moderator
It may be a 2 stroke motor that's been run on straight fuel and it has had its rings badly worn due to no oil in the fuel and squeezed the rings into the groove with no movement in them being able to spring back to the bore, thus absolutely no compression. Sadly this happens rather regularly and it's why many users get rid of non working two stroke machinery. Sadly if this is the case its all over for that bore, piston and rings.

I feel you should investigate this before you go much further, alternatively you simply might have a faulty decompression valve that is staying open, thus no comp at all.

Cheers,
BB.


I live a 24 Hour lifestyle, but every now and again I seem to fall asleep, well at least that's what my wife tells me.
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 9
Novice
im not giving up on it if its as you say bore pistons and rings no good then I shall learn how to do it and also find the parts take and get re bored a little?
hopefully as you say its decompressor cause it did happen not long after I put it back on machine after cleaning it
I shall learn as I go plus its a good project for me being Disabled in a wheelchair, and if anyone lives in Perth that wants to come help me feel free to contact me

Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 9
Novice
id like to know what is the Paint colour of these Imperial eel mowers as since im pulling it apart I may as well get it chromed and re painted so if someone can let me know
id much appreciated maybe Cyber jack may have that information somewhere

Joined: May 2017
Posts: 131
Apprentice level 2
Originally Posted by burgo60
id like to know what is the Paint colour of these Imperial eel mowers as since im pulling it apart I may as well get it chromed and re painted so if someone can let me know
id much appreciated maybe Cyber jack may have that information somewhere

Few variations ive seen, you will get close but never 100%
Green looks like a brunswick green (not the deep one)
Engine covers look Alpine green (you can get this at bunnings or a variant of it)
Orange, most go with International orange (prefer this over chevy orange)

Rechroming the bars will cost a bomb so have a think about painting them

Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 9
Novice
Update I have completed the Imperial 1974 Mower
decompressor was re kitted
needed Starter Drum as it was worn out
only thing needs done now is blades sharpened
everything is working like new

Attachments
imperial5.jpg (129.27 KB, 65 downloads)
imperial7.jpg (92.08 KB, 61 downloads)
imperial3.jpg (80.62 KB, 61 downloads)
impweial4.jpg (82.53 KB, 62 downloads)
imperial6.jpg (128.77 KB, 64 downloads)
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 63
Trainee
Sweet as. Well done on a great resto Burgo.

Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 63
Trainee
Sweet as. Well done on a great resto Burgo.

Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,675
Likes: 165
SENIOR TECHNICIAN
Great job renewing your machine.
Could tell us the details on the paints you used?


Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 9
Novice
Sorry for the delay, but I had an operation.

Well I first did an undercoat with Rust guard and then 2 coats of Brunswick green, then rubbed it back with wet and dry and 3 coats of Wilderness green by British paints, then a clear coat x 2.
It worked well and also gave that hammertone look.


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