New member here and after some research through the threads here, I am inspired to drag out my old Scott Bonnar that has been somewhat neglected and look for advise as to whether I should rebuild or scrap. A brief history on this SB45, it was my spare as I was originally using a Rover 45 that was on a semi permanent loan to myself and in much better condition. I swapped this for an old CRT tv I was going to bin so I felt I got a good deal. I no longer have the Rover and have been wanting to resurrect this one.
It has not been started for years and from memory when I first got it it had been in storage for some time also. I know it had carby problems the first time I started it years ago. To my surprise a few days ago when I poured some fuel down the carburettor it fired up but won't run continuously.
I'm here for advise as to sound out if it is worth my while pursuing this project or cut my losses (which there are not many)
Last edited by Bruce; 18/10/1702:50 PM. Reason: Resize images
Firstly, a warm welcome to the ODK Forums, you're in great hands here especially being a Model 45 owner.
Now the next first thing is "SOS", which stands for "Save Our Scotties" as regardless in what state they are in they are salvageable (unless they've been dropped from a great height or had a truck drive over it) and if you are not the one to do this then your other option would be to pass it on to someone that will.
Now from that statement you can probably see where I'm coming from, BTW I don't bite, but I'll call a spade a spade and not a shovel.
Your machine is in perfectly salvageable condition and can be as good if not better than your previously loaned Rover version of the same.
Don't despair over the broken blade in the reel as this can be easily repaired by a competent welder or engineer that works on these types of reels all the time.
Your power plant will probably require a good internal clean out in the carby and then be a reliable unit once more. You'll probably find that your needle and seat is clogged up with fuel deposits and also your jets.
All in all your machine is a bit of a Heinz variety, meaning that it's been made up from a few different machines by previous tennants but rest assured they are all basically the same when you strip their paint off.
I guess how this all turns out comes down to what you want to do and what result you want to achieve.
Once you've given us some idea as to what you'd like to do then we'll progress from there and give you some good advice.
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.
I have read through many of your responses and know what you mean that you will call it like it is. People need this. Cut through the waffle so to speak.
So in saying this, I am truly inspired to get my machine up and running again. I would love to spend the time restoring it to its former glory but to be honest, and an apology to the purists, this thing is going to end up a bit of a custom machine. Ultimately I want it running well and snipping sharply at my grass laying down those stripes.
One thing I won't do as I have seen in these threads is just leave people hanging. However far I go I will bring this thread to a close. It is frustrating seeing people becoming invested in someones project only for them to disappear.
Couple of questions. You say the reel could be repaired. I'm happy to weld it up. I have a metal working trade. I would of thought it would be some kind of hardened steel but not sure.
Also considering an eBay carby for this as one thing I'm not so good at is engine mechanics. Annoyingly though the air filter housing fouls on the handle bar and makes access to the air cleaner a little difficult. May need a little mod.
I'm at work now so I will post more photos as I go.
We know exactly what you mean regarding unfinished threads. It frustrates us to no end. It's also quite rude I find. One could use the analogy of catching the train to Adelaide but jumping off at Bowden if you get what I mean.
Blades are constantly being removed with a new blade inserted by the guys that work on these and other reel mowers for a living.
As far as what you want as an end result is totally up to you, as long as it's saved and not ending up in the scrap yard.
Now regarding the carby, they are quite straight forward and it would be easier to disassemble, clean and reassemble than buying a cheap Asian copy, waiting for it to arrive and fitting it.
You might be able to lean the handle bars backwards by undoing the upper nuts on the fastening points to just clear the air cleaner.
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.
One thing I won't do as I have seen in these threads is just leave people hanging. However far I go I will bring this thread to a close. It is frustrating seeing people becoming invested in someones project only for them to disappear.