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Collection, Preservation and Display of Old Lawn Mowers

Request for technical advice for new member

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Hi All,

I have just joined the club and would appreciate some advice/help on a few things. I have purchased an Atco AT1455/56 with a cord pull starter which has apparently been running quite recently but I want to overhaul/refurbish it.  Please see the questions below that I have thus far and would appreciate any feedback.

1. Model - am I right in assuming this model is from the 1955/56 era? See photo of manufacturers tag

2. Petrol tap - the tap was weeping so I removed the plunger in order to replace the cork sealer only to find that it did not have cork but was wound with cotton like a cotton reel up to the level of where cork should go.  Is this a different type of plunger that I should rewind with cotton or should it have a cork sealer?  If a cork sealer is required how should I remove the section (pin?) where the cork should go?  See photo below

3. Magneto carbon brush - According to the instructions on how to maintain the A14 mower the carbon brush at the magneto end of the HT lead is tipped with a copper contact which should not be removed or damaged by filing or cleaning with emery cloth.  This apparently acts as a suppressor against TV interference and if the copper tip is damaged or removed the engine will not fire! Any ideas on whether I should clean the tip or leave well alone or is its condition such that I should try to source a replacement brush?  See photo below

 

4. Front rollers - one of the front rollers has some damage. Any ideas where I can source a replacement?

Any feedback will be very much appreciated as this is all new to me and I do not have a mechanical background - I am a retired white collar man!

Thank you,

Graham

 

Forums

olcadmin Thu, 19/09/2019

Graham

Welcome to the club and our forum.

1 - Date: yes, the tag indicates it's a 1955/56 model. There's an explanation here.

2 - Cork: I've never seen one with cotton, so presumably yours is a home-made Heath-Robinson fix. I believe the stud is pressed in, so needs to be tapped out (see this video). You can buy replacement/repair kits from sources such as Villiers Parts or Villiers Services or many others. Personally, and I have done this with the mowers I display regularly, I would replace the Ewarts type tap with a simple brass lever tap. Both of the suppliers mentioned will be able to supply.

3 - Tip: quick clean with white spirit or meths should be enough. make sure all other connections are clean. Well worth replacing any old HT lead with new one, but be sure to use steel or copper cored rather than anything with modern alternatives.

4 - Rollers: if wood, find a wood turner. Our club member Mike Floody offers an excellent service and can make to your specifications.

Hope this helps.

 

Graham_M Thu, 19/09/2019

Thanks OLC Admin, for your helpful advice and information. After completing my post I researched the petrol tap and discovered it is indeed an Ewarts type which I will replace as recommended by you. I have already purchased a replacement copper core HT lead as well as a new spark plug cap, as both of the existing items are perished and cracked!

Regards,

Graham

 

gtc Fri, 20/09/2019

Welcome to OLMC. You are fortunate that your Atco still has its brass tag on it, albeit barely. Most get torn off in the heat of battle.