Skip to main content
Collection, Preservation and Display of Old Lawn Mowers

Webb 1474 - reel height adjustment seized

Enter a word or two to search the forum section and click the Search Forum button.

Hi All,

Even in lockdown I've not yet got around to putting my Atco De Luxe back together, so my father-in-law has taken pity on me and given me a running Webb 1474 which has cleaned up nicely. 

The only problem I'm having is that the screws which adjust the height of the cylinder reel against the bottom blade are stuck fast.  Does anyone have any tips for getting them moving again please?  I don't have much mechanical know-how and have so far just tried spraying WD-40 at the problem...

Cheers,

Tim

 

Forums

RedLeader Wed, 17/03/2021

Hi Tim

If the height adjustment screws are seized in the threads due to corrosion, you are better off using something like Plus Gas which is a bit better, in my experience, at penetrating and releasing seized parts than WD40. I've had success soaking threads with GT85 repeatedly as well, but generally reach for the Plus Gas and give things a good soak with that before gently trying to get some movement going. Depending how bad the corrosion is I doubt you will need to resort to the application of heat, but I'd give the release spray a try first. Good luck!

wristpin Wed, 17/03/2021

Definitely try a proper releasing fluid such as plus gas rather than the dreaded WD. Even diesel or kerosene is better than that!

From memory the exposed end of each cylinder adjusting screw should be protected by a plastic block which makes the application of naked flame heat a bit unadvisable  - other than the very last resort . Again from memory, the  adjusting screws are slot head which limits the amount of turning force that that you can apply with a normal screwdriver. One with a hex below the handle grip is useful for applying a bit of extra torque with a ring spanner. failing that a set of grips - Vice or Mole - clamped firmly round the shaft. If you can get just a tiny bit of back and forth movement it will allow your chosen release fluid to seep in .  

This may be of use

https://www.dropbox.com/s/cqa5czha6v0g5a4/WEBB%20342%20340%20338%20chas…

 

TimF Thu, 18/03/2021

Many thanks RedLeader and Wristpin for all those tips, and for replying so quickly.  

I have some GT85 lying around for bikes so I'll give that a go first and get some Plus Gas if unsuccessful.  

Wristpin is spot-on as usual!  It is a slot-head screw so it is difficult to apply much force with just a regular screwdriver.  I will try those other suggestions for getting the screw moving.  Also right about there being a black plastic sheath just below the screw head so heat will have to be a last resort. 

Thanks again to you both!

Tim

wristpin Thu, 18/03/2021

I’d forgotten about the sheath around the springs and was referring to the plastic block at the other end, but the same applies. If you are not fussed about putting a mark or two on the adjuster screw heads, using your grips straight onto the screw heads may just get enough movement to allow the penetrating fluid to do its work.

TimF Fri, 19/03/2021

Several helpings of GT85, and trying with some different screwdrivers that allowed the application of more force, and both sides are now free. 

My lockdown addiction of buying tools is going to be satisfied by buying some Plus Gas and mole grips for future use though! 

Thanks again for your help.

RedLeader Fri, 19/03/2021

Well done Tim, sounds like a good result. Lockdown has a lot to answer for in terms of my tool collection growing too!! Reminds me of a picture...

TimF Tue, 23/03/2021

Exactly right RedLeader!

Although if it wasn't the pandemic, I'm sure I'd find an(y)other reason...

 

wristpin Tue, 23/03/2021

When those machines were current there were some issues with people having difficulty in obtaining correct adjustment between the cylinder blades and the bottom blade . There was a service bulletin re the over tightening of the large bolt and nylok nut that the bearing carriers pivoted on. The instruction was to do them up tight and then back off the nut until the bolt could just be rotated with fingers. That way the adjusting screws were not fighting over tight carriers. 

TimF Thu, 25/03/2021

Thanks wristpin.  I've actually already adjusted the nylok nut that is easily accessible because I found one of your previous posts about this machine from about 2012!

Cheers,

Tim