PETTER OIL ENGINE

I have acquired a Petter Junior  5BHP oil engine about 1920 looking at serial numbers, a Victory engine.

all complete has been dry stored since last used say 50-60 years ago.

Questions 1- On inspection the top big end bearing shell is worn but not that bad, not much wear on the bottom shell. How much play do they have if any?   Can the shells be re-worked?
I think the crank is splash lubricated? Crank in good condition.

Question 2 - at the moment there is no spark, points are clean and in good condition, timing all ok.

Do I need to look further into the magneto? if so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in anticipation

JGS

Personally I would try getting the engine going before touching the bearings and for that you will need a spark.
I am assuming it has a BTH magneto, there are a number of things you can check before getting the magneto overhauled . Try a known working plug in the cylinder head, check the ignition lead for cracks etc and is it firmly screwed into the  holder on the magneto.  Check the spring and fibre brush are  in good order on the underside of the plug lead  holder on the magneto. Check the magneto points are flat and not badly pitted ( use a fine flat file, not sandpaper!) and adjusted correctly at around 15 thou.
Beyond this if there is still no spark I would normally have to send the magneto away. BTH magnetos are very difficult to open up and repair inside without the skills and equipment for the job.
You could of course try changing the cog onto another mag to try the engine.
Hope this helps
Philip

Thank you, I will check all the points you mention (excuse the pun)

According to the manual:

'...the large end connecting rod bearing is not fed from the oil sump in the crankcase but directly from the lubricator...'

also

'... fill up with fresh oil so that the connecting rod end dips in the oil at least 3/8th inch when on bottom centre'

The Victory is a wet sump splash jube engine, if you remove the sump plug at the front of the engine it should have oil in to the bottom of the hole, this is replenished by the cast opt on the side and the big end cap has a dipper fitted with I believe a scoop, the latter engines had the scroll on the crankshaft.
Basically, if it has the grease main bearings it's a wet sump, if it has the ring oilers it's still a wet sump but the big end is positive fed by the scroll. Get my drift??

Hi Villiers,

Of course - my manual is for a slightly different model
Thanks for that - one of the reasons that I love this forum.

[quote="Woodsman"]Hi Villiers,

Of course - my manual is for a slightly different model  
Thanks for that - one of the reasons that I love this forum.[/quote]

Unfortunately that sort of misinformation could lead to a set of buggered bearings.
Not having a dig, as it's so easy to jump to the wrong conclusion because you do have a manuel but it doesn't mean it's the right one for that engine.

And another thing, the Victory has a smaller big end than the "standard " 5hp M so the big end isn't interchangeable.

Quite right Villiers!
I'll try and keep my gob shut until I know what I'm talking about.

[quote="Woodsman"]Quite right Villiers!
I'll try and keep my gob shut until I know what I'm talking about.[/quote]