Alco Featherweight charging set

Hi Guys,


Here is my latest project.It is an Alco Featherweight petrol electric accumulator charging set dating,I believe, to WW2.It looks complete apart from the exhaust and a cylindrical shroud that encloses  the push rods.
There is no spark and a quick inspection indicates that the mag is suspect - it is a Wico A- looks like another expensive rewind!I was told that this unit was ex army( there is matt green paint on it) - but the plates on it have A M stamped on them( there is a crown between the A and the M) - is this the Air Ministry and therefore a RAF unit?The unit is rated 360Watts 18Volts.
I think that the actual engine is a JAP 3 badged as an ALCO.
I am now looking for a manual for this unit - does anyone happen to have one or know where I can get one from?Thanks.
All the best,
Kev.

Hi Kev,

I have got one of these,


if someone comes up with a manual I would be interested in one also, mine does runs but do not think the charging unit works although I am getting output from the dynamo, I think someone has been playing with the wiring in the control box and have wired it up wrong so any help with images of how the wiring goes would be of help.

Also watch out for kick back as the starting handle is in my opinion to close to the frame and if you dont get it right it gives an almighty wallop to your hand, lol.

Hi Rich,
Thanks for your reply - here is a photo of the inside of my control box/switchboard



Hope that helps.
Thanks for the tip about the handle!
All the best,
Kev.

Hi Rich,
I have found a wiring diagram on the underside of the switchboard lid,here it is -


Sorry about the photo but the lid would not open up fully!
Hope this helps.
I have checked out the mag and guess what?Its open circuit,so a rewind is needed.A silly question but how do you get the mag off?I have undone the adjustment bolts (2)- do I have to take the timing case cover off( where the starting handle goes) as well? Anyone know?
All the best,
Kev.

I have found that to get the mag off you do have to take the timing cover off - carefully!I didn't and a gear and a collet fly out! I know where the gear goes - but not which way round it goes,I cannot yet figure out where the collet goes! I think timing this unit is going to be interesting to say the least!
I am still looking for a manual - the actual engine is a JAP 3 - the early one with overhead valves - anyone know where I can get one from?I will need one for the timing.
I have also found out that the unit was a RAF one.
all the best
Kev.

Hi Kev,

Have sent you a pm with manual attached.

How is the Bamford getting on ?


Regards


Richard

Hi Richard,
I haven't received your email - must have got lost in space!
I have sent you a PM.
I haven't got a Bamford, but I have taken the mag off the Alco and will be taking it to a mag guy for a coil rewind later this week.
All the best,
Kev.