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Type Of Petrol
One of the commonest queries to the club is about the correct type of petrol to use with a vintage lawn mower. Although many old motor mowers with four stroke engines were made during the period when leaded petrol was standard the prevailing view is that these machines will run perfectly well on ordinary modern unleaded fuels. Lead based additives were used in petrol to help lubricate valves and prevent preignition on four stroke engines. However, old mower engines do not generally run fast enough, hot enough or at sufficient compression ratios for the presence of an additive to be a major factor. Two stroke engines do not require leaded fuel or additives.

Smaller and faster running engines made after about 1970 may benefit from use of an additive. Local mower repair shops will be able to advise customers on mowers with this type of engine which falls outside the scope of the Old Lawnmower Club.

Spark Plugs

Many older motor mowers require 18mm spark plugs that are no longer available. Some specialist vintage engine part suppliers may be able to assist.

A useful source that cross-references some old spark plug number with the modern equivalent can be found here.


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suze22 Granpa's Suffolk Punch 30 3 Nov 4 2009, 11:00 AM EST by rustyiron
Thread started: Jul 2 2009, 3:40 AM EDT  Watch
Just inherited this - it was working until the spring and am sure it will work now - but know one knows how to start it, I know from watching gramps you pull the thing under the petrol tank, fiddle with the little roung thing on the engine - twiddle the lever on the handle bars - let it run them fiddle with the little round thing again and then pull back on the hanndle bar thinging and then off your go mowing - can anyone out there give me a clear 1 2 3 of what to do?
Thanks I really appreciate it
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Russell22 Royal Enfield Mower 0 Jan 25 2009, 5:39 AM EST by Russell22
Thread started: Jan 25 2009, 5:39 AM EST  Watch
I am seeking information on a Enfield Mower manufactured in the 1930s. I am in the process of restoring one and any information,catalogs etc would be greatly appreciated.Thanks
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