302GT Larry Shimp (241 posts) Registered: 11/17/2007 01:13PM Main British Car: 1968 MGB GT Ford 302 crate engine |
Morris Minor transmission versus lawn mower
To help get through the winter I decided to restore an old REO lawn mower engine I had sitting around. This engine is about 2 hp and was intended to drive an 18 inch reel mower. As such, it has an internal gear reduction system to lower the output shaft speed to a level compatible with the mower drive needs. I found it interesting to compare the mower engine “transmission” with the cluster gear set from my old Morris Minor transmission. Very similar sizes…
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DiDueColpi Fred Key West coast - Canada (1365 posts) Registered: 05/14/2010 03:06AM Main British Car: I really thought that I'd be an action figure by now! |
Re: Morris Minor transmission versus lawn mower
That's hilarious Larry!
Is that actually the camshaft that's driving the sun gear? I have an old Ransomes reel type 2 stroke from the thirties. Instead of gears it uses a mitt full of chains. Absolutely terrifying to watch it running. But it's a cool looking old machine. Live like you mean it. Fred |
302GT Larry Shimp (241 posts) Registered: 11/17/2007 01:13PM Main British Car: 1968 MGB GT Ford 302 crate engine |
Re: Morris Minor transmission versus lawn mower
Indeed, the camshaft does drive the sun gear. Notice also that there is only one lobe on the camshaft. It drives the valves through L shaped rockers (it is a flat head engine), sort of like an inverted OHC arrangement.
I would love to see your Ransome mower in operation. The unusual engineering makes these old machines are worth preserving. |
Re: Morris Minor transmission versus lawn mower
When I was a kid I took a few lawn mower engines apart. Notice I didn't say anything about putting them back together again. Kinda have the same issue with cars now...
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