Recovering a Howard Yeoman

[fh]

Hi.
I’m new to this site.
I started reading last week what you are doing with your Yeoman.
I’ve just purchased a 1954 (I’m told) Howard Yeoman in great looking order although not started it yet as I want to “figure it all out” first.
BSA engine No on crank case = G15458/PL/AO. No on engine cowl = 2200R?M.
I’m not an engineer, but do like to “dabble” a little, it helps keeping the coggs going round in my head, lol.
Can you give me any advice on what to look for also are there any places I can get some spares should I need them… one thing, is the exhaust is really past its sell by date.
Regards,
Fred.

[jwilkes]

Hi Fred

In my case I was not looking to restore the unit back to original but rather build what is a useful rotavator / 2 wheel tractor for the garden. When I got my first Yeoman it ha a ceased engine (I had a 2 tonne press trying to move the piston without luck so it must be nearly welded. As a result of knowing the engine was not going to work again I moved my 13HP Chonda as a replacement as they are a similar frame size to the old BSA. As I had started I did a nit and bolt strip and then rebuild with new bearings and oil seals. The only thing that really needs working on is the gear selectors as they are sloppy and will need resleaving in the future. Being a detachable rotor box I have built new tool frames to get a riding seat and home made potato planter / ridger. I am currently working on the new seed drill arrangement for the unit.

I am not sure what to look out for but the really expensive piece was the replacement clutch plate that was custom made for me.

I cannot give advice on the engine as I never got it going thought a rebuild of the magneto is probably best done in India.

You have to make the decision about the Engine and what you are doing with the gearbox. If you decide to strip then let me know, Just be careful with the clutch plate i you take the engine off.

Hope this helps

Jeremy

[jwilkes]

Hi Fred

One question for you Does your machine still have the reversing lock system in place, On a yeoman there is the clutch (normally on the right hand handlebar) and a second lever on the left hand handlebar. When you go into reverse the clutch is automatically disengaged until the left control handle is engaged, a rather useful safety feature from a time when Health and Safety considerations were more cavalier than nowadays. On most Yeoman rotavators the mechanism has been removed as inconvenient. If you have yours still on the machine can you take some pictures and measurements so that I can try to rebuild the mechanism please.

Jeremy

[fh]

Hi Jeremy.
Thanks for getting back to me and sorry for the late reply.
The machine I’ve got is No 5358. Patent No. 31061/53 and 31062/53.
I have yet to start it, but everything appears to be free and moving. It does seem to have been loved and looked after.
Oils are all clean and topped up. Nice bright spark on the plug. Air filter needs cleaning as full of cobwebs etc. Fuel line working ok to carb. Pulled it over a few times, but exhasting work lol. I’m thinking a starting handle may be easier.
I believe the gentleman who owned it used to take it to farm/tractor shows, It had been owned by his family from new.
My machine does not seem to have the “reversing lock” as you say. On the handle bars from behind, “right hand is the accelerator lever”… “left hand is the clutch lever”… and thats all, so I can’t help you there.
If you see an exhaust pipe for this model, please let me know.
As I proceed, I’ll keep you informed
Regards,
Fred.
PS. Would I need an addative for the petrol, due to age of machine ?

[jwilkes]

Hi Fred

Just checked the exhaust on the seized engine – Well rotten. You will probably need to find a specialist, I would be starting with a search of the Stationary Engine parts suppliers:

The site “Vintage Air cooled Engine Spares” might be able to help as they show the BAS420cc under the BSA parts. It is likely if they cannot sort you out they can send you in the right direction.

Shame about the reversing lock. Just need to see one in place and, with permission take some photos and measurements. It is unlikely to be too much trouble to fabricate a replacement.

With regards to getting the machine aged I think there is someone with access to the Howard serial number register who can give you exact dates. I only know this as a guy I bought a seed drill had had his yeoman dated. Incidentally I see that the chap has a Yeoman clutch plate for sale on a well known auction site which could be of interest if you are in the right part of the country.

Jeremy

[charlie]

Have you tried Meetens for parts?
Castrol Valvemaster or similar fuel additive for engines not designed to run on unleaded fuel.

[fh]

Hi Jeremy.
Thanks for that info.
Regards, Fred.

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