My Father gave me this yesterday, no experience with engines, thought you guys could help.

[GromUKR]

Hello there,

found this forum after doing a bit of online searching.

Was hoping you guys could help.

My father gave me this contraption yesterday. His father made it many decades ago.

Is there anywhere in the UK that will be able to clean it up and make it look good/work. Would love to somehow use this practically but not sure what I would use it for. Maybe just a centre piece, as it's a bit of a family heirloom.

Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[XD351]

Its a kiwi as the name on the crankcase suggests- can’t help with getting it cleaned up though , maybe try some model engineering clubs ? Have you tried the model engineer forum ? Maybe someone there can point you in the right direction as they have a substantial member base in the UK.

 

[Shopgeezer]

Does it turn over freely by hand? If there is spark and gas it might run. Sitting for a long time the carb is probably due for attention.

 

[Hopper]

Nice one. The Kiwi was a design by the legendary E.T. Westbury back before World War 2. There is a potted history of it here http://modelenginenews.org/etw/kiwi/kiwi_history.html

And this https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/sites/7/documents/etw-kiwi-mk2-pt1.pdf set of drawings and construction article will give a better idea of what's inside it.

It's a nice little engine. If it has spark, it might just need a bit of cleaning out of the carburettor and some oil in the crankcase to get it going.

Certainly try the Model Engineer magazine's forum here www.model-engineer.co.uk to find a local club or some help in your area.