what's it worth?

working on a wisconsin ve4 air cooled gas engine. two of the valves are stuck(don't want to remove head in fear of not finding replacement gaskets) and the mag needs complet rework (or new one) told a rework would be over $500.00 + and who knows what other problems I might run into. Is this engine worth it or should I cut my losses.

put a preveus post looking for year,color or any other info. (would kind of like to get it running , uncle gave it to me+ 2 more just like it but in worser shape) but don't want to spend that kind of money on one part (any sudjetions would be welcome)

thank you clinton small moffat ontario canada

I'd watch ebay...you can get those mags real reasonable on there...enter "magneto" in the ebay search...I bet you can get one for under $50.00

Mark Congden

I belive I have a manual for the VE4 , I"d ask 20.00 PP if you would like it . The engine must mean a lot to you they are very cheap around here .

FRED

For stuck valves try this first.Remove spark plug on cyl with stuck valve spray with pt oil.Then take a 3/8 rod and make a tool shaped to tap on valve.Only tap valve down alittle at a time then turn engine to open it again.Keep doing this and you should get valves free without removing head and safe yourself from snapping head bolts which most offen happens .I have used this method manny times on Wis engines used on Old New Holland Balers.Hope This helps you.I am 81 yrs young

Clinton -

You can get head gasket material from either Lee Pedersen or Chuck Balyeat on the sponsors page. Hit and Miss enterprises might also carry it. The material is composite-type embedded with wire for strength. I've used it on several small engines, and it has worked very well. It can be cut with tin snips, or sandwiched between two pieces of 1/4" plywood and cut with a saw.

Good luck.

Chris

Hi On second thought,I have several mags off Wis engines.Send me the make, type & number of your old mag.If I have a match it would be yours cheap.E-mail oldseng@juno.com

Actually, you can buy head gaskets (or whole gasket sets) from any dealer/service place. Wisconsin is still/back in business (sort of), and gaskets seem to be their main product. If you can't find a dealer I can recommend a couple (in USA, alas) that will work with you. These & the nearly identical VF4's are very common but new parts are ridiculously expensive (I was quoted $1000 for a rebuild of a single-cylinder S-12D a few years ago). They sure sound cool though.

If you half to take off the head, any bolts that don't want to turn use a hammer and punch in the center of the bolt to jar the threads. hit it hard with a medium size hammer. the gaskets are metal covered and can be used over on the same head. try soaking threw the plug hole first. distributor and coil ign. was available also, with a battery. used parts would be ok. Tom

Whoever gave you the cost of the mag repair must have been smoking something. Lot's of misinforma- tion out there from a few that don't know their butt from a hole in the ground. Good Luck-Ed

If it has a Fairbanks mag, parts a lot more expensive then for a Wico. But $500.00 is ridiculous. You can buy a new one cheaper then that. Call Llyod, he'll treat you right.

i WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO RESPONED TO MY POST and gave me information.Thanks again.

clinton small