Lister B help

Hi, could somebody give me some help with my Lister B engine, I am in the process of restoring it and at the moment I am putting it back together, I have just assembled the governer linkage and as there are lots of adjustments on it I would like to know what they should be, also I have checked both flywheels and can't find any ignition timing marks so what would be the best way of setting the ignition timing, I have been told that these engines run better set at 20 degs before T.D.C. is this right and what grade of oil will I need for the sump.
Thanks, Bernard.

Hi Bernard,

I am in the process of doing my Lister A and will probably have the same issue, with the governor I would set the adjusters so that the governor slide on the crank shaft is resting on the flywheel, so it will have full movement , the throttle slide on the carb I think should be resting on its stop, you will hen be able to adjust as ness to get it running as you want. The timing is 18 degrees before TDC which if you have a standard flywheel should be around 2 1/2 to 3 inches BTDC, what you could do is measure around flywheel then divide that measurement by 18, TDC is when the jib key slot is at the bottom centre, you can then mark the top of flywheel with chalk or marker, then measure back and mark again, turn flywheel back to line up with mark you have just made, you will need to make sure that points are just about to open at this point. Hope this helps as I am not to good at explaining things, more a get on and do it person.

Regards Richard

As for oil different people will have different views on oil, original would be SAE 30 or equivalent if you have done a complete rebuild ie rebore rings end shells I would suggest getting some running in oil and run for a few hrs or days if rallying then change to what you feel best for you, as wilkinsons oil is all I use on my Villiers , it really all depends on what you are going to use the engine for.

Thanks very much Richard.

Hi Bernard,

I told you I was not very good at describing things, well I got set up on linkage completely the wrong way round, the slide on crankshaft should be resting against cover of block which it will automatically do if it the governor has springs, and the carb slide should be fully open, upwards, so when it starts the governor will move towards the flywheel in turn the slider in carb will come down, you can then adjust revs with adjuster to suit running, just been out to start my B and that's how mine is, gave myself a slap on the wrist for misleading you. Regards Richard

Thanks again Richard.