Fun Fact: This is also used on B&N’s BN52 and BN54 units, some are surviving, inactive, as a reminder of the perils of WWII. One unit, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s largest city, has a BN52 unit converted to electric.
Thank you for the comment. I have three of these old things around... One (VE4) on this circa 1950 welder, another (VH4D) on a 70's Kohler 10kw generator and lastly a 60's (VF4D) driving a surplus four cylinder 45 cfm compressor. They do not get used for years at a time, so I do not keep a fuel tank on them, I use a Gerry can of fresh premium fuel for a tank when in use. I carefully drain the fuel system after running to prevent everything from gumming up.
Yea, I can see that being a huge problem. I wonder if you can get a small mechanics mirror down there and see? By pulling number 1 spark plug and rotating engine by hand, you can identify the compression stroke. With, say, a plastic tye-wrap or piece of wire, you can locate the piston when at top dead center.
Thank you for your time posting this video. I am trying to get a VF1 going after many years on a combine. The mag has a dot stamped in the face next to a gear tooth. Would you know if it is the same reference point as the X? My shroud has only two marks at 12 and at 10ish. The flywheel had the cast DC and also a slash stamped in about 30 degrees before. Apparently there were many variations of this engine. KM
Yes, I would try the 'dot' if the 'X' is missing... Go through the positioning process, place the dot in the window and check if the rotor is pointing to #1 If necessary the wires can be moved from hole to hole to get the results wanted. Thanks for the comment.
The key switch grounds the magneto, kills the voltage at the points, one could say. Remove that wire from the mag and if still no spark, the problem is inside the mag, not in the key circuit. Hope this helps.
Have a good look at the points... They can oxidise over time. When done using the engine, leave the points open, I think just after the mag impulse trips.
The firing order is different from the VH4 and VF4... One (VF4) is a 'waste spark' that sparks the plug each time the piston comes to the top. (VH4) sparks the plugs normally, at the top of compression stroke only. If you need further info, I have a real, live VH4 service manual. Going by memory, the VH4 firing order is 1-3-4-2. Hope this helps.
Pay special attention to which way the pistons come out. There are expansion slots(?) that have to be oriented to the correct side of thrust. Thanks for the comment. Good luck with your project.
I have a VH4D with a mag. The coil was burnt so I replaced it but I don't see any timing marks on the little gears. How can I time it without those marks?
Any chance you’d want some spare parts for those Wisconsin engines? I have a couple starters and mags as well as some sheet metal I likely won’t be using.
zeketheantiquefreak I know, I’m the guy in Brandon that’s gonna build an air compressor out of one of those Wisconsin engines. The extra stuff off it I won’t need.
So if I understand you correctly, on a VG4D engine, So I simply rotate flywheel to TDC on #1 cylinder using a tie wrap in the spark plug hole, then position the X on the magneto gear so it shows to the bottom half of inspection window hole when it is installed . I shouldnt have to take the fan cover off using the above method.
Yes, compression test with finger on #1, Align pointer on flywheel vertical, Mag rotor pointing to #1 and marked tooth in lower half of hole. You should be golden. Thank you for the comment.
I have a bunch of Wisconsins for parts/rebuild. Plus I have a few pistons, piston rings and gaskets. My uncle repaired them and I inherited his things when he passed. Would you be interested?
Yes. Trouble is finding the right used parts. Available from scrap engines are a right-angle dist. drive that mounts onto the magneto hole. (2) Generator with right-angle drive for distributor that mounts into the magneto hole. Is there a problem with the existing magneto?
@@zeketheantiquefreak8518 yes i have all of the parts on 3 motors trying to make one fit into a skidsteer, that requires a distributor and they have the oil pump shaft going into the distributor
@@dwilsonfarms6541 Educate me a little if you have the time. This 'oil pump shaft going to the distributor' I am not familiar with. I have an E, F, and an H Wisconsin, with only the E having the right angle drive and distributor. The F and the H have magnetos. I do have a couple of generator/angle drive/distributor units from a G but no oil pump shaft. I obviously do not know everything about Wisconsins! I am in Manitoba, Canada.
I don't believe I have a spare. I imagine there are magneto repair places in the States... I have dealt for years with a business here in Manitoba, Canada, 'Adrian's Magneto Service'. (204) 326-6497. Good luck in your search.
Thank you very much for your help I found somebody back east and I am going to send it to him your video helped me a lot with the firing order numbers I've been fighting this engine for two years at BF4 and I got the wrong Magneto in it so I have to put her in the Run firing order but is going so far half ass good
Yes, I have seen that on these engines. Lil' buggers will nest under the 'air box' covers and potentially overheat the engine. Thanks a bunch for the comment.
Greetings - I just obtained a very old ( not sure year ) exactly but maybe u can tell me the year engine was made. It's a VF4D and it has a massive Kato generator mounted on a skid. Runs great and generator works also. Engine serial # 2535085 Spec # 107605 Kato generator Serial # 32386
The VF4D series was manufactured from 1940 to 1976, a long run indeed. I did a couple of searches to find out your year of manufacture but was unable to hit paydirt. If I stumble across the information I will let you know. Thanks for the comment.
Thank you. I just got my father's v4 back and gonna tackle getting it going. A lot on my plate now. But it's on my do list.
Thanks for the comment! Keep me informed as you go along.
Fun Fact: This is also used on B&N’s BN52 and BN54 units, some are surviving, inactive, as a reminder of the perils of WWII. One unit, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s largest city, has a BN52 unit converted to electric.
Fun fact indeed! I was unaware of this application...
@@zeketheantiquefreak8518 theres a bn52 restored
Thank You, helped me get my vg4d running. I did post a video, Thank You again.
Glad I was able to be of help.
thank for your help been waiting for a year to time mine
Glad I was able to help. Thanks for watching.
Thank you, got our mag timed from this video
Thank you for the comment. Glad I could be of some help.
Very nice information, I did not have one but certainly like it, thanks for the video
Thank you for the comment. I have three of these old things around... One (VE4) on this circa 1950 welder, another (VH4D) on a 70's Kohler 10kw generator and lastly a 60's (VF4D) driving a surplus four cylinder 45 cfm compressor. They do not get used for years at a time, so I do not keep a fuel tank on them, I use a Gerry can of fresh premium fuel for a tank when in use. I carefully drain the fuel system after running to prevent everything from gumming up.
Thank u
I think I figured it out today
Thankyou for sharing your knowlege
Thank you for the comment.
How do you time them when their on a bobcat that hides the timing marks on the fan?
Yea, I can see that being a huge problem. I wonder if you can get a small mechanics mirror down there and see? By pulling number 1 spark plug and rotating engine by hand, you can identify the compression stroke. With, say, a plastic tye-wrap or piece of wire, you can locate the piston when at top dead center.
Thank you for your time posting this video. I am trying to get a VF1 going after many years on a combine. The mag has a dot stamped in the face next to a gear tooth. Would you know if it is the same reference point as the X? My shroud has only two marks at 12 and at 10ish. The flywheel had the cast DC and also a slash stamped in about 30 degrees before. Apparently there were many variations of this engine. KM
Yes, I would try the 'dot' if the 'X' is missing... Go through the positioning process, place the dot in the window and check if the rotor is pointing to #1 If necessary the wires can be moved from hole to hole to get the results wanted. Thanks for the comment.
From the key switch does the wire to the magneto need to have 12 volts or a ground we have no spark?
The key switch grounds the magneto, kills the voltage at the points, one could say. Remove that wire from the mag and if still no spark, the problem is inside the mag, not in the key circuit. Hope this helps.
Have a good look at the points... They can oxidise over time. When done using the engine, leave the points open, I think just after the mag impulse trips.
Use you vidio to install a mag on my dads v4 did not work after servel hours flipped it 180 and now runs
I have a VH4D engine just got it. What is the firing order? Based on your video it is 1-3-4-2 however the wiring is different. Can you explain?
The firing order is different from the VH4 and VF4... One (VF4) is a 'waste spark' that sparks the plug each time the piston comes to the top. (VH4) sparks the plugs normally, at the top of compression stroke only. If you need further info, I have a real, live VH4 service manual. Going by memory, the VH4 firing order is 1-3-4-2. Hope this helps.
@@zeketheantiquefreak8518 okay. I will make a video so that I can show you my setup. Maybe you can assist me with what may be the issue
Doesn't magneto have to be timed or rotor on #1 cyl at install ?? Im referring to Magneto and mainly VH4d im working on thanks from NC
I will swing over to the comment on the VH4D since that is mainly what you are working on. The VE and VF are a totally different breed of cat.
I like to ask you a question about the timing gears
Ok.
I have this in a case uni 1537. I need to overhaul it.
Pay special attention to which way the pistons come out. There are expansion slots(?) that have to be oriented to the correct side of thrust. Thanks for the comment. Good luck with your project.
@@zeketheantiquefreak8518 Thank you for your time making these helpful videos!
Q: it's that possibility to see year of factory in serial number, my engine have 1936 in 4 first carater?? the engine have cast iron head.
I have a VH4D with a mag. The coil was burnt so I replaced it but I don't see any timing marks on the little gears. How can I time it without those marks?
I'll be through the shop tomorrow... I will see if I have the information. Can you tell me the make and model of the mag?
Any chance you’d want some spare parts for those Wisconsin engines? I have a couple starters and mags as well as some sheet metal I likely won’t be using.
I am in Southern Manitoba, Canada...
zeketheantiquefreak I know, I’m the guy in Brandon that’s gonna build an air compressor out of one of those Wisconsin engines. The extra stuff off it I won’t need.
@@bulldogger1987 Yes, I am interested. How much were you wanting for those items?
zeketheantiquefreak nothing, their yours if you want em. They are taking up space at my place. You can email me at bulldogger87@gmail.com
@@bulldogger1987 Sounds great, I will contact you soon.
So if I understand you correctly, on a VG4D engine, So I simply rotate flywheel to TDC on #1 cylinder using a tie wrap in the spark plug hole, then position the X on the magneto gear so it shows to the bottom half of inspection window hole when it is installed . I shouldnt have to take the fan cover off using the above method.
Yes, compression test with finger on #1, Align pointer on flywheel vertical, Mag rotor pointing to #1 and marked tooth in lower half of hole. You should be golden. Thank you for the comment.
I have a bunch of Wisconsins for parts/rebuild. Plus I have a few pistons, piston rings and gaskets. My uncle repaired them and I inherited his things when he passed. Would you be interested?
Interested to hear what you have to say. I may be far from you... Manitoba, Canada.
Is it possible to switch the mag to a distributor and coil style ignition
Yes. Trouble is finding the right used parts. Available from scrap engines are a right-angle dist. drive that mounts onto the magneto hole. (2) Generator with right-angle drive for distributor that mounts into the magneto hole.
Is there a problem with the existing magneto?
@@zeketheantiquefreak8518 yes i have all of the parts on 3 motors trying to make one fit into a skidsteer, that requires a distributor and they have the oil pump shaft going into the distributor
@@dwilsonfarms6541 Educate me a little if you have the time. This 'oil pump shaft going to the distributor' I am not familiar with. I have an E, F, and an H Wisconsin, with only the E having the right angle drive and distributor. The F and the H have magnetos. I do have a couple of generator/angle drive/distributor units from a G but no oil pump shaft. I obviously do not know everything about Wisconsins! I am in Manitoba, Canada.
Mr Zeke
Got a new project
Wisconsin VF4D on a Kato light generator could u tell what year my engine was made ??
Serial # 2535085
Spec # 10760S
Hey there is the timing process the same for a MVG4D
Sorry, I don't have access to a 'G' model to look at or any documentation on one to assist you.
do you have a mag for a vf4 for sale with the Same firing order 1432 !? Mag number x B7
I don't believe I have a spare. I imagine there are magneto repair places in the States... I have dealt for years with a business here in Manitoba, Canada, 'Adrian's Magneto Service'. (204) 326-6497. Good luck in your search.
Thank you very much for your help I found somebody back east and I am going to send it to him your video helped me a lot with the firing order numbers I've been fighting this engine for two years at BF4 and I got the wrong Magneto in it so I have to put her in the Run firing order but is going so far half ass good
@@erasmomoreno1218 Progress! Keep me posted.
By the way I'm up in Wyoming USA
I spent a bit of time in Gillette. Would love to see the rest of the state.
Are you sure that a mouse did not build a nest inside the engine ??? Just verify fella.
Yes, I have seen that on these engines. Lil' buggers will nest under the 'air box' covers and potentially overheat the engine. Thanks a bunch for the comment.
Greetings - I just obtained a very old ( not sure year ) exactly but maybe u can tell me the year engine was made.
It's a VF4D and it has a massive Kato generator mounted on a skid.
Runs great and generator works also.
Engine serial # 2535085
Spec # 107605
Kato generator
Serial # 32386
The VF4D series was manufactured from 1940 to 1976, a long run indeed. I did a couple of searches to find out your year of manufacture but was unable to hit paydirt. If I stumble across the information I will let you know. Thanks for the comment.