Some years ago I have bought this Villiers Mark 9D (I guess. The engine was originally made for and the serial number shows how many engines of that general type. Classic Motorcycle Numbers Motorcycle Serial Numbers & VIN Numbers Motorcycle Serial Number Locations These vary considerably from marque to marque Engine Numbers Check these locations: Below the barrel stamped into the crankcase. On the front of the engine stamped either side of the crankcase join. Below the clutch /.
Home > ID Your Outboard > Identification Information
Identification Information
Serial Numbers (1931 to 1962)
Early models, manufactured from 1931 to 1962, used a letter code and production number to denote the model and year of manufacture. Use the tables below to identify your outboard model and the date range it was manufactured. For production number and year manufactured information, click on the 'Year' link in the tables.
Serial Numbers (1963 to 1996)
From 1963 on a letter code, production number and ending letter(s) and number code were used in the serial number to denote the model, production number and month and year of manufacture.
The letter indicates the month and the number the year of manufacture, i.e. A3 = January 1963, B3 = February 1963, etc., and M3 = December 1963 (the letter L is not used in this code sequence).
From 1973 two letters were used in the code to indicate the month, i.e. AA3 = January 1973, BB3 = February 1973, and MM3 = December 1973. Therefore identification of a model and date of manufacture can be found as follows: WSPCL 1734 BB3. WSPCL indicates this is a long shaft Silver Century Plus. 1734 is the production number and BB3 indicates that it was manufactured in February 1973.
From 1983 to 1992 a single letter was used again in the code to indicated the month manufactured and from 1993 to 1996 two letters were used, however, this is not necessarily accurate. Many engines manufactured during this time period (1983 to 1996) were outside their supposed production slot.
1963 to 1972 | 1973 to 1982 | 1983 to 1992† | 1993 to 1996† | ||||
Letter | Month | Letter | Month | Letter | Month | Letter | Month |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A | January | AA | January | A | January | AA | January |
B | February | BB | February | B | February | BB | February |
C | March | CC | March | C | March | CC | March |
D | April | DD | April | D | April | DD | April |
E | May | EE | May | E | May | EE | May |
F | June | FF | June | F | June | FF | June |
G | July | GG | July | G | July | GG | July |
H | August | HH | August | H | August | HH | August |
J | September | JJ | September | J | September | JJ | September |
K | October | KK | October | K | October | KK | October |
M | November | MM | November | M | November | MM | November |
N | December | NN | December | N | December | NN | December |

†The letter notation from 1983 to 1996 is not necessarily accurate. Many engines manufactured during this time period were outside their supposed production slot.
Serial Numbers - Letter Definitions
Some of the letters in the engine lettering code stand for different parts of the particular models. Below is a list of some of the letter meanings:
Letter | Meaning |
---|---|
A | Amal Carburettor (400 Series) |
E | Electronic Ignition (Wipac Mark 3 and 4) |
G | Bing Carburettor (Modern Models) |
L | Long Shaft |
R | Reconditioned/Refurbished, Roller Bearings, Remote Fuel Tank |
S | Silver Century Series/ Sealed Gearbox (SAE 90 gear oil)/Standard Shaft (QB Series) |
T | Tilting Tiller or Twist Grip Throttle (QB Series) |
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Serial Numbers & Outboard Information
Marston Seagull & Early 102s | ||||||||||
Letter Code | Year | Series/ Model | Sub Series/ AKA | Drive | Cylinder Size (cc) | HP | Ignition | Fuel Mix | Gear Oil | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OA [pics] | 1931-1935 | Standard | 78 | 1½ | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140†† | |||
OB | 1933- | Clutch | 78 (340 twin?) | 10? | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140†† | Few made for Salmon Fisheries | ||
OE | 1934-1935 | Hi Duty | 78 | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140†† | ||||
OF [pics] | 1934-1935 | Super | FNR | 78 | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140†† | |||
OG | 1935- | Super | FNR | 102 | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140†† | |||
OH | 1935- | High Power | FNR | 102 | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140†† | |||
OJ | 1936- | Standard††† | Direct | 102 | 3½ | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140†† | Short Water Jacket | |
OK | 1936- | Super††† | FNR | 102 | 3½ | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140†† | ||
ON [pics] | 1937-1941 | 102††† | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers or Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Short Water Jacket | |
OP | 1937-1941 | Standard††† | Direct | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers or Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Short Water Jacket |
††Gear oil recommendation for SAE 140 is probably best treated with caution for the Marstons - originally a thicker oil, which was injected from an oil gun was used. Original Marston literature recommended 'Castrol XL, Mobiloil D, or Aero Shell', with medium body grease such as 'Castrolease' used for the bevel gear of the Lightweight. - Information provided by Charles Palfreeman.
†††The first '102' was introduced in 1936. Since it had the 'Marston Seagull' logo on the tank, it is listed as a Marston Seagull and not under the 102 Series table below.
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102 Series | ||||||||||
Letter Code | Year | Series/ Model | Sub Series/ AKA | Drive | Cylinder Size (cc) | HP | Ignition | Fuel Mix | Gear Oil | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SN | 1942- | 102 | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers or Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Short Water Jacket | |
SNP | 1942- | 102 | Direct | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers or Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Short Water Jacket | |
SD [pics] | 1942-1946 | 102 | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers or Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Short Water Jacket | |
SDP | 1942-1946 | 102 | Direct | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers or Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Short Water Jacket | |
HSD | 1946- | 102 | Plus | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers or Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Short Water Jacket |
HC | 1946- | 102 | Plus | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers or Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Long Water Jacket |
C | 1946- | 102 | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Long Water Jacket | |
D [pics] | 1946- | 102 | Direct | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Long Water Jacket | |
AC [pics] | 1946-1957 | 102 [brochure] | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Long Water Jacket | |
AHC | 1946-1956 | 102 [brochure] | Plus | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 5 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Long Water Jacket |
AD [pics] | 1946-1956 | 102 [brochure] | Direct | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Long Water Jacket | |
ED [pics] | 1946-1979 | 102 [brochure] | Direct | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
EC | 1946-1979 | 102 [brochure] | Direct | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
EHC | 1946-1979 | 102 [brochure] | Plus | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 5 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | |
TC [pics] | 1956-1966 | 102 [brochure] | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
TD [pics] | 1956-1967 | 102 [brochure] | Direct | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
THC [pics] | 1956-1967 | 102 [brochure] | Plus | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 5 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | |
WC [pics] | 1967-1973 | 102 | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
WD | 1967-1973 | 102 | Direct | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
WHC | 1967-1973 | 102 | Plus | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 5 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 |
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Forty Series (Model 40, Little Model 40, Forty Minus, Forty Featherweight, 45) | ||||||||||
Letter Code | Year | Series/ Model | Sub Series/ AKA | Drive | Cylinder Size (cc) | HP | Ignition | Fuel Mix | Gear Oil | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
F | 1949-1951 | Model 40, Little Model 40 | Direct | 64 | 1-1½ | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
FV [pics] | 1949-1954 | Model 40, Little Model 40 [brochure] | Direct | 64 | 1-1½ | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140 | 'T' in serial number = tilting tiller | |
LM | 1954-1955 | Little Model 40, Forty Minus | Direct | 64 | 1-1½ | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
SJM [pics] | 1955-1967 | Forty Minus [brochure] | Direct | 64 | 1-1½ | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
F [pics] | 1967-1976 | Forty Featherweight | Direct | 64 | 1-2 | Wipac Mk 2 | 10:1* | SAE 140 | ||
GF [pics] | 1977-1978 | Forty Featherweight | Direct | 64 | 1-2 | Wipac Mk 2 | 25:1** | SAE 140 | Equipped with Bing Carb | |
FS [pics] | 1978-1979 | Forty Featherweight | Direct | 64 | 1-2 | Wipac Mk 2 | 10:1 | SAE 90 | ||
GFS | 1969-1979 | Forty Featherweight | Direct | 64 | 1-2 | Wipac Mk 2 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Equipped with Bing Carb | |
EFS [pics] | 1979-1985 | 45, Featherweight [brochure] | Direct | 64 | 2 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
EGF [pics] | 1982-1984 | 45, Featherweight [brochure] | Direct | 64 | 2 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
EF [pics] | 1983-1989 | 45, Featherweight, Seagull 2 [brochure] | Direct | 64 | 2 | Wipac Mk 3 & 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
GEF | 1983- | 45, Featherweight [brochure] | Direct | 64 | 2 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Equipped with Bing Carb | |
AF [pics] | 1984-1985 | 45, Featherweight [brochure] | Direct | 64 | 2 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
SEF [pics] | 1989-1990 | 45, Featherweight, Seagull 2 [brochure] | Direct | 64 | 2 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
TSEF [pics] | 1990- | 45, Featherweight, Seagull 2 [brochure] | Direct | 64 | 2 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Equipped with Twist Grip Throttle |
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Forty Series (Model 40, Super 40 Plus, Forty Plus, 55, 60) | ||||||||||
Letter Code | Year | Series/ Model | Sub Series/ AKA | Drive | Cylinder Size (cc) | HP | Ignition | Fuel Mix | Gear Oil | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FVP [pics] | 1949-1953 | Model 40 [brochure] | Direct | 64 | 1½-2½ | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
LS [pics] | 1953-1958 | Model 40, Super 40 Plus [brochure] | Direct | 64 | 1½-2½ | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
SJP [pics] | 1955-1967 | Forty Plus [brochure] | Direct | 64 | 1½-2½ | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
FP [pics] | 1967-1979 | Forty Plus | Direct | 64 | 2-3 | Wipac Mk 2 | 10:1* | SAE 140 | ||
FPL [pics] | 1967-1979 | Forty Plus | Direct | 64 | 2-3 | Wipac Mk 2 | 10:1* | SAE 140 | Equipped with long shaft ('L') | |
GFP [pics] | 1976-1979 | Forty Plus | Direct | 64 | 2-3 | Wipac Mk 2 | 25:1** | SAE 140 | Equipped with Bing Carb | |
FPC [pics] | 1978-1979 | Forty Plus | Clutch | 64 | 2-3 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 140 | ||
GFPC [pics] | 1978-1979 | Forty Plus | Clutch | 64 | 2-3 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 140 | Equipped with Bing Carb | |
EFPC [pics] | 1979-1989 | Model 55 [brochure] | Clutch | 64 | 2-3 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
EGFPW | 1983-1984 | Model 60 [brochure] | Direct | 64 | 3 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
AFPW | 1983-1984 | Model 55 [brochure] | Direct | 64 | 2-3 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
EFPW [pics] | 1983-1988 | Model 60 [brochure] | Direct | 64 | 3 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
AFPC [pics] | 1984- | Model 55 [brochure] | Clutch | 64 | 3 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
SEFPC [pics] | 1989-1990 | Forty Plus | Model 55 Seagull 3 [brochure] | Clutch | 64 | 3 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | |
TSEFPC [pics] | 1990- | Forty Plus | Seagull 3 [brochure] | Clutch | 64 | 3 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Equipped with Twist Grip Throttle |
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Century (Century 100, Century Plus) | ||||||||||
Letter Code | Year | Series/ Model | Sub Series/ AKA | Drive | Cylinder Size (cc) | HP | Ignition | Fuel Mix | Gear Oil | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LLS [pics] | 1956-1967 | Model 100, Century (100) [brochure] | Direct | 102 | 3 - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
CP [pics] | 1958-1967 | Model 100, Century (100) Plus [brochure] | Direct | 102 | 4½ - 5½ | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
CPC [pics] | 1959-1967 | Model 100, Century (100) Plus [brochure] | Clutch | 102 | 4½ - 5½ | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
W [pics] | 1967-1973 | Century (100) | Direct | 102 | 3 - 4 | Wipac Mk 2 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
WP [pics] | 1967-1969 | Century (100) Plus | Direct | 102 | 4½ - 5½ | Wipac Mk 2 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
WPC [pics] | 1967-1973 | Century (100) Plus | Clutch | 102 | 4½ - 5½ | Wipac Mk 2 | 10:1 | SAE 140 |
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Sliver Century (Silver Century, Silver Century Plus, 75, 80, 90, 110) | ||||||||||
Letter Code | Year | Series/ Model | Sub Series/ AKA | Drive | Cylinder Size (cc) | HP | Ignition | Fuel Mix | Gear Oil | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S [pics] | 1966-1969 | Silver Century | Direct | 102 | 3 - 4½ | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
SP [pics] | 1966-1969 | Silver Century | Plus | Direct | 102 | 4 - 5½ | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | |
SPC [pics] | 1966-1969 | Silver Century | Plus | Clutch | 102 | 4 - 5½ | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | |
WS [pics] | 1969-1979 | Silver Century | Direct | 102 | 3 - 4½ | Wipac Mk 2 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
WSC [pics] | 1978-1979 | Silver Century | Clutch | 102 | 3 - 4½ | Wipac Mk 2 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
WSPC [pics] | 1969-1979 | Silver Century Plus [brochure] | Clutch | 102 | 4 - 5½ | Wipac Mk 2 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
ESC [pics] | 1978-90 | Silver Century | Model 75 | Clutch | 102 | 4 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | |
ESPC [pics] | 1979- | Silver Century | Plus, 80 | Clutch | 102 | 4½ | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | |
EFNR [pics] | 1979-91 | Silver Century | Plus, 90, 110 [brochure] | FNR | 102 | 5 - 5½ | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 |
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QB Series (Curlew, Osprey & Kingfisher) [History] | ||||||||||
Letter Code | Year | Series/ Model | Sub Series/ AKA | Drive | Cylinder Size (cc) | HP | Ignition | Fuel Mix | Gear Oil | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C | 1987-1990 | QB | Curlew, Seagull 4 [brochure] | Clutch | 102 | 4 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | |
CL | 1987-1990 | QB | Curlew, Seagull 4 [brochure] | Clutch | 102 | 4 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Long shaft |
CS | 1987-1990 | QB | Curlew, Seagull 4 [brochure] | Clutch | 102 | 4 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Standard shaft |
TCS | 1990-1993 | QB | Curlew, Seagull 4 [brochure] | Clutch | 102 | 4 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Standard shaft, equipped with Twist Grip Throttle |
CST | QB | Curlew, Seagull 4 [brochure] | Clutch | 102 | 4 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Standard shaft, equipped with Twist Grip Throttle | |
CSTL | QB | Curlew, Seagull 4 [brochure] | Clutch | 102 | 4 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Equipped with Twist Grip Throttle | |
O | 1987-1990 | QB | Osprey, Seagull 5 [brochure] | FN&R | 102 | 5 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | |
OL [pics] | 1987-1990 | QB | Osprey, Seagull 5 [brochure] | FN&R | 102 | 5 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Long shaft |
OS | 1987-1990 | QB | Osprey, Seagull 5 [brochure] | FN&R | 102 | 5 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Standard shaft |
OSR | 1990-1992 | QB | Osprey, Seagull 5 [brochure] | FN&R | 102 | 5 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1*** | SAE 90 | Standard shaft, Roller Bearings |
OLR [pics] | QB | Osprey, Seagull 5 [brochure] | FN&R | 102 | 5 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1*** | SAE 90 | Long shaft, Roller Bearings | |
K | 1987-1990 | QB | Kingfisher [brochure], Seagull 6 [brochure] | FN&R | 102 | 6 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | |
KL [pics] | 1987-1990 | QB | Kingfisher [brochure], Seagull 6 [brochure] | FN&R | 102 | 6 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Long shaft |
KS | 1987-1990 | QB | Kingfisher [brochure], Seagull 6 [brochure] | FN&R | 102 | 6 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Standard shaft |
KSR | 1990-1993 | QB | Kingfisher [brochure], Seagull 6 [brochure] | FN&R | 102 | 6 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1*** | SAE 90 | Standard shaft, Roller Bearings |
KLR | QB | Kingfisher [brochure], Seagull 6 [brochure] | FN&R | 102 | 6 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1*** | SAE 90 | Long shaft, Roller Bearings | |
TKS | QB | Kingfisher [brochure], Seagull 6 [brochure] | FN&R | 102 | 6 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Standard shaft, equipped with Twist Grip Throttle | |
TKL | QB | Kingfisher [brochure], Seagull 6 [brochure] | FN&R | 102 | 6 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Long shaft, equipped with Twist Grip Throttle |
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Seagull 5 & 5R | ||||||||||
Letter Code | Year | Series/ Model | Sub Series/ AKA | Drive | Cylinder Size (cc) | HP | Ignition | Fuel Mix | Gear Oil | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SK [pics] | 1993? | QB | Seagull 5 | FN&R | 102 | 5 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 *** | SAE 90 | Remote Tank on 5R models |
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125 & 170 | ||||||||||
Letter Code | Year | Series/ Model | Sub Series/ AKA | Drive | Cylinder Size (cc) | HP | Ignition | Fuel Mix | Gear Oil | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ENC [pics] | 1984-1986 | 125 [brochure] | Clutch | 102 | 6½ | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Recoil & Remote Tank | |
ENCL | 125 [brochure] | Clutch | 102 | 6½ | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Long Shaft, Recoil & Remote Tank | ||
EN | 1982-1987 | 170 [brochure] | FN&R | 102 | 8½ | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Recoil & Remote Tank | |
ENS [pics] | 1983-1985 | 170 [brochure] | FN&R | 102 | 8½ | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Shift, Recoil & Remote Tank | |
ENL | 170 [brochure] | FN&R | 102 | 8½ | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Long Shaft, Recoil & Remote Tank |
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Inboard (SD 110 & SD 160) | ||||||||||
Letter Code | Year | Series/ Model | Sub Series/ AKA | Drive | Cylinder Size (cc) | HP | Ignition | Fuel Mix | Gear Oil | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
-1979-1981- | Seagull SD 110 | FN&R | 102 | 5 - 5½? | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | |||
Seagull SD 160 [brochure] | FN&R | 102 | 7-10? | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 |
*Outboards fitted with a No. 2 Needle can safely use 25:1 ratio.
**Outboards fitted with a Bing Carburettor ONLY can safely use 25:1 ratio.
***Outboards equipped with Roller Bearings were capable of using 50:1 ratio but this was later determined to be NOT RECOMMENDED.
Note: a 'L' after the first letter(s) or end of the serial number sequence denotes a long shaft model.
Villiers
From Graces Guide
Villiers Engine Spares
Villiers Engineering Co Ltd was a manufacturer of small engines for motorcycles and other uses, and cycle parts, based in Villiers Street, Wolverhampton.
of Marston Road, Wolverhampton. Telephone: 21666/7/8. Telegraphic Address: 'Villiers, Wolverhampton'. (1937)
General
1880s John Marston'sSunbeam cycle had become extremely successful, by relying on high quality of production and finish. But Marston was dissatisfied with the pedals on his machines, which he bought in.
In 1890, he dispatched his son Charles Marston to the USA on a selling trip but included in his instructions that he must discuss pedal engineering with Pratt and Whitney in Hartford, Connecticut and come back with a high class pedal and the machinery for making it. Charles has said that the Villiers Engineering Co was 'the ultimate fruit' of his trip to the USA. He was impressed by the production system and the labour saving devices he saw there. He pointed out that 'it was not possible to develop these at Sunbeamland, which had long been working on another plan, but it was possible to start them in a new factory'.
1898 As a result of the tour John Marston bought a small Japanning works in Villiers Street, Wolverhampton, that had belonged to Edward Bullivant. Under the direction of Charles, the new company made cycle parts for the Sunbeam cycle. As the factory was producing more parts than Sunbeam required, Villiers also sold components to other manufacturers.
Frank Farrer, who was then the manager of Palmer Tyre's Coventry depot, was appointed as sole agent for the sale of the surplus pedals. Farrer had many connections with the cycle trade, was a good engineer and a great salesman and was to become the driving force in Villiers. So successful was this move that Frank Farrer joined Villiers full-time in 1902; the factory employed 36 men.
1902 John Marston sold the company to his son Charles for £6,000 on a loan against future profits. Secondly, it developed and patented the cycle free-wheel, which every cycle manufacturer required. The production of free wheels reached its peak just after World War II, as the company produced 80,000 per week or 4 million per year.
1912 Early in the year they introduced their first motor cycle engine, an inlet over exhaust 350cc four stroke with a built in two speed gearbox and clutch but it was considered too complex and was not a success.
1912 At the end of the year they introduced their first two-stroke engine with a 269cc unit. This engine was designated the Mark I and given the code 'O'. The cylinder had a fixed head and the bearings for the crankshaft and small end were made of phosphor-bronze while the big end a roller bearing. The piston was a deflector head type made in cast iron. The exhaust pipe and expansion box were made in aluminium. The lubrication system was by hand pump from the oil tank, which was built alongside the petrol tank. The oil was passed through a drilled front crankcase bolt into the crankcase where oil-ways fed it to the bearings. Surplus oil was splashed onto the walls where it was picked up by the incoming petrol vapour and taken to the upper cylinder.
1912 Situated on a half acre site and employed 20 men
1914 Listed under Cycle Manufacturers as Villiers Cycle Co and under Cycle Fittings Manufacturers as Villiers Cycle Component Co both of Upper Villiers Street [1]
WWI Produced munitions
1916 Introduced the Mark II with changes to the exhaust system which was now made in steel and in the method of holding the exhaust to the cylinder
After the war, Villiers engines were supplied to: Atco Mowers, Clifford Cultivators, Howard Rotavator, Sun motorcycles, James motorcycles, Greeves motorcycles, Francis-Barnett motorcycles, Norman motorcycles, Ambassador motorcycles, DKR motorcycles, DMW motorcycles, Dot motorcycles and Panther motorcycles.
1918 Frank Pountney joined the company and became chief engineer
1919 Charles Marston stepped back from the day to day management of the company. He remained as Chairman but appointed Frank Farrer as Managing Director.
1920 Introduced the Mark III with improvements to the exhaust, the driving shaft altered and the crankcase and bushes modified. The outside flywheel was made with a separate centrepiece which could be changed to allow for pulley or sprocket usage
1921 Introduced the Mark IV with a change in the driving shaft that enabled the flywheel magneto to be fitted
1922 Introduced the Mark IV with flywheel magneto and available with electric lighting
1922 They discontinued the 269cc engine and introduced a range of 147cc, , 247cc and 342cc. The three units were basically the same with the flat-fin heads now using a 'sunburst' pattern which gave better cooling. They had a single exhaust port and an intake port facing forward with the carburettor bolting directly onto the cylinder. All had the flywheel magneto which included lighting coils, a 'small' magneto measuring some 7.5-inch diameter was used on the 147cc engine, with a standard 9-inch diameter on the larger engines.
1924 Introduced the 172cc engine
1925 Produced its own carburettor
1926 Acquired the Mills Carburettor Co
1926 Produced three prototype cars but after this the project was dropped
1926 Introduced the 125cc model, the Mark VI D 1.25 hp engine. Similar to the 147cc engine having a fixed cylinder head with roller type big end, but with twin exhaust ports.
1927 Introduced the Villiers Twin of 344cc. This had aluminium pistons, three large plain bearings, and was built in unit with a three speed gearbox and clutch. The automatic lubrication was fed from the crankcase and the flywheel magneto was placed in front of the engine.
1928 Became a Public company.
1928 Introduced the E class 196cc (later amended to 197cc). This engine was available with Autolube or Petroil lubrication and had a fixed cylinder head, a variable ignition system and a twin exhaust system, similar to the 172cc models.
c1929 Introduced a 500cc Twin but it was not put in to production
c1932 Introduced the Midget 98cc engine with the exhaust and transfer ports placed at the side of the cylinder in-line with the crankshaft and a retaining disk used to prevent the gudgeon pin entering the transfer port. The cylinder and head were cast in one piece and a cast iron deflector-type piston was used. It used roller bearing big-ends and a force fit crank-pin with the cylinder upright. Petroil lubrication was used.
1933 Villiers Engineering Co[2]
1933 Introduced a stationary engine of 2.5 hp
1933 Introduced the Marvil air-cooled two-stroke stationary engine rated at 0.6 hp at 1,750 rpm
1934 Japanese industry had been found to be copying the bicycle free-wheel made by Villiers Engineering and supplying the product to India[3]
1935 Produced the Pygmylite generator units
1936 Introduced the D type 122cc engine with a bore and stroke of 50×62mm. The cylinder barrel was fitted with a separate head and a flat-topped piston was used, exhaust studs were placed on both sides of the barrel and the carburettor stub on the offside. Four transfer ports were built in and roller bearings were used on the big end with the usual bronze sleeves on the main bearings. The small-end was fully floating on a bronze bush, the flywheel magneto was fitted with a two-pole system and covered by a flat alloy plate.
1936 Villiers Engineering Co sold about one-third of the old Sunbeam factory to the Fischer Bearing Co of Germany who would equip it to make ball bearings[4]
1936 Advertised the ex-Sunbeam works and offices for sale at knock-down price[5]
1937 Listed Exhibitor - British Industries Fair. 'Villiers' Stationary Engines from ½ hp to 4hp, for industrial purposes.A full range of Steel Stamping and Non-Ferrous Castings. 'Villiers' Cycle Products, including Freewheels, Speed Gears, and 'Villiers' Motor Cycle Engines. (Stand Nos. D.825 and D.724) [6]
1937 Introduced the Junior 98cc engine which lay flat with the cylinder facing forward. The piston was of aluminium alloy and had a deflector head. The big end had alternating steel and bronze rollers, the crankshaft mounted in ball bearings, and the crankpin overhung the casing. A clutch was built into the casing.
1937 Manufacturers of two-stroke engines and accessories. 'Villiers' Two-stroke Engines and Accessories. [7]
1956 Villiers produced its two millionth engine and presented it to the Science Museum in London.
1956 The company was on a 17 acre site and employed 3,500 persons
1957 Villiers absorbed J. A. Prestwich Industries Ltd, makers of the JAP engines.
1961 Manufacturers of internal combustion engines, including the 'Villiers' two-stroke and four-stroke light internal combustion engine. Also manufacture cycle components, freewheels, magnetos, and carburettors. [8]
Motor Villiers
1962 The company was claiming that: 'jointly, the two companies produce a vast range of two-stroke and four-stroke petrol engines and four-stroke diesel engines from 1/3rd to 16 b.h.p. These are the engines which power many of Britain's two-stroke motorcycles, scooters and three-wheelers and the great majority of the motor mowers, cultivators, concrete mixers, generating sets, elevators, pumping sets. etc.'
1965 The company was taken over by Manganese Bronze Holdings.
1966 Together with AMC, the company became part of Norton-Villiers. At this point, Villiers stopped supplying engines to outside companies. Production of the Villiers engine closed in the UK, but continued in Madras, India.
1966 Villiers Tool Development Ltd renamed Viltool Ltd at Wednesfield, Shropshire, specialising in transfer machinery for production lines; turnover had doubled in a year[9].
1968 Manganese Bronze Holdings sold its 70 percent interest in Viltool[10] to the Snyder subsidiary of the Synder Corporation of the USA[11].
In 1999 Villiers Plc acquired the healthcare company Ultramind and renamed the company Ultrasis.
Models
- WX11 1927/28 Introduced the WX11 stationary engine rated at 1.5 bhp
- Mk25 1941 Four-cycle side-valve 250cc rated at 3 bhp
- Mk20. 1941 Introduced the Mk20 200cc engine.
- Mk10. 1941 98cc
- Mk12. 1941 120cc
- MK40. 1950 Introduced the Mk40 385cc engine
- Mk15. 1953 Introduced the Mk15 (147cc) engine
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑1914 Wolverhampton Red Book and Directory
- ↑The Times Sep 27, 1933
- ↑The Times, Feb 28, 1934
- ↑The Times, Jan 21, 1936
- ↑The Times Apr 25, 1936
- ↑1937 British Industries Fair p429
- ↑1937 The Aeroplane Directory of the Aviation and Allied Industries
- ↑1961 Dun and Bradstreet KBE
- ↑The Times, 20 January 1967
- ↑The Times, 18 May 1968
- ↑The Times, Thursday, Jun 20, 1968
- [1] Wikipedia
- [2] Ian Chadwick's motorcycle web site
- [3] Cyber Motor Cycles web site
- [4] Made in Birmingham
- [5] The Villiers Engineering Company - A Short History of the Company
- [6] The Villiers Engineering Company - From Bike Parts to Engines
- [7] Wolverhampton History
- Powered Vehicles made in the Black Country by Jim Boulton and Harold Parsons. Published 1990. ISBN 0 904015 30 0
