My new 520H

[TJ5208 1,824]

Well guys been a minute but I added a new Horse to the crew. A 520H needs some tlc. It doesn't run at the moment but ran 4 months ago. I plan on using it through the summer to mow lawns then restoring it this winter. It has 557 hours on it. Will get more pics when it's home.

 

Edited July 17, 2023 by TJ5208

[TJ5208 1,824]

More pics. Don't mind the cub I'm selling it.

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,412]

Is the plan to get it running and mechanically sound and then start making a few bucks mowing lawns? 

[TJ5208 1,824]

1 hour ago, Sparky said:

Is the plan to get it running and mechanically sound and then start making a few bucks mowing lawns? 

Yessir.

[TJ5208 1,824]

Well the bad news is it has no compression in the front cylinder.

[TJ5208 1,824]

Blown rod in front cylinder.

[c-series don 8,850]

Sorry to hear that TJ, so what do you think the plan is now? 

[TJ5208 1,824]

32 minutes ago, c-series don said:

Sorry to hear that TJ, so what do you think the plan is now? 

I really don't know. Any advise guys. 

[WHX?? 49,177]

Given a tight budget a predator or other repo might be the best option. Would have to mow lawns for ten summers for a Onan rebuild.

Keep yer eyes open tho might stumble on a 18 or 16 Onan that will be plug n play. Never know. 

Good luck & keep us posted. 

[TJ5208 1,824]

Could use some of the parts on my 520-8

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,412]

  Perfect candidate for a 14-16hp Magnum motor swap. Ditch that Onan! 

[kpinnc 12,562]

4 hours ago, Sparky said:

  Perfect candidate for a 14-16hp Magnum motor swap. Ditch that Onan! 

 

Have to agree. Onans sound cool. That's about it. 

 

They are great when good, and a pain when not. You typically find them either with crazy high hours (I have one with over 3000) or blown up around 500. 

 

Parts are another issue. I have two P220 engines that are disassembled, with enough parts to rebuild them. The problem? Rings and gaskets cost several hundred dollars- if you can even find them. These engines are not like old Briggs or Kohlers. They are not forgiving. You can't just hone a cylinder and keep going. If you do, you will be opening it up again very soon. The tolerances on the moving parts in these engines are very tight.

 

I'm not an Onan hater. I use my 520-H every week, and very much enjoy it. I service the engine regularly, and pay close attention to the cooling issues. But I know when it gives out, I'll be repowering with something else.

Edited July 18, 2023 by kpinnc