Another - A little advice on purchase of 520-H (1996)

[danjmah 71]

I have found a nice 1996 520-H (73502). I can get it for $500 with the 4 plastic wheel covers, a 48" deck, and 50lb wheel weights (not WH but cast iron or concrete). Doesn't look abused, no dents, paint is somewhat faded, tires are weathered but seem ok, doesn't smoke and seems to run good and hydro seems good too.

Big question even though the tractor has 421 hours on the meter, the engine won't idle, seems to go up and down and then craps out. Is it worth $500? Thanks.

Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,300]

Surging is a commom problem with the Onans. I have had to clean out the carb on mine a couple times if its been sitting. The scary part is you need it running right to be sure its running on both cylinders and that it hasn't "popped" out a valve seat (another common problem with the Onan 20). You also want it running so you can verify that the hydro tranny is good.

Its a very dangerous deal the way it sits right now in my opinion.

Mike..........

[danjmah 71]

Surging is a commom problem with the Onans. I have had to clean out the carb on mine a couple times if its been sitting. The scary part is you need it running right to be sure its running on both cylinders and that it hasn't "popped" out a valve seat (another common problem with the Onan 20). You also want it running so you can verify that the hydro tranny is good.

Its a very dangerous deal the way it sits right now in my opinion.

Mike..........

Thanks Mike, It does start right up and run's at full throttle but it just won't idle. I tested the hydro, deck, etc when it was at full throttle, didn't see any issues at that time.

[Kelly 1,029]

I say it's a good deal, if the deck is nice that is worth a big chunk of the price, I'd offer $400 stating it will take work and some money to fix the carb. I'd own it if it was me, it will part out for way more than the asking price.

[Ken B 3,164]

I'd grab it. When I got my 520 it did the same thing. I cleaned out the carb and she has been great ever since.

[fireman 1,021]

That's typical for those Onans. They either run great or like crap. When they are running good they're awesome. When they start to hunt and seek, forget it. I rebuilt the carb on one I had and it still wouldn't run right. Ended up buying a NOS carb on Fleabay and that solved the problem.

[Wheel-N-It 2,968]

If the 48" deck is in good shape then don't waste another brain cell on wheather or not to buy it. BUY IT!

[AMC RULES 37,125]

Even parting it out, you'll make money...you haven't left yet?

[woodchuckfarmer 333]

You better grab that one befor it gets away

[HorseFixer 2,012]

Grab it! If it runs that well dont even think about it. Carb cleaning is prolly all it needs. Dont be scared of an ONAN there a good engine and have more torque that a 20hp Kohler and thats sayin something as I luv my Kohlers.

~Duke

[JackC 617]

Common carburetor problem. 421 is relatively low hours. Well worth $500.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330]

Like Fireman said it is best to buy a new carb for $100 if cleaning it does not solve the problem.

[danjmah 71]

Well here she is. Thanks all for the advice. As mentioned before the engine wouldn't idle unless it was choked some, so I cleaned the carb but still the same issue. Found a new (old) Nikki carb on the auction site for $62 (total) and that did the trick! Now the Onan (P220G-I) runs well (and this is my first). The engine is so smooth running, can't wait to put it to work.

Note: Power washed, changed all the fluids/filters, drained/cleaned the gas tank, new fuel line and filter, new plugs, and greased.

BTW: sold the wheel weights. They were 62 lbs each.

[Ken B 3,164]

You did real good on that one! Find a new seat and call it done.

[cheesegrader 433]

I woud have kept the weights, and sold the silly belt guard!

You are going to love your '96 520.

It is a beast. Your deck looks good too. Fantastic deal at $500!

[welderman85 53]

great deal on a very nice tractor

[Kelly 1,029]

Heck the weights are $150 a set so the tractor is even cheaper, depending on what you sold them for, you did VERY well.

[Jake Kuhn 1,554]

Great deal, and awesome tractor!!! :handgestures-thumbup:

[Terry M-(Moderator) 2,175]

From here that Tractor looks very clean. Nice Find!

[zeedubbya 18]

Very very awesome deal! You will love it! Did you get the mule drive/front attachamatic for the deck? I didn't see it in the pictures but maybe it's just out of sight? Great job!

[Tankman 3,518]

Excellent purchase! Looks great.

Most forum members, myself included, would've jumped on the deal.

Nice!

Like cheesegrader, I would have kept the weights, dumped the belt guard.

Tractor Supply has a decent high back seat, matching bolt patterns, inexpensive.

[artfull dodger 394]

Find a nice set of the embossed chrome hub caps, that really spruces up the 500 series tractors. Much better looking than those plastic ones, although I would keep them as well on the shelf, might be collectable someday. Nice buy! Mike

[Butch 194]

Wow, what a deal that was!

[danjmah 71]

Thanks All.

I have several pair of wheel weights so I sold the pair from this deal for a great price to a gentleman with a Sears SS16. In the spring I will put the 48" deck up for sale because I have many many others!

BTW: the PO never mounted the wheel weights on the 520-H but used them on his homemade drag harrow for leveling the gravel driveway.

The tractor was very clean but like the seat and top of the hood not so great. But can't complain, the only big thing was the need to replace the carb. Hopefully that will be all.

Very very awesome deal! You will love it! Did you get the mule drive/front attachamatic for the deck? I didn't see it in the pictures but maybe it's just out of sight? Great job!

I did get the mule drive, didn't include it in the picture.

[Wheel-N-It 2,968]

Great tractor, Excellant way to start the New Year!