Honda Horse

[jeremi3210 717]

Do honda engines come with 1 1/8 shafts? If not how do you hook up the pto?

[leeave96 487]

Probably a stupid question, but how does the sound of the Honda compare to the Onan?

 

When my neighbors hear the Onan on my 520H, my gut says they think I have a job...

 

 

[Jack Fate 7]

so Mark how long do other manufactures Stock parts for as I've heard JD 's Yanmar only do 10 yrs. I know newer Briggs aren't worth wasting money on   after 500 hrs.  

 

I'm speaking now days not the days of iron

 

Just seems as everything in the rental market is powered by Honda

[Keith 21]

Probably a stupid question, but how does the sound of the Honda compare to the Onan?

 

When my neighbors hear the Onan on my 520H, 

 

I'd like to see a Honda boxer twin, or a new boxer twin by any manufacturer.   The smoothness can't be matched.   The new motors are better engineered than a generation ago. The automated manufacturing cuts cost and improves quality. Cast iron liners with low tension rings gives a very long life. Honda, Subaru Robin, Kawasaki and other leaders - they all have their good points.  I doubt that the Brigg & Stratton is inferior as some claim.   A good deal of the manufacturing process is no longer touched by human hands. The smaller Honda has the unmatched commodity market forces which is where the overall cost saving will be.    Thus far, the music of a singing boxer twin hasn't captivated the small engine fans, but those $99 212cc Honda clones can be modified to buzz up to 9,000 RPM.   I'd think that with the low costs of those that a two cylinder inline 424 cc version might be built.   Honda has updated the GX series, but I think their lower cost GC series remains the same as in the 1990s.   The wide boxer twins have packaging issues for some products, the compact V-twin is more practical for OEMs.  Subaru is known for its smooth boxer automobile engines, maybe they would give it a go?

[JackC 617]

Honda knows engines.  Interesting factoid: Honda engines powered the entire 33-car starting field of the 2010 Indianapolis 500^[41] and for the fifth consecutive race, there were no engine-related retirements during the running of the Memorial Day Classic.

[Chevydave 25]

One good point on the v-twin over the boxer is valve adjustment.

On the Honda they are right up top, very easy to get to.

I did it last week on the GX-670, didn't take 15 mins. to complete the job.

[MarkPalmer 81]

Do honda engines come with 1 1/8 shafts? If not how do you hook up the pto?

 

The GX610 I have on the Cub has the 1 1/8" output shaft.  A collar was included in the kit I used that matches the original PTO clutch up to the Honda engine.  I can't say that the Honda engine has an awesome sound to it, to me it sounds identical to a Kohler Command V twin, but I can sure vouch for its smoothness- it is a lot smoother than the Kohler KT17 opposed twin it replaced. 

 

-Mark-

[Keith 21]

I have just ordered the Chongqing Rato Power 420cc Honda clone motor(electric start). It produces about 15 HP.  It has a fuel cutoff so that you can run the carb dry to shutoff the motor as ethanol is tough on the carbs.  The motor costs less than $300.  It is based on the Honda GX390 except that the piston has a larger bore and some other minor differences to satisfy a legal case won by Honda.  It has a two year replacement warranty.  I'm using it on a '71 800 Special that had a Briggs & Stratton 8 HP.  Both motors have 1-inch shafts and weigh about the same.  I think it will work as well as the old B&S.  If not, it will be low cost learning experience.   These clone motors are popular with go kart racers.  The racers often replace the flywheel and connecting rod and remove the governor - so that the motor can safely operate at very high RPM.   The old 8 HP motor was 319 cc, this 420cc is rated at almost twice as much power.  The 8 HP was adequate for me.  If I can't get parts for the 420 motor 10 years from now, its not a big deal.  Right now the Honda aftermarket is like a kid in a candy store. But the ongoing popularity of these Honda motors makes it  likely that a future replacement will be improved and I won't care about repairs.   The mowing deck of the tractor is in good shape but I won't be using that.  I probably don't need to use the PTO clutch.  The frame on the 800 Special is too narrow for a Unidrive, otherwise I might have used my 16 HP Kohler.  The only issues I've heard with the clones is some have finicky carbs - avoid the California certified version. A new carb is $25.   Currently aftermarket parts for Honda GX type motors is strong and inexpensive, although you can spend $2,000 on a race motor.   You can purchase a basic big block Honda clone motor for less than $200, then add your own flywheel and connecting rod.  You can get steel rods for these motors too.   In racing the block often cracks at high output of multiples of the factory rated power.  The guts of these motors are said to be plenty strong, unless they were assembled incorrectly.  The demand for clone motors is very high, many go in high pressure sprayers, wood splitters etc.    I might use a clone motor for a big air compressor as a large electric motor is too expensive for my occasional uses. The actual price was $261.  Bigger Honda clone motors are coming in the near future.

[Killer 2000 Chevy 83]

Not to knock the honda engines, because they are awesome power plants. I think I would consider going diesel for the price http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fitem.mobileweb.ebay.com%2Fviewitem%3FitemId%3D321121973720%26index%3D2%26nav%3DSEARCH%26nid%3D51552022590&h=sAQEEaC0Z

[DoctorHfuhruhurr 137]

Not to knock the honda engines, because they are awesome power plants. I think I would consider going diesel for the price http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fitem.mobileweb.ebay.com%2Fviewitem%3FitemId%3D321121973720%26index%3D2%26nav%3DSEARCH%26nid%3D51552022590&h=sAQEEaC0Z

 

I'm partial to the diesel conversions also.  They are 1/3 the cost and use very little fuel. 

[546cowboy 301]

As for the Indy 500 reference. Last week-end the Indy 500 was won and I think the three top spots were powered by Chevrolet engines. GO GM!!!!!!!!!!

 

Just where are yu getting these engines for that price? All the bigger Honda's I see are in the $1400 range. I do have two of those Harbor Freight engines in W/H's and one of the Carroll Stream's in a 656. The extra $100 for the electric start is well worth the cost but the recoil starts do start easy so far on the Harbor Freights.

 

The  Harbor Freight motors also come with the parts installed to hook up your throttle cable but the Carroll Stream motors do not. You have to buy a kit from them and install  for $18.00 that is not on their web site.

Edited May 31, 2013 by 546cowboy

[MarkPalmer 81]

You can't compare those little 10 HP diesels to something like a Honda GX690 gas engine. Yes, they are a third the cost, but are also about a third the net HP and only half the torque of the big Honda. They would be fine on the smaller 8/10/12 HP tractors, but you aren't going to put one in a tractor like the 520H and expect the same level of performance to the original 18-20 HP Onan.  There is a reason the bigger power quality made diesels cost a lot of money. 

 

-Mark-

[Wheelbearing 49]

Well this is all I have from Northern Tool  Really Really Antsy!!!!!  

[MalMac 1,331]

By the looks of the picture of the muffler, the oil filter is on the front. Is there going to be enough room? Just being curious here starting to make future re-power plans for my 520.

[Wheelbearing 49]

By the looks of the picture of the muffler, the oil filter is on the front. Is there going to be enough room? Just being curious here starting to make future re-power plans for my 520.

Lots of room

[DoctorHfuhruhurr 137]

You can't compare those little 10 HP diesels to something like a Honda GX690 gas engine. Yes, they are a third the cost, but are also about a third the net HP and only half the torque of the big Honda. They would be fine on the smaller 8/10/12 HP tractors, but you aren't going to put one in a tractor like the 520H and expect the same level of performance to the original 18-20 HP Onan.  There is a reason the bigger power quality made diesels cost a lot of money. 

 

-Mark-

Someone on here did a conversion to a C-195 to a twin 25hp diesel for about $1500 which was pretty slick.  I think there is a 20hp diesel that's around $1200 but I can't find the link.  I haven't seen any long term studies/comparisons of the Chinese diesels VS name brands so I can't speak to their long term performance. 

[pacer 3,168]

Not a direct comparison, but my buddy bought a Chinese 4wd 4cyl diesel tractor (Kubota style) (think he paid $4000 for the complete tractor) some 15 years ago and he has treated that thing like a stepchild, really using it, and its still chugging along seemingly same as when new (the thing is rough as a cob and ugly as sin, but ....)

[Jack Fate 7]

You can't compare those little 10 HP diesels to something like a Honda GX690 gas engine. Yes, they are a third the cost, but are also about a third the net HP and only half the torque of the big Honda. They would be fine on the smaller 8/10/12 HP tractors, but you aren't going to put one in a tractor like the 520H and expect the same level of performance to the original 18-20 HP Onan.  There is a reason the bigger power quality made diesels cost a lot of money. 

 

-Mark-

once again mark I need better itel other then just your say

 

this is my base   diesel engines produce 1.5 -2 X the torque given the same hp

 

now I AM NOT promoting china ,& have not done much intel on them

 

I personally buy  & recommend Honda power equip. 

 

But also believe diesels could be the future

 

BUT the  EPA could be end

 

cheers

[Wheelbearing 49]

So I called the yellow truck company today and they said I will see the motor tomorrow.   VERY EXCITED!!!!!

I gave the machine a good washing before I started ripping that bull snot onan out of my Horse.  Here are some pics.

 

 

 

 

[Wheelbearing 49]

So after comparing some dimensions.  Their is a height difference in the motor shaft.  the onan is 6.5inches and the honda is 5.26.  So 1.25 difference.  I think I'll just cut out two shim plates out of 5/8's thick plate that will make up the 1.25.  That way the PTO is in the exact same spot and no buying different belts. 

[Wheelbearing 49]

its here

 

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,300]

Looks perfect sitting in there!!

Right color and all.

Mike.............

[520HC 208]

Well i'm an old fuddy-duddy, but when my onans wear out or quit, I will rebuild them. I like original. There will never be a Honda in my Wheel Horse or my 420 John Deere.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330]

Bob-

That looks awesome !! I am sure you are gonna love it.

[Jack Fate 7]

let us know how its workin' out for you

 

 IT LOOKS RIGHT  

 

Cheers