Mudrig150 298 #1 Posted May 10, 2019 I was just wondering if a vertical kohler magnum can be converted to horizontal shaft. I know I'll need the end plate, intake and muffler, dipstick, and pick up tube. Anything else? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,174 #2 Posted May 10, 2019 Does a vertical have a horizontal mounting flange? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mudrig150 298 #3 Posted May 10, 2019 Yeah. Kohler and briggs both used mounting flanges on the bottom (or back side of a vertical) of the engine. The blocks are the same, they just changed the front (or bottom, in a vertical) bearing plate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,228 #4 Posted May 10, 2019 Don't forget lubrication. What Kohler model are you changing over? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mudrig150 298 #5 Posted May 10, 2019 Probably a kohler twin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,228 #6 Posted May 10, 2019 3 hours ago, Mudrig150 said: Probably a kohler twin The oil pump pick up would have to be relocated and a dip stick and tube from a horizontal engine will be needed. Also, it seems that the valve spring area drain holes and vent cover will be needing attention. The oil drain plug will need to be relocated and I'm sure there are other little but very important items to be addressed. Having a horizontal crank parts engine will be important. When you do this please take lots of pictures and share your experience with us. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mudrig150 298 #7 Posted May 13, 2019 Good thing I have an entire magnum 20 parts engine. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,336 #8 Posted May 13, 2019 I definitely will be watching this one. It ought to be interesting for sure! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ztnoo 2,298 #9 Posted May 13, 2019 I'm going to play The Devil's Advocate here .......... wouldn't you just be time and money ahead to buy a horizontal shaft engine, rather than messing with a really odd, quirky, and risky engine modification of this nature??? 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,228 #10 Posted May 13, 2019 Having the availability of a complete parts engine this should be a quick simple conversion. I have one I probably will be doing this winter so am very interested in the outcome. A good running vertical crank engine tends to sell for half the price of a comparable horizontal engine. Once the word gets out about this conversion the price will skyrocket, so stock up now! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,496 #11 Posted May 13, 2019 1 hour ago, ztnoo said: I'm going to play The Devil's Advocate here .......... wouldn't you just be time and money ahead to buy a horizontal shaft engine, rather than messing with a really odd, quirky, and risky engine modification of this nature??? 3 minutes ago, 953 nut said: Having the availability of a complete parts engine this should be a quick simple conversion. I have one I probably will be doing this winter so am very interested in the outcome. A good running vertical crank engine tends to sell for half the price of a comparable horizontal engine. Once the word gets out about this conversion the price will skyrocket, so stock up now! Steve let me just clarify ahead of time that I've not actually done this conversion myself. I have no idea of where, but I've seen this written about in the past. I remember thinking that it really didn't seem like a bad idea to me. The amount of work would actually be very comparable because you need to disassemble an engine to rebuild it. As Richard stated above, vertical shaft engines are much more plentiful and far less expensive then horizontals. In my area you can get a modern vertical shaft tractor for anywhere between free and $100 without a mowing deck. You can't even begin to think about touching a Wheelhorse for less than $200 to $400 and they go way up from there. Prices are ridiculously over-inflated for older machines. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
