Predator Swap in a JD 70

[Mike'sHorseBarn 2,998]

I've had this little 70 for probably 15 years now and the V70 Tecumseh that was in it gave up the ghost so I decided I would try a HF engine. That little Tecumseh was a very compact little engine so you can't get much more than a 5hp engine in there of any brand so the 5.5hp predator fit nicely with some modification. I had to put a 1/4" aluminum plate under it to raise it so it wouldn't hit the axle underneath when the pulley was on the crank. I had to grind the back of the oil pan off a little bit to give me just enough clearance so it sat just far enough behind said axle. The factory intake would't fit at all so I modified the original Tecumseh intake to fit. To do that I had to make and a plate to keep the intake from hitting the front grill and so the atmospheric vent in the carb would vent to the outside air. I have a motorcycle breather filter ordered to put on the breather tub of this and the primer bulb is just kind hanging around on there. I'll never be able to use the PTO on it, but I never did anyway. That little 5.5hp runs pretty good and it will haul my fat butt up a steep hill in 3rd gear so it will do everything I want it to do. It wants to surge just a little bit at idle since I put a different intake on it so I'm assuming I will have to drill out the idle jet just a little bit. Overall not a bad experience. Got me thinking about those little WH Reo Rear Engine Riders, if I ever see one with a blown Tecumseh I could drop one if these in there fairly easily!

 

 

[WHX?? 48,815]

The Briggs in my flying A-81 is starting to smoke worse so this may fit the bill. Heck of a lot cheaper & not much hope in a AL sleeved Briggs. 

 

Odd that HF doesn't even have much of a choice in verts other than the monster 22 HP. 

Edited June 15, 2020 by WHX24

[Mike'sHorseBarn 2,998]

1 minute ago, WHX24 said:

The Briggs in my flying A-81 is starting to smoke worse so this may fit the bill. Heck of a lot cheaper & not much hope in a AL sleeved Briggs. 

 

Yea, for all this more this engine costs, I'm pretty impressed. It has a cast flywheel and cast iron sleeved cylinder so much better off than that aluminum briggs. I was told by a local mechanic that the predator's are good engines, but change oil constantly because they like to attract moisture. 

[WHX?? 48,815]

Too bad too couldn't have kept it original but yeah work on the techy might have been a pain. I would hate to loose electric start in the RER but not many alternatives. Its such a hope on and go tub puller. 

 

What kind of oil do they use that attracts moisture? I would think get plenty of hot seat time on it would help chase moisture? 

[Mike'sHorseBarn 2,998]

He said use synthetic oil and that helps, but when it sits over winter, that is when it will attract water.

 

[Achto 27,575]

I use Mobile 1 10w 30 in my 212 Predator. Fresh oil every spring.

[D_Mac 8,619]

I have been waiting over a month for Harbor Freight to get engines in. Around here no store has them. I ordered one on line over a week ago and I just got a letter saying they have no idea when they are getting any in. If your thinking about getting one and one of your local stores has one in stock I suggest getting it now before they are gone.

[Achto 27,575]

41 minutes ago, WHX24 said:

I would hate to loose electric start in the RER but not many alternatives. Its such a hope on and go tub puller. 

 

Here is another option that may fit your RER.

http://www.smallenginewarehouse.com/LC1P85FA-V-352cc.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1e7StZCE6gIVBZSzCh1RTg6VEAsYAyABEgIeL_D_BwE

[Mike'sHorseBarn 2,998]

2 hours ago, D_Mac said:

I have been waiting over a month for Harbor Freight to get engines in. Around here no store has them. I ordered one on line over a week ago and I just got a letter saying they have no idea when they are getting any in. If your thinking about getting one and one of your local stores has one in stock I suggest getting it now before they are gone.

 

Glad my store had one in stock!

[WHX?? 48,815]

So how does 352cc convert to HP or torque ratings? Funny they list no kind of power output it makes unless I missed it. They did have this tho.

http://www.smallenginewarehouse.com/Changes in Small Engine Horsepower Ratings.pdf

Also looks like they do, not provide a muffler. 

[Achto 27,575]

5 minutes ago, WHX24 said:

So how does 352cc convert to HP or torque ratings?

 

Gotta read the fine print.

11hp Vertical 1"x3-5/32" Shaft, 1/4" key way

 

No muffler included but that's not that big 'o deal.

 

 

Edited June 15, 2020 by Achto

[WHX?? 48,815]

Ahhhh … that would make the flying A Fly! 

[T-Mo-(Moderator) 4,496]

Even though there are scores of John Deere 60s and 70s lawn tractors out there, a lot of them have been repowered.  The tractors themselves were built pretty much bullet proof, but the Tecumseh engines in them was their weak point.  A lot of them got replaced earlier on by 8 hp Briggs, which also are no longer made.

[Mike'sHorseBarn 2,998]

2 hours ago, T-Mo said:

Even though there are scores of John Deere 60s and 70s lawn tractors out there, a lot of them have been repowered.  The tractors themselves were built pretty much bullet proof, but the Tecumseh engines in them was their weak point.  A lot of them got replaced earlier on by 8 hp Briggs, which also are no longer made.

 

Bulletproof except for that dang fiberglass hood! lol Other than that it is a well built little machine and fun to drive around.