budman2 57 #1 Posted July 16, 2020 Hey guys I need some advice or input on an engine! I bought a workhorse that has a nice deck and body but the engine is shot! Can anyone tell me if the engine is worth rebuilding, and some one that does it? or are they worth rebuilding? I have a nice 16 onan engine that would probably fit it but when it comes to the wiring I am lost!!!!! any and all advise would be greatly appreciated, Thanks robert (budman2) Galena Oh Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stepney 2,325 #2 Posted July 16, 2020 The Briggs Twin is a smooth engine but like Onans they are known for valve seat issues.. I just basically gave away a running 18hp out of a GT1848. Converted mine to a 14hp Kohler single, better on fuel and just about the same power. Your biggest hangup would be a few wires. I've never swapped an Onan in or out of anything, but if it was WH spec it should fit no problem as the GT is basically a 400 series. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
budman2 57 #3 Posted July 16, 2020 3 hours ago, Stepney said: The Briggs Twin is a smooth engine but like Onans they are known for valve seat issues.. I just basically gave away a running 18hp out of a GT1848. Converted mine to a 14hp Kohler single, better on fuel and just about the same power. Your biggest hangup would be a few wires. I've never swapped an Onan in or out of anything, but if it was WH spec it should fit no problem as the GT is basically a 400 series. The kohler single cyl seems like a good option to me! I have had good luck with the kohler engines! Thanks, will consider that one! robert (budman2) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stepney 2,325 #4 Posted July 16, 2020 Think, in all, I had to change the engine pulley and race, since the Briggs shaft was smaller than the K321. Muffler lined up fine. New regulator and key switch and away we go. It's been great. 2 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
budman2 57 #5 Posted July 16, 2020 Looks like a good fit! Going to see if I can find a good 14hp kohler! Thanks robert (budman2) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Goldnboy 959 #6 Posted July 17, 2020 (edited) Like Stepney said the kohler fits in easily, just change your pto hoop and the bottom pto mount support that bolts to the frame. You will also need to buy new choke and throttle cables and shorten them to correct length unless you find used from a 312 with kohler. I did the conversion this spring Edited July 17, 2020 by Goldnboy 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelhorseBob 1,549 #7 Posted July 17, 2020 Very nice conversions! My first Horse was a 1642 with the twin cylinder Briggs motor. Was my mowing and snow removal Tractor for many years and ran very well. I really liked it but I'd bet those motors aren't cheap to rebuild. Stepney, tell me about that leaf vac, I need one! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
budman2 57 #8 Posted July 17, 2020 Looking good, how much of a pain is it to rewire? I recognize some of the parts but not all? Thanks guys for the ideas! robert (budman2) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Goldnboy 959 #9 Posted July 18, 2020 (edited) Rewiring is easy if you go by this forum diagram. You can choose your own colors too! Edited July 18, 2020 by Goldnboy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,551 #10 Posted July 18, 2020 I bought this GT-1600 already converted to a Kohler Magnum 10. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
budman2 57 #11 Posted July 19, 2020 Hi again! is that wiring diagram for the magnums only! Thats what I want to put in it a magnum! Thanks in advance for any and all info, sorry I am an idiot when it comes to the wiring! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,000 #12 Posted July 19, 2020 No the wiring diagram two posts above is NOT for Magnums. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
budman2 57 #13 Posted July 19, 2020 OK thanks! budban2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 2,013 #14 Posted July 21, 2020 (edited) Take the wire going from the Briggs engine to the headlight switch and put it on the unused A terminal on your key switch. The rest of the wiring is the same. Just the kill wire and a wire from the rectifier for charging. Very easy swap with a Kohler Magnum. Garry @gwest_cashould have a wiring diagram for the GT 1642. I just swapped an M16 in a GT 1142 which has the same wiring. Make sure your ammeter connections are tight and clean or eliminate the ammeter all together. If you keep the ammeter, install LED headlights to reduce the current thru the ammeter. A voltmeter can be installed in place of the ammeter. The wiring is different, but not hard to do. Bill Edited July 21, 2020 by Bill D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
budman2 57 #15 Posted July 23, 2020 Bill you make it sound easy, I wish you where closer to where I live, I would gladly pay you to do it! my pea brain doesn't deal with the wiring to well! Thanks robert (budman2) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 2,013 #16 Posted July 23, 2020 Robert, Here is the diagram for your tractor. Instead of an hour meter use the A terminal to power the light switch. If you were closer I would gladly fix it for you. Bill Tractor 1983 WorkHorse LT GT OM Wiring Color.pdf Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
budman2 57 #17 Posted August 5, 2020 I finally found a good 16hp kohler, old school engine though, with point condenser, and coil for the tractor!, I have it installed, fit great, but now come the wiring thing I think the first picture of thw wiring diagram is for the older kohlers, is that correct? Thanks in advance! robert (budman2) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 2,013 #18 Posted August 5, 2020 I would buy a wiring harness for a 1985/86 314-8. Very simple and easy to install. Garry @gwest_ca has the diagram you need if you want to build one or modify your harness. I have never tried swaping from magneto to points using the existing harness, but it is doable, I'm just not sure exactly how to do it. Going from a powered ignition to magneto is very easy. Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tom2p 2,394 #19 Posted August 6, 2020 On 7/18/2020 at 5:39 PM, Sparky said: I bought this GT-1600 already converted to a Kohler Magnum 10. one of my fav tractors on this forum ! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stepney 2,325 #20 Posted August 7, 2020 On 7/17/2020 at 10:38 AM, WheelhorseBob said: Stepney, tell me about that leaf vac, I need one! Not to derail the topic, but to answer the question. The trailer and some of the unit is original WH from the late 60's, was a canvas top originally. The home made tin top replaced that. Originally was PTO driven off the tractor but that was also long gone and it had a small Tecumseh for power.. original blower unit was tired so it got a 80s era John Deere blower with a Kawasaki, which bolts right to a plate and hooks to the rear plow hangers. The deck boot is off a 32" WH A81 rear engine rider. The rest is parts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
budman2 57 #21 Posted August 12, 2020 I bought the whole tractor the 416-8 speed just to get the engine from it! Can enyone tell me why I need a voltage regulator on this work horse as the newer 416-8 speed tractor does not use a voltage regulator! don't get it! thanks again robert (budman2) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,000 #22 Posted August 13, 2020 If the newer Tractor has a Magnum the Regulator is mounted on the front near the top of the flywheel shroud, Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
budman2 57 #23 Posted August 13, 2020 no its not that damn new! it is not a magnum just the old k341 16hp snigle cyl kohler! I guess I will try and figure it out ! thanks anyway budman2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,000 #24 Posted August 13, 2020 34 minutes ago, budman2 said: no its not that damn new! it is not a magnum just the old k341 16hp snigle cyl kohler! I guess I will try and figure it out ! thanks anyway budman2 Then your engine may have the unregulated 3 am system. No regulator. Head lights ran off AC from the stator and only worked while engine was running Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
budman2 57 #25 Posted August 14, 2020 That could be! as I can't find a regulator anywhere on this 416-8 tractor! Thanks robert Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
