Best engine??

[adsm08 2,089]

On 12/14/2020 at 9:00 PM, WheelhorseBob said:

312-8 and 310-8 both failed. Replaced with aftermarket due to cost, two of those failed. The ones I have now work but take forever to get fuel to the carb if the tractor sits. I’ve tried closing the fuel shut off’s etc.  I think Kohlers should probably be converted to electric. I should say Kohlers with fuel tanks below ( under seat pan) carb level. 

 

My neighbor has a 310-8 with this issue. Thing takes forever to get started.

 

I've at least taught him to use a hair dye applicator to give it a shot of gas into the carb to get it started instead of using starting fluid.

[c-series don 8,730]

I never use starting fluid, instead I have a spray bottle with gas and two stroke oil mixed. A little bit of that oil can’t hurt and this way I can shoot a little in my old chainsaw and not worry about it. If the tractor has been sitting for a while I usually pull the air filter cover off and give it a shot. This way I’m not killing the battery and the starter. 

[AMC RULES 37,132]

I always have some carb cleaner on hand, and use this when needed.

[WheelhorseBob 1,549]

I’m currently rebuilding a chainsaw for a fellow welder who happens to be a friend. He was interested in my loader tractor which happens to be a 416-H with an Onan P216. His comment was this, “oh that’s got an Onan, great engines! I’ve had several in Miller welders and never an issue.” He then told me he had one with 3000 hours! Funny how the Opinion of Onans varies in different circles.... 

[adsm08 2,089]

On 12/25/2020 at 10:45 PM, c-series don said:

I never use starting fluid, instead I have a spray bottle with gas and two stroke oil mixed. A little bit of that oil can’t hurt and this way I can shoot a little in my old chainsaw and not worry about it. If the tractor has been sitting for a while I usually pull the air filter cover off and give it a shot. This way I’m not killing the battery and the starter. 

 

I have a child's medicine syringe I use.

 

He wasn't even using proper starting fluid, he was using actual ether.

[lynnmor 7,315]

1 hour ago, WheelhorseBob said:

I’m currently rebuilding a chainsaw for a fellow welder who happens to be a friend. He was interested in my loader tractor which happens to be a 416-H with an Onan P216. His comment was this, “oh that’s got an Onan, great engines! I’ve had several in Miller welders and never an issue.” He then told me he had one with 3000 hours! Funny how the Opinion of Onans varies in different circles.... 

If you read the posts I think you will find that a very large percentage of the issues have nothing to do with the actual engine and often are self inflicted.  No need for an exclamation point after 3000 hours, that is easily accomplished with reasonable maintenance.  We hear of balance systems, erratic timing and splash lube causing problems in a favorite brand so don't believe everything you hear.

[adsm08 2,089]

2 hours ago, lynnmor said:

If you read the posts I think you will find that a very large percentage of the issues have nothing to do with the actual engine and often are self inflicted.

 

Mine current issues were partially self inflicted.

 

My K181 failed recently after the oil consumption I knew it had increased drastically and suddenly. I didn't check the oil as often as I should have, and it failed from lack of oil, ironically while I was warming it up to change said oil.

[ebinmaine 67,711]

4 hours ago, WheelhorseBob said:

I’m currently rebuilding a chainsaw for a fellow welder who happens to be a friend. He was interested in my loader tractor which happens to be a 416-H with an Onan P216. His comment was this, “oh that’s got an Onan, great engines! I’ve had several in Miller welders and never an issue.” He then told me he had one with 3000 hours! Funny how the Opinion of Onans varies in different circles.... 

 

2 hours ago, lynnmor said:

If you read the posts I think you will find that a very large percentage of the issues have nothing to do with the actual engine and often are self inflicted.  No need for an exclamation point after 3000 hours, that is easily accomplished with reasonable maintenance.  We hear of balance systems, erratic timing and splash lube causing problems in a favorite brand so don't believe everything you hear.

 

 

I don't have any Onans but I get the impression many of the failed engines are not 16 or 18 HP. 

 

I agree with the ownership causing many, or even most, of the issues. 

[tom2p 2,394]

4 hours ago, lynnmor said:

If you read the posts I think you will find that a very large percentage of the issues have nothing to do with the actual engine and often are self inflicted.  No need for an exclamation point after 3000 hours, that is easily accomplished with reasonable maintenance.  We hear of balance systems, erratic timing and splash lube causing problems in a favorite brand so don't believe everything you hear.

'self inflicted' could be in my future unfortunately - my 416 has around 1000 hours and valve adjustment has not been performed ... block and cylinder fins have not been cleaned ... oil and filter changes have been stretched too often 

 

agree about exclamation point not required for the 3000 hour mark - not uncommon for an Onan powered generator or welder to go 3000 hours and more ... and apparently some guys with P224 powered sawmills have pushed the 4000 hour mark and even 6000 hours (see links below)

 

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=77266.0

 

 

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=50795.0

 

 

life in a garden tractor can be more challenging - so the proper maintenance is a must if longevity is desired 

 

 

btw - the 24 hp P224 is a real beast with around 40 ft lbs of torque