repowering a 520-H

[kpinnc 12,026]

4 hours ago, Sewman said:

Hope I don't get flamed for this!The Onan on my 418H took a dump & I found a 21HP Kawasaki twin & put on it 10 yrs ago & it's still going strong

 

Always better to repower these machines rather than junk them. I have as many with the "wrong" engine on them as not. 

 

Plus, sometimes a repower allows plenty of time to rebuild the original engine while still getting use from the tractor. Either way keeps the tractor in use. Not many here would complain about that. Even if someone does, it's your tractor to do with as you please.

 

I've been told Kawasaki makes a good engine. Never owned one myself, but know a few friends with them on a zero turn, and they love them.

[Sewman 20]

13 hours ago, kpinnc said:

 

Always better to repower these machines rather than junk them. I have as many with the "wrong" engine on them as not. 

 

Plus, sometimes a repower allows plenty of time to rebuild the original engine while still getting use from the tractor. Either way keeps the tractor in use. Not many here would complain about that. Even if someone does, it's your tractor to do with as you please.

 

I've been told Kawasaki makes a good engine. Never owned one myself, but know a few friends with them on a zero turn, and they love them.

I like the sound of the Onan better but the Kawa been very dependable & besides oil needed a starter replaced about 5 yrs ago,I think it's been on for around 10yrs.

 

[slim67 2,735]

19 minutes ago, Sewman said:

 

It looks like a clean installation. Was it a lot of work?

[Snoopy11 5,714]

20 hours ago, Sewman said:

Hope I don't get flamed for this!The Onan on my 418H took a dump & I found a 21HP Kawasaki twin & put on it 10 yrs ago & it's still going strong.

Absolutely not! 

 

I have defended my Tillotson and Duromax billet built engines, and would put them up to anything on the market today. 

 

21hp v twin will raise the dead... (get it...?) ...even your 418H... 

 

Don

[Sewman 20]

2 hours ago, slim67 said:

It looks like a clean installation. Was it a lot of work?

No,really pretty easy.

[slim67 2,735]

18 minutes ago, Sewman said:

No,really pretty easy.

Nice work.

[Sewman 20]

Just notice this same Honda engine as Repower Specialists has but alot less $$.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200431124_200431124?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Engines > Horizontal Engines&utm_campaign=Honda Engines&utm_content=166127&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuI3RmJLX8gIVS3xvBB368Ak4EAQYBSABEgJ7V_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[rob69dart 6]

Yes the Northern Tool is cheaper, but its the motor only. The Repower Specialist is a complete kit, exhaust, wiring harness, mounting plate, everything needed to do the swap. Only had to egg out the one hole on the clutch mounting bracket, but they tell you that in the instructions. Was in a time crunch so that is why I used their kit. Let them do all the engineering.

[Sewman 20]

Oh,I didn't know but yes a kit sure is alot easier!

[chipwitch 73]

On 8/27/2021 at 11:41 AM, Snoopy11 said:

Carroll stream also has diesel engines, if that is something you are interested in.

 

That’d be my advice buddy!

 

Don

 

I have a mini backhoe (terramite).  I've often thought about swapping the motor for a diesel as it just seems to bog down a little much.  So, I compare the specs on the Kohler command 23.5 and their same HP diesel... oddly enough, the gas engine is rated with higher torque.

 

[Handy Don 12,217]

3 hours ago, chipwitch said:

oddly enough, the gas engine is rated with higher torque

Have to also check the respective RPM at which they reach the rated torque. Diesel is likely at less than 2000 and the gas at 3000-3300.

[Snoopy11 5,714]

15 hours ago, Handy Don said:

Have to also check the respective RPM at which they reach the rated torque. Diesel is likely at less than 2000 and the gas at 3000-3300.

You sad it @Handy Don

 

Don

[peter lena 8,625]

@sewman , looks like a good smart swap to me , that repower kit just makes sense., how does the kawa, compare to the onan for service issues ?  looks good , pete

[chipwitch 73]

1 hour ago, Snoopy11 said:

You sad it @Handy Don

 

Don

Well the specs don't mention the speed for torque on the diesel, but it does say "Max Torque."  I don't think you'll get any more torque out of it at a higher rpm if the specs are to be believed.  The Gas engine indicates "Peak torque."  So, I'm guessing this has more to do with the torque curve where gas will quickly lose torque under load. 

[Snoopy11 5,714]

On 8/12/2021 at 4:59 PM, kpinnc said:

Hondas were once great, but are being built cheaper every day.

They found out that they can't make money by making engines that run forever....

 

Don

[Snoopy11 5,714]

22 hours ago, chipwitch said:

 

I have a mini backhoe (terramite).  I've often thought about swapping the motor for a diesel as it just seems to bog down a little much.  So, I compare the specs on the Kohler command 23.5 and their same HP diesel... oddly enough, the gas engine is rated with higher torque.

 

I think... just my thoughts...  the dyno tests of various engines, particularly gasoline compared to diesel is not fair... 

 

But that is just my opinion.

 

On top of that, it depends on the build of the diesel engine. I am wondering what the CC of these engines are... 

 

Regardless, I'll wager, you put the 'same' HP diesel engine on it, you will see noticeable difference... even though manufacturer specs don't show this.

 

Again, just my opinion.

 

Don

[chipwitch 73]

12 minutes ago, Snoopy11 said:

I think... just my thoughts...  the dyno tests of various engines, particularly gasoline compared to diesel is not fair... 

 

But that is just my opinion.

 

On top of that, it depends on the build of the diesel engine. I am wondering what the CC of these engines are... 

 

Regardless, I'll wager, you put the 'same' HP diesel engine on it, you will see noticeable difference... even though manufacturer specs don't show this.

 

Again, just my opinion.

 

Don

 

 

It was something like 750 vs 1080 for the diesel!

 

[Sewman 20]

4 hours ago, peter lena said:

@sewman , looks like a good smart swap to me , that repower kit just makes sense., how does the kawa, compare to the onan for service issues ?  looks good , pete

So far I've just been changing the oil ,filter & the starter solenoid is going.The filter is easier to get at w/o getting oil internally like the onan.

[peter lena 8,625]

@Sewman  starter solenoid should be easy  , concentrate on the basics in your maintenance set up, as you go along and get more familiar with it , make any obvious issues go away , concentrate on what's  not working correctly , done that on my engines , so that is just a regular check over and its all good . what are you using for oil in that ?  I also use 303 marine grade vinyl cleaner  / maintainer on my vinyl's  makes engine plastic ducting , look like new .  like the looks of that engine , is really stout , going to go check one out , maybe a  project , pete  

[chipwitch 73]

Anyone considering swapping motors with the carrol stream 16hp, beware.  This is NOT a simple swap.  You'll need a shaft adapter, fabricate an adapter plate to mount to the frame and raise the motor 2cm (or new shorter belts and adapt the pto clutch) The hood will not fit without adaptation to either the hood or the carb, air breather and muffler.  If you want to use the dashboard throttle and choke they'll need adapting as well.  Of course it can all be done.  Just letting others know what all they're in for.  I wouldn't have gone this route if I had known what all was involved.  Just trying to save others the time I now have to spend on it.

 

[kpinnc 12,026]

5 hours ago, chipwitch said:

Anyone considering swapping motors with the carrol stream 16hp, beware.  This is NOT a simple swap.  You'll need a shaft adapter, fabricate an adapter plate to mount to the frame and raise the motor 2cm (or new shorter belts and adapt the pto clutch) The hood will not fit without adaptation to either the hood or the carb, air breather and muffler.  If you want to use the dashboard throttle and choke they'll need adapting as well.  Of course it can all be done.  Just letting others know what all they're in for.  I wouldn't have gone this route if I had known what all was involved.  Just trying to save others the time I now have to spend on it.

 

I think nearly all repowers are like this. The electrical alone on the 500 series tractors is enough to need psychotherapy afterward.

 

Very few newer engines use 1.125 PTOs. As you already said, most also require some mounting fabrication.

 

If all that goes well, then the hood won't fit. Most folks cut the hood, but I prefer not to. I've had to modify air intakes and mufflers, but prefer to keep the tractor unmolested.  

 

Don't give up on it. Sometimes you just have to walk away and sleep on it. You might be surprised what you come up with.

 

Edited September 4, 2021 by kpinnc

[slim67 2,735]

1 hour ago, kpinnc said:

 

I think nearly all repowers are like this. The electrical alone on the 500 series tractors is enough to need psychotherapy afterward.

 

Very few newer engines use 1.125 PTOs. As you already said, most also require some mounting fabrication.

 

If all that goes well, then the hood won't fit. Most folks cut the hood, but I prefer not to. I've had to modify air intakes and mufflers, but prefer to keep the tractor unmolested.  

 

Don't give up on it. Sometimes you just have to walk away and sleep on it. You might be surprised what you come up with.

 

That’s why I cheat and use pull start engines! No electric to worry about just like in the early years of wheel horse. I realize that won’t work for a lot of applications but suits me just fine.

[kpinnc 12,026]

8 minutes ago, slim67 said:

That’s why I cheat and use pull start engines! No electric to worry about just like in the early years of wheel horse. I realize that won’t work for a lot of applications but suits me just fine.

 

I just last night ordered a pull start for my Vanguard 23 in the top picture above. Still gonna keep the electrical, but nothing sucks more than a dead battery. Hard to keep all these machines trickle charged...

[chipwitch 73]

2 hours ago, kpinnc said:

 

I think nearly all repowers are like this. The electrical alone on the 500 series tractors is enough to need psychotherapy afterward.

 

Very few newer engines use 1.125 PTOs. As you already said, most also require some mounting fabrication.

 

If all that goes well, then the hood won't fit. Most folks cut the hood, but I prefer not to. I've had to modify air intakes and mufflers, but prefer to keep the tractor unmolested.  

 

Don't give up on it. Sometimes you just have to walk away and sleep on it. You might be surprised what you come up with.

 

 

I appreciate your words of encouragement.  I won't give up.  My only gripe is too little time to spare for it at the moment.  Nevertheless, my choice is already made.  Like it or not, it is a priority.  The weeds are tickling my thighs!

 

Good looking build

 

[Snoopy11 5,714]

7 hours ago, chipwitch said:

Anyone considering swapping motors with the carrol stream 16hp, beware.  This is NOT a simple swap.  You'll need a shaft adapter, fabricate an adapter plate to mount to the frame and raise the motor 2cm (or new shorter belts and adapt the pto clutch) The hood will not fit without adaptation to either the hood or the carb, air breather and muffler.  If you want to use the dashboard throttle and choke they'll need adapting as well.  Of course it can all be done.  Just letting others know what all they're in for.  I wouldn't have gone this route if I had known what all was involved.  Just trying to save others the time I now have to spend on it.

 

Yes sir, everyone has to do this when they swap engines... no matter the engine.

 

You should see how modified mine is...

 

Don