Snoopy11 5,714 #1 Posted June 5, 2022 (edited) Lately, we have been getting a lot of questions here on the forum about repowers. I am creating this topic to show what can be done, and what members of the forum have done with repowers. Hopefully, a good amount of members will chime in here, giving their models, and what they used to repower, along with what they had to do to make this work. I will come back and edit this initial post, and list each member's model, engine used, and post number, etc. @stevasaurus... I might possibly need your help with that. This thread should be helpful to future forum viewers, even in non radical repower projects. A couple of guys that come to mind... @kpinnc, @Pullstart , @Maxwell-8, @SylvanLakeWH I will start with my repower projects. Post #2 @Snoopy11... L-157 with Duromax 457 Post #3 @Snoopy11... 800 Special with Tillotson 212R Post #4 @Maxwell-8... C-141D with Italian Lombardini 14hp swap Post #5 @SylvanLakeWH... C-85 and C-105 each with Predator 212 swaps Post #6 @Pullstart... 502 with a Kohler K-181, "1073" with a Kohler K-241, 1054 with Tecumseh 5.5 snowblower engine, 1054 with 440 Polaris 2 stroke. Post #7 @Achto... 1960 Suburban with a 6.5hp Predator swap Post #10 @midpack... C-175 with Magnum 18 Post #16 @Red-Bovine... 520H with Honda GX630 Post #23 @Sewman... 418H with 21HP Kawasaki twin Post #24 @kpinnc... 520-H with a 23hp Vanguard Post #25 @SpindleyEbersol... D200 with Kohler CH 20 Post #27 @SamH... C-175 with Predator 22 HP Post #28 @WildmanC120 ...C161 with Predator 22 HP Post #29 @bmsgaffer... 525 EXI with 25HP EFI Kohler Command 25 HP CH730 Post #30 @aHorseofCourse... 308 with Briggs 18hp opposed Twin Post #31 @ebinmaine... 657 with a 1978 Briggs and Stratton 8 HP Post #33 @Mike Johnson... B-100/220 with GX630 Post #34 @artfull dodger... Commando 8 with Yanmar diesel L70AE Post #35 @sorekiwi... 516-H with 10 hp diesel clone engine Post #36 @seuadr... 520H with Onan N52M swap Post #37 @cschannuth... 606 with Predator 212 swap Post #38 @dells68... GT14 with Predator 420cc (13 HP) swap Post #39 @illinilefttackle... 656 with Predator 212 swap Post #40 @ricksrj58 ... L157 with Predator 212 swap Post #41 @Xjchief... 606 with Predator 212 swap Post #42 @DAVE L ...L155 with Predator 212 swap Post #50 @Embick87... 18 auto with Kohler CH18 Post #51 @Jhook... 502 with Predator 212 swap Post #52 @Don1977... C120 with 16 HP Briggs and Stratton Vanguard Post #53 @JTBondrew... C100 with 10hp Apollo CF 186F (E) Diesel Engine Post #54 @slammer302... Suburban with Predator 212 Swap Post #55 @dwayneGT... GT1142 with Predator 420 swap Post #56 @JoeM... 316-8 with Briggs V-twin repower Post #57 @Burnerman... Commando 7 with 24hp v-twin Briggs and Stratton Post #58 @Gordyhogg... 656 with Kohler 181s repower Post #59 @dpm2000bolt... C141 with 10HP Carroll Stream Diesel engine swap Post #60 @PeacemakerJack... Gt-14 with Kohler Magnum 16 Post #62 @can whlvr... 308-8 with Honda 13 Post #63 @Justice77 ...Suburban 400 with Briggs and Stratton 5 hp swap Post #64 @Machineguy... Workhorse 700 with Kohler K321 swap Post #65 @mrshaft696... Commando 8 with 18hp opposed twin Briggs and Stratton swap... Post #66 @tommyg... D-180 with 25 hp Kohler Command Pro Post #67 @clem... 417A with Honda GX690 v-twin repower Post #68 @Wheelbearing ...520-H with Honda GX690 v-twin repower Post #69 @SALTYWRIGHT ...417-8 with 10 HP Diesel Post #70 @Big Jake... C120 with Robin Subaru EH65 653cc 22hp Post #71 @Kelly.... C-195 with 25hp V twin diesel Post #73 @Woodsie... 520H with Predator 670 v-twin Post #77 @AMC RULES... 551 Custom with 22hp Kohler twin Post #78, #80 @Bill D... Gt1142 with Kohler Command Post #81 @ricksrj58... D160 with 1584cc Air cooled Volkswagen gas engine Post #84 @Crabtreeb... B80 with a 13 hp Honda knockoff Post #85 @GT14... C-175 with Predator 670 v-twin Post #86 @toddsanderson... C-175 air horse with Briggs and Stratton Vanguard 18 hp v-twin repower Post #87 @tarcoleo.... C-111 and C-81 with 11 hp Japanese-made Honda, and 13 hp Chinese Honda Post #88 @wh500special... C-165 with 10 HP diesel clone Post #89 @FrankinWNY... 520H with Honda 24hp v-twin Post #90 @oldandred... Lawn Ranger (my guess)... with diesel clone Post #92 @Docwheelhorse... C160-8 with Kohler Magnum 16 Post #93 @CodyP... Raider 9 with Predator 212 Post #94 @giddyap... C-85 with Predator 301 Post #95 @fast88pu... L-157 with Predator 212 performance build Post #96 @Aldon... Gt22-8 with Predator 670 v-twin Post #97 @Vurge... 656 with Predator 212 Post #98 @JAinVA... 416 with Predator 420 Post #99 @chex313... 520H with Predator 420 Post #100 @MAD MARK... 310-8 with Predator 212 Post #101 @Jim Demery... 633 with Predator 212 Post #102 @Lee1977... C-120 with a 18 Vanguard Post #105 @fast88pu... 522HO with a built predator 670 Post #106 @davem1111.... GT-1848 Work Horse with Honda GX610 Don Edited June 20, 2022 by Snoopy11 3 5 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snoopy11 5,714 #2 Posted June 5, 2022 Wheel Horse L-157. Duromax 457. Basically, drilled new holes in frame for engine mounting. Had to make custom belt guards. I also had to cut the hood, where the air filter is... although you pretty much can't tell. Aftermarket belt, 1/2 by 64. 2-1/2 inch pulley on transmission as well. Don 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snoopy11 5,714 #3 Posted June 5, 2022 Wheel Horse 800 Special with Tillotson 212R. Drilled holes in frame for engine mounting. Right side of engine bolted directly to center of frame, left side has custom brackets that clamp onto left frame. If you didn't want to make your own "clamp brackets" ...you would have to make or buy a mounting plate for 212 base engines. No other modifications other than custom belt guards, and 1/2 x 84 inch belt. Don 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maxwell-8 4,275 #4 Posted June 5, 2022 (edited) Fun idea, I will join. I made the diesel-swap. I bought this chassis without an engine and USA made engine are insanely hard to find, so I went European instead. An Italian Lombardini 14hp 1cyl (186lbs) A lot of modification were needed. The hood had to be raised 4": that meant raising the hood in the front (used a 12v winch to fill that gap. then the dash had to be raised as well moved back to keep the original steeringshaft angle, which that shaft had to be lengthen as well. Since I couldn't get the pulley off, I had to change belt sizes and pulleys to accommodate the pulley on the engine. What I still have to do is remake the fueltank supports. I will have to make a dash mount decompression valve as install a foot and hand throttle. Oh and the intake and exhaust will both have to be rerouted. Edited June 5, 2022 by Maxwell-8 6 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,557 #5 Posted June 5, 2022 (edited) My two: “W” section sign post elevates engine shaft to almost exact spot needed for chain guard and guide to make clutch work perfectly with original belt. The C 105 WHrat WHrecker resides in @Pullstart stables… soon to be followed, post Big Show, by the C 85 (6.5)… Edited June 21, 2022 by SylvanLakeWH 5 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,858 #6 Posted June 5, 2022 (edited) Funny @SylvanLakeWH, I’ll need to read up on the C-6.5 build soon! Putt Putt Build link here is a 502 with a Kohler K-181 off of an air compressor. It’s nearly a direct swap from the Tecky engine, but the belt guard is a tad different for engine hole location. Frank Engine install of build begins here is a Kohler K-241 powered round hood. It took extensive frame and steering modifications to make it work. Poppy is a 552 with a mixup Kohler. Engine install of build here It’s a K-161 engine with a K-181 C series side plate, stator, flywheel and starter. That little project here Joe the 1054 Came to me with a 5.5 hp snowblower engine on him. I made him scream bloody murder at plow day and he hasn’t run since. I wouldn’t recommend this repower but it was fun while it lasted. Freedom the Snowmotractor has a little bit of an extreme engine swap. It’s got a 440cc Polaris snowmobile engine. Jane the Commando 6 Has it’s original Tecky BUT! It has a Kohler carburetor and runs wonderfully! Edited June 5, 2022 by Pullstart 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 27,571 #7 Posted June 6, 2022 (edited) 1960 Suburban with a 6.5hp Predator swap. 1 - Throw the gas tank away that came with the engine. The tractor already has a gas tank so I used that one. 2 - Also removed the the supplied air cleaner and threw it away. Added a free flow pod filter in it's place. 3 - Threw the supplied engine exhaust away and made a custom exhaust. 4 - Drilled the main jet out on the carb to compensate for the free flow air cleaner & exhaust. NOTE : The above alterations to the engine kept me from having to alter the sheet metal on the tractor. 5 - Mounting holes for the engine to the frame were a direct fit. 6 - Made a new belt guard. 7 - Hooked the stock throttle cable from the tractor to the supplied mounts on the new engine. Edited June 6, 2022 by Achto 2 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,025 #8 Posted June 6, 2022 2 hours ago, roadapples said: As I said, to each his own, no offense meant. I'm just old school...really old... 20 years ago, I would be 100% in agreement about US made engines. I think it sucks that very few now are still made here. The few that are no longer can handle the loads placed on them by these old tractors. Quite a shame! ...And nothing wrong with old school. We could all benefit from the old school! 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maxwell-8 4,275 #9 Posted June 6, 2022 (edited) Just for a reference how hard it is to get a smooth running Kohler in Belgium. I have the M16 that came of Amy, a dude wants to trade his "running and driving" commando 7 for just my engine. People are taking off Kohler's from perfectly working Wheel Horse, just to put it on the shelf, in case theirs blows. The tractor with a 14hp I recently bought and sold was planned to have the engine pulled, I got their in time to save it an is now with his new owners. Edited June 6, 2022 by Maxwell-8 7 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
midpack 866 #10 Posted June 6, 2022 Mongo, re-powered with a Magnum 18 I picked up. I originally got this C-175 machine just for the KT17 to repower my wife's C-175 Hydro. I didn't have the magnum yet or I would have used it in the hydro. This tractor was rough when I got it, but the engine ran. I had the magnum 18 engine kicking around in my garage and I figured the 2 pieces together took up less room... I put an electric PTO with a soft start module and an electric lift on it. I used a relay to convert the points ignition wiring to magneto ignition. It also has a tall chute blower that I got just after the last snow last winter Mongo really is a beast! When you hit that wet pile at the end of the driveway it just roars with power 5 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 1,920 #11 Posted June 7, 2022 Had anyone used a Kawasaki engine for a repower? Japanese designed engine, but assembled in the USA I believe. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maxwell-8 4,275 #12 Posted June 7, 2022 (edited) 2 hours ago, Bill D said: Had anyone used a Kawasaki engine for a repower? Japanese designed engine, but assembled in the USA I believe. horizontal or vertical shaft? Some vertical shaft engine wheel horses came stock with Kawasaki engines. Edited June 7, 2022 by Maxwell-8 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 1,920 #13 Posted June 7, 2022 (edited) 48 minutes ago, Maxwell-8 said: horizontal or vertical shaft? Some vertical shaft engine wheel horses came stock with Kawasaki engines. Horizontal shaft. Trying to figure out if they have ball bearing supported crankshafts, and are suitable for use with our PTO clutches. Edited June 7, 2022 by Bill D 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tomshorse4keeps 7 #14 Posted June 7, 2022 Hello Snoopy11 I saw your specific post regarding, "repower" of Wheelhorse Tractors and "THANK YOU", for addressing, the need for, obtaining "SPECIFIC" information, as it applies, to the actual steps involved, in the installation, of a non "Onan" repower engine, in my case, for the 520H. I seen a few members post, it is "doable" with a Briggs and Stratton Vanguard, "but that it"! No further information, on "HOW ", to accomplish it. I certainly, don't know, everything involved, I guess, some major consideratioins are, does the "adapter plate" supplied, in the "kit" automatically position the engine PTO pully, at the correct height, and in the correct position to align, with the idler pully, connecting the belt, to mower deck, are there any 'specific" adjustments involved, or parts needed. Any difficulty, attaching existing controls, to new engines. Some posts say, installation, of Vanguard is more difficult, on 520H, because of wiring connections. However, Small Engine Warehouse, states engines are "prewired" to plug right in, to existing 520H wiring, "who's right". Small Engine Warehouse also states, engine is as "close a match", as possible, but some "adapting", during installation, should be expected. It would be nice, if members, who have accomplished, the repower, could explain, what "adapting" is required. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maxwell-8 4,275 #15 Posted June 7, 2022 (edited) 9 hours ago, Bill D said: Horizontal shaft. Trying to figure out if they have ball bearing supported crankshafts, and are suitable for use with our PTO clutches. As far as I know no, very few engines can handle that side load. Ball bearings do not per say mean they can handle that side load. I was glad to see Lombardini having those specs in the manual, and I can say, it easily can handle those side loads. Although I will be most likely keep the centrifugal clutch on it for now. Edited June 7, 2022 by Maxwell-8 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snoopy11 5,714 #16 Posted June 7, 2022 @Red-Bovine ....520H with Honda GX630. On 5/15/2013 at 9:25 AM, Red-Bovine said: Don 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,025 #17 Posted June 7, 2022 1 hour ago, tomshorse4keeps said: However, Small Engine Warehouse, states engines are "prewired" to plug right in, to existing 520H wiring, "who's right". Small Engine Warehouse also states, engine is as "close a match", as possible, but some "adapting", during installation, should be expected. The repower kits are pre-wired to function normally with a Vanguard, but the tractor's instrumentation will not work. The tractor will operate otherwise normally. No fuel guage, no rpms, no vacuum. No indicator lights. The Vanguard "can" use an oil pressure sender in place of the low oil pressure sender (not likely part of the kit), and can power a voltmeter. Nothing else without bolt-on sensors that are not likely part of the kit. No aftermarket kit that I am aware of supports all or even half of the guages on a 520-H. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nylyon-(Admin) 7,275 #18 Posted June 7, 2022 I think that this is a useful topic, please help keep it focused on it's intent of providing information on re-powering Horses. 1 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeff-C175 7,202 #19 Posted June 7, 2022 I've got a B&S 16HP twin with the same spec # as used on the GT-1600. I presume that to fit this engine to a C-125 all I would need is the sleeve for the crankshaft. Anything else? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dan.gerous 2,696 #20 Posted June 8, 2022 5 hours ago, nylyon said: I think that this is a useful topic, please help keep it focused on it's intent of providing information on re-powering Horses. Incredibly useful, a go to resource for many of us, thank you @Snoopy11 for getting it started. Will soon be adding my repower to the mix. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TJ5208 1,824 #21 Posted June 8, 2022 On 6/5/2022 at 3:24 PM, Snoopy11 said: Wheel Horse 800 Special with Tillotson 212R. Drilled holes in frame for engine mounting. Right side of engine bolted directly to center of frame, left side has custom brackets that clamp onto left frame. If you didn't want to make your own "clamp brackets" ...you would have to make or buy a mounting plate for 212 base engines. No other modifications other than custom belt guards, and 1/2 x 84 inch belt. Don Man I didn't realize how small that engine was compared to the stock engine you have plenty of room to do whatever. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snoopy11 5,714 #22 Posted June 8, 2022 16 hours ago, Jeff-C175 said: all I would need is the sleeve for the crankshaft. Anything else? Well, what we will prove in this thread is that anything is possible. You may indeed have to have an adapter plate if you plan to use the PTO function just to get everything aligned... as the bigger your engine, the more "real estate' it uses for mounting... and the harder it is to get the engine pulley in line with the transmission pulley. I certainly recommend investing in VERY strong bolts for any engine swap, such as grade 8... and ALWAYS using lock washers, locknuts, and locktite wherever possible. A different sized belt is another thing you may need. It isn't impossible that you have to modify the hood in some way as well. That completely depends on the model. Don 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snoopy11 5,714 #23 Posted June 8, 2022 @Sewman 418H with 21HP Kawasaki twin On 8/29/2021 at 2:25 PM, Sewman said: 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snoopy11 5,714 #24 Posted June 8, 2022 @kpinnc... 520-H with a 23hp Vanguard On 12/5/2021 at 2:52 PM, kpinnc said: 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snoopy11 5,714 #25 Posted June 8, 2022 (edited) @SpindleyEbersol... D200 with Kohler CH 20 On 7/17/2019 at 7:33 PM, SpindleyEbersol said: Edited June 8, 2022 by Snoopy11 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
