Cee245 818 #1 Posted July 1, 2022 Stumbled upon this 520H on Marketplace the other day. It was cheap, so I picked it up. It does not run and looks like it sat for some time with the missing air cleaner off. I'll attempt to start it in the coming months and see if I can save it. If the motor is junk, then I'll take the steering and put it on something else and part the rest. Model # shows 4120OE02 and serial #1031551. Anyone know the year for sure? I did a quick search and couldn't find the year. This appears to have the gear reduction steering from what I can see along with the swept axle. . I'm guessing 1991-1992 from memory of how the model numbering works. I know of the common issues with these, but I've never had a 520 before so I don't know much about them except for things that are the same as my 416H. Cory 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cee245 818 #3 Posted July 2, 2022 Thanks @JCM How do you know? Serial #? I checked tractor data.com and it doesn't have clear info. It suggested it was an 88/89 but I know the gear reduction was added in 90 or 91? It doesn't look all that bad, just neglected. The hour meter shows something like 644 is all. It doesn't mean a rod isn't broke, but that's not a lot of hours. I suspect there is something less severe maybe fuel related judgingby the cut fuel line and missing air cleaner. Won't know until I tear into it as the previous owner had little info on it. Another option would be to put the front end on my C160... IF IT WILL FIT? The C160 has a worn out front pin for the axle and mismatched front rims etc. Also, a random question... does anyone know if a 520h Eaton 1100 bolts to a C160? I imagine the hoses can be fabricated to hook up, but has anyone done it? Cory 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JCM 9,177 #4 Posted July 2, 2022 Gear reduction started in 1991. 1990 would be a E01 and 92 a E03. Lettering on the 93 was white, while the 90,1 and 2 was red. Pictured is a 91. 88 & 89 serial # started with a 31-. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roadapples 6,983 #5 Posted July 2, 2022 520 steering and axle will fit right on a C160. Will need to drill 2 additional holes for gear reduction block... 1 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blasterdad 2,692 #6 Posted July 2, 2022 1 hour ago, Cee245 said: How do you know? Serial #? I checked tractor data.com and it doesn't have clear info. Scroll down on home page to picture gallery. Under that, the second option is Model List 1984-Present. Click on that & look up your model #. https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/forum/63-model-list-1984-present/ 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,046 #7 Posted July 2, 2022 Model # shows 41-20OE02 and serial #1031551. Anyone know the year for sure? The model number identified the model year up to and including 1992. They started to use the serial number in 1993 to identify the model year. In no particular order https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/search/?q=41-20OE02&quick=1&type=downloads_file Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,664 #8 Posted July 2, 2022 (edited) You problem on the C-160 isn't just a worn pin. The hole in the front hitch and the frame will be worn also. Been there and fixed that . Just changing the axle, pin and front hitch won't completely fix the C-160, it mat improve it. Edited July 2, 2022 by Lee1977 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,209 #9 Posted July 2, 2022 That 520 looks good. If the Onan is junk, why not repower it with the C-160s K-341? It would be much easier to move the K engine to the 520 than moving the steering gear, axle, and Eaton 1100 to the C-160. Or, leave the 160 as is and find a new engine for the 520. @ericj probably has P220s for sale. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cee245 818 #10 Posted July 2, 2022 My K341 on the C160 is still in unknown condition. I gapped the points, new plug air filter and have run a half tank if seafoam laced gas through. It smoked a lot but since only really smokes a little when throttling down. Runs pretty good really but is probably a bit tired. I've been noticing I've been jumping on it and using it with the wagon either moving debris or kids in the wagon. I'm starting to like it a lot. I do not like the seat though. 😒 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cee245 818 #11 Posted August 29, 2022 Back on topic, I've looked into this 520 a little bit today. Unfortunately the previous owner left it outside without the air cleaner on... 😒 Drained oil and now have the muffler off. I should be able to bead blast it and have a spare if I decide to part this 520. I have compression in both cylinders, but I rotated the engine by hand clockwise a revolution or 2 and it wouldn't move beyond a certainpoint.... It moves counterclockwise freely and doesn't lock up. Meter says 681, but I have zero information on this thing. I can see electrical was repaired on 9 pin(decent job) I have no electric to the starter, so I'll go through and see if I can find chafing/broken wires etc. Goal is to get it turning over soon to see the compression number after I pop the engine tins off and clean it up a bit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Howie 886 #12 Posted August 30, 2022 May have a stuck valve from water or moisture down the carb. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,083 #13 Posted August 30, 2022 (edited) 17 hours ago, Cee245 said: have compression in both cylinders, but I rotated the engine by hand clockwise a revolution or 2 and it wouldn't move beyond a certainpoint.... I suggest pulling the heads and cleaning the carbon. It's a 500 hour requirement anyway. My 518-H had the exact same symptoms- make two turns and stick. All four valves were free, but moisture had made it into the cylinders and rust accumulated. The rust must have combined with the carbon and made a crusty crud that kept the piston from making TDC. The cylinders were not damaged beyond repair, but there was some pitting as a result. Definitely don't try to run it without checking if the intake was exposed for a long period. Edited August 30, 2022 by kpinnc 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cee245 818 #14 Posted August 30, 2022 @kpinnc, agreed. I only have muffler off so far. Both exhaust valves move and there is compression in each cylinder... the (Breather? Tube Goes from air cleaner base to a bulb looking thing) that's all nasty as well. When time permits(hopefully tonight I was going to pull engine tins etc and heads to see true internal condition. My first thought when seeing it was "man if they only put a plastic bag or something in there to block contamination " Not sure where to go from there. Just depends ...... I'll keep the steering components for a future project, but if I do make this a worker I'll need tons of help/reading on here about electrical issues. I have a smokey on start up nice now 75 C160, but I'm partial to the 80's-90's look although I'm not that good with electronics like on a 520. (Im not a complete moron. I can read and follow electrical directions/ diagrams well enough) I'd rather have a 416 either onan or kohler. Too many horror stories for me with gauges etc.... something would always be broke on it. I know I have a similar to 520 with my onan 416, but I used to have working gauges on mine until it wasn't worth it to me fixing a lot and took all associated wiring to gauges off. Will report back with findings! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,083 #15 Posted August 31, 2022 6 hours ago, Cee245 said: man if they only put a plastic bag or something in there to block contamination " I think it makes little difference if it sits for a long time- especially in the south where we have high humidity year round. My 518-H was stored indoors for years with the carb taped up and it still happened. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
23 Reo 229 #16 Posted August 31, 2022 As far as no power to starter don't forget to check your safety switches, especially the seat and PTO. You can always hot wire the trigger wire on the starter. If the Onan is all messed up you can always re-power with a nice reliable Kohler. That way you'll have a super heavy duty and comfortable tractor that's power plant won't grenade while you're mowing the grass. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cee245 818 #17 Posted August 31, 2022 I pulled the front head off and the sight is pretty rough. Basically must've sat outside for years and years. The head had water in it. I'd say it's pretty much only worth scrap price now. Although there are many decent parts I can use or sell Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cee245 818 #18 Posted August 31, 2022 Thanks @23 Reo. I was going to jump it, but since pulling the head and seeingthe mess, it looks like I'll part it, unfortunately. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
23 Reo 229 #19 Posted September 1, 2022 Why not put in a Kohler K or magnum? Looks like you have plenty of two cylinder horses. If you do the swap you'll have the nicest single cylinder horse on the website. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites