6wheeler 577 #1 Posted June 6, 2016 Not to beat a dead horse. I know this has been somewhat covered elsewhere. I have spent enough time and money trying to save this Onan engine. I was wondering? Has anyone determined what is the best and least expensive replacement engine for a repower? I have seen some things on the Honda engines and also some of the "Clone" engines. I was also thinking of a diesel. But, not sure if the RPM's would be right. I have a 60" deck on the tractor. I would need something with about the same Hp. Or, maybe a little more wouldn't hurt as long as the RPM's would be close. Thoughts? Ideas? A direct bolt in would be great. But, it won't be another P220. I want to save this machine.I already tried in vane to put a Daihatsu diesel in. Although I think I could get the engine in? I just can't find room for the radiator. I couldn't convince myself having it hang 10" off of the left side of the tractor would be cool. Thanks in advance. Pat 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SALTYWRIGHT 859 #2 Posted June 6, 2016 MY DIESELS TURN 3600 R.P.M. I DID A 417-8 AND A 1054. THE 1O H/P I PUT IN THE 417-8 HAS MORE POWER THAN A 20 H/P GAS. RUSS 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scotty 252 #3 Posted June 6, 2016 Ive heard of people using the 22 hp predator engine. Ive used a 6.5 hp ones and it seems to be an awesome engine, runs smooth and starts right up. Ive looked at the diesels and you just have to make sure the shaft rotation is in the same direction your engine is. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ohiofarmer 3,155 #4 Posted June 7, 2016 (edited) I used a Predator 420 cc [about 14 horsepower if you believe Harbor freight] in a 520H and have had decent results. It sure would be nicer if the output shaft was of the correct diameter so as not to require shimming up. I used a one inch copper pipe and cut a slot for the keyway and also added a few layers of aluminum [metal] duct tape between the shaft and the copper pipe. I also made the mounts from angle iron to raise the engine to the shaft height of the original. I can now mow my yard on half as much gasoline as i used to use, but the big disadvantage is that the muffler is too high and also points to the front and would cook the sheet metal even if the hood would fit over the engine. Another challenge is how to get the engine perfectly square with the machine. I solved this by using a cross hair tile setting laser making sure the frame was perfectly level to the horizontal beam while using the vertical beam to locate the forward and back position. we used the original engine mounting plate as a squaring device reference to make sure the engine was not cocked out of square. A piece of heavy angle bolted on the HFT engine was used to restore the position of the manual blade engagement device. I suck at posting pictures, but it looks like i am gonna have to post some pretty soon to clarify things. Being a carpenter and tile setter helps in this endeavor. Here is the laser I used.http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-GLL-Self-Leveling-Cross-Line-Laser/dp/B00NQUJ2AK There is a trick to the Predator engines about the warranty. You can buy a warranty [two years] that adds to the additional ninety day warranty for about $50. After running the engine for that length of time, turn it in for another, leaky oil seal is enough, and these engines usually seep a bit after a while. Then get your engine and buy another warranty for two more years and that works out to $1.85 per month 'rent' for your engine. My first engine had crappy starter wiring, but i kept it for the duration because they almost always start on the second pull using the recoil starter. HFT is easy to work with on warranty as any place I have ever dealt with. I am good at losing stuff, so I keep one copy in the safe, and put a copy in the barn tacked up on the "warranty wall" with a date writ large on the envelope that contains the copy. It also is a good idea to wait a bit during the three month warranty period before adding the two years to it in case your engine has an issue immediately after the first couple of uses. When you look at how good a machine the horses are, there can be a real opportunity if you can buy one cheap with a blown motor and re-power it. Oh, and one more thing. you can go to HFT web site and get the owners manual as a download and the critical bolt patterns and shaft locations are shown in the spec. drawings. that's cool stuff right there. My neighbor used one of these engines and tooled out an adapter plate to drive a hydraulic tractor from the other side of the engine, so much is possible. Edited June 7, 2016 by ohiofarmer 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
k2wilson 41 #5 Posted June 7, 2016 Here's a place that offers a re-engine option. I haven't tried it, but I saved the link just in case someday.......... http://www.smallenginewarehouse.com/386447-WH520H-R2.html?sc=17&category=1710352 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 4,895 #6 Posted June 7, 2016 I guess that is an option but I now have a stable full of 520's and attachments for the price of that one engine. If one grenades it's engine, it will simply become a parts machine. Seems to be one pop up for sale nearby every few months. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougC 2,641 #7 Posted June 7, 2016 Can a remanufactured P220 be available anywhere? Or is that just wishful thinking. I think I would look for another used as well before shelling out almost two grand for a replacement engine and part out the old machine. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
608KEB 794 #8 Posted June 8, 2016 I saw some rebuilt and used onans and for sale in Michigan. Looked like the guy did this on a regular basis. Worth checking out. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
biggin 36 #9 Posted September 5, 2016 I saw the ad from the guy in Michigan as well but now I can't find it. Does anyone have his information? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACman 7,423 #10 Posted September 30, 2016 (edited) Here's his information , ad says Onan specialist . I have no affiliation with this business . Mods feel free to remove if inappropriate , don't like breaking rules. Urbandale Repair Service ~ Parts ~ Sales 1385 MI Avenue W ~ Battle Creek 49037 269-282-8067 URBANDALEREPAIR@yahoo.com Edited September 30, 2016 by ACman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
biggin 36 #11 Posted September 30, 2016 Thank you! See you at the meet and greet tomorrow. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites