1989 520-HC Engine rebuild or replace

[Sawadee 0]

Looking for some recommendations. I have a 1989 520-HC with three blade mower and snowblower. The engine (Onan) just lost the rod.

I am wondering if it would be better to rebuild the Onan engine (20HP) or go with a new engine (24HP). Although I have done engine rebuilds when a bit younger days as I approach 70 I just done want to take on this task..  So for the first time will have someone else (Toro Wheel Horse dealer in Amherst, MA) rebuild this engine or replace it.

Just wondering what would be best. Money is a concern but not the only one. Love this tractor and want to use it for another 10-12 years or so.

What would you do? Thanks

[littleredrider 408]

Just from what I’ve heard it’s super expensive to rebuild an Onan. Could try to find a used one or repower it. That could run from couple hundred (or less, depends how cheap you can find stuff) or a couple grand for a brand new engine and kit for a bolt in deal. If/when the motor goes in mine, I’ll get the 23 horse from harbor freight. Used their engines in the past with very good results. 

[WHX?? 46,729]

First off I would open the motor up and see exactly how much damage was done. It might be possible to rebuild it but yes that can get time consuming, expensive and is not a job for you if you are not up to the task or have the tools. Possibly a good small engine shop can give you an idea of cost. Don't let people tell you parts aren't available as they are.

You can also do a HF 22 hp predator swap as Little Red mentioned. Motor alone is around 600 which most of us consider a good deal. It is not exactly an easy swap but not real hard. Some fab work and other things would need to get sorted out. This swap has been documented here before so I would say review the threads before attempting just to make sure you are up to it. Here is one such thread but there are more.

Last but not least is yes take it to a dealer. This would be the most expensive option, figure on 2k+. If your deck and blower & rest of tractor are in good shape this option is still better than a big box cheap stuff.  There is a kit out there to do a direct bolt in swap with a Honda engine that were available to dealers. Ask your dealer about it.

[Ed Kennell 35,730]

 to the Saw.       great advice from Jim.

[Sawadee 0]

Thank you all for the quick reply.

I agree. I have set up for the dealer to disassemble and see what damage has been done so rebuild price can be determined. I need this to understand if other options should be considered. I have used Harbor Freight products but really like the Honda option. Have had great luck with my Honda cars, motorcycles and my Honda 3000 generator. But know that is most likely the most expensive option. Would really like to know the HP of the Honda engine and model is possible. The dealer did not

mention a Honda replacement.

Again, thanks for all the good advice.

Edited October 25, 2017 by Sawadee

[ericj 1,576]

another option would to be a used engine or complete tractor and do a motor swap, there is a guy on Baltimore Md c/l advertising an Onan motor for sale with low hours and proof of compression, might be a cheaper way to go. I once sold an P218 motor to a guy in Tennessee to put in his Ingersal ( Case ) tractor, shipping was somewhere in the neighbor hood of $ 200.00 through UPS ground, could be cheaper through Fastenal. good luck

 

 

 

 

eric j 

[Fordiesel69 210]

Honda, and do the proper exhaust work and hood work if needed.  I forgot if hood work is needed.

[Sawadee 0]

 I will let you all know what I do. I really like the idea of a Honda engine in my 520-HC but not sure of the cost.  Wish I know the model of the engine so I would know the HP rating.

 

Thanks again for all the input.

[refracman 166]

this company sells a direct bolt in replacement complete with direct plug in wiring harness and muffler

http://www.smallenginewarehouse.com/386447-WH520H-R2.html?sc=17&category=1710352

[953 nut 51,628]

1 hour ago, refracman said:

bolt in replacement complete with direct plug in wiring harness and muffler

      For that price the new Vanguard would be the way to go. Saves a lot of labor hours and has a three year warranty, not going to get that on a rebuild.

[WHX?? 46,729]

Some more research

http://www.repowerspecialists.com/

I believe the Honda motor is a gtx630??? Around 20 hp

Edited October 25, 2017 by WHX12

[PeacemakerJack 10,670]

I would echo the sentiments of the guys that are saying repower if you want to put that much money into it.  A 520HC is a fairly unique and durable tractor and certainly worth it.  Also mentioned is a swap from another Wheel Horse tractor with the same engine.  If you are patient and keep your eyes on CL, ebay, or the classifieds here you might just find a running tractor that you can get cheap enough to make the swap worthwhile if it runs well and has a managable number of hours.  I have done this before with success.  This method would be simply a bolt for bolt swap and probably the simplest.  However, any time you buy something used, you run the risk that it too could fail in a short time.  The warranty backed new repower does eliminate that from your worry list...

[Cable 179]

I have an Onan P220G-I/10956C that is on a 1990 520H that will be parted out for $885.  Tractor has 452 hours. PM me if interested.

 

 

 

[Searcher60 208]

Complete with deck, 700 hours, good running 520,s can be had around here for a $1000.