Repower or keep original

[Bbrown 6]

So I have a 502 that I’ve been working on , always wanted a round hood and rarely see them around where I live so I jumped on it (overpaid I’m sure ) . Been doing lots of small things to make it right, so now everything is done except the engine. It starts first pull but the valves tick real loud and had some oil leaks. Can’t find any old timers who like to tinker to rebuild it and one local machine shop said they will and are top shelf but it’s going to cost a lot ! Thinking of a repower with a Honda gx160 the new Honda will be less than a rebuild of the lauson/techy but what other things would I need that add up , different pulley, drill the frame to mount, new belt , alter the belt guard? Maybe by the time that’s all said and done maybe it’s better to rebuild the current engine? I love this tractor but am dumping money into it like crazy, all in I’ll be over 2k … and it ain’t perfect by any means 

Edited 3 hours ago by Bbrown

[ri702bill 12,237]

Since you already have the Tecky mount plate to the frame, why not go with a H60 or HH60... pretty much a drop in. Those can be had pretty cheap. Even a H70 or HH70 would work.

Edited 3 hours ago by ri702bill

[squonk 46,844]

Tecky parts are hard to find. But maybe a single shaft Snow blower engine would work. I'd put a 7 or 8 HP Kohler on it if was mine

[8ntruck 8,938]

Do you want the tractor to be a worker, or you wanting a restored tractor?

 

If your choice is worker, I agree that a swap would be easier/cheaper.  As @squonk said, a 7 or 8 horse Kohler is a good choice.  Many on the forum have made satisfactory swaps using HF Predator engines. 

[Easton Rich 1,250]

I'd definitely try to find a 7-8 HP Kohler. Much easier to find parts for, simpler design, and they run much better. I think most guys on here would agree