cafoose 3,744 #1 Posted Tuesday at 01:28 AM I was mowing with my 520-HC and I noticed the oil light came on. I promptly added oil to the full mark and it seemed to have lost power and started missing. I checked compression and the front cylinder is 85 and the rear is 0. It still starts and no loud knocking like a broken rod. I did notice wet oil drips underneath but nothing like a vented block. I hear they're expensive and difficult to rebuild. Thinking of a possible repower. 22 HP predator is $950 and 16.8 is $450. Is there really much difference in performance between the two for just running a 48 inch deck? Any other options or suggestions? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 25,763 #2 Posted Tuesday at 09:43 AM Might just be the valve seat let go. Is it the rear cylinder that’s at 0 psi? 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 12,333 #3 Posted Tuesday at 10:04 AM 19 minutes ago, Sparky said: Might just be the valve seat let go. Is it the rear cylinder that’s at 0 psi? YUP - does it have over 1100 hours on it? That seems to start the countdown clock on them to the issue at hand. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sqrlgtr 3,084 #4 Posted yesterday at 12:13 AM @cafoose I would be interested in taking it off your hands if you decide not to pursue the repower. Would like the extra speed for running around the farm . 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cafoose 3,744 #5 Posted yesterday at 01:10 AM 56 minutes ago, sqrlgtr said: @cafoose I would be interested in taking it off your hands if you decide not to pursue the repower. Would like the extra speed for running around the farm . I like the speed myself and would like to fix it 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cafoose 3,744 #6 Posted 10 hours ago Just saw this on marketplace. Will it work in my 520-HC? Description: Good running horizontal shaft v twin off a cub cadet 2160. It’s got electric start & vacuum fuel pump, it’s ready to go on a mower similar to that or a gokart if you remove the governor. $250 or best offer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cafoose 3,744 #7 Posted 10 hours ago From Grok AI: **The engine was manufactured on September 14, 1994** (based on the code **94091411**). ### Breakdown: - **94** = Year (1994) - **09** = Month (September) - **14** = Day (14th) - **11** = Plant/assembly line code ### Tractor Context: The **Cub Cadet 2160 (AGS)** was produced from **1994 to 1997/1999** (depending on exact variant), so this engine is original to that era tractor — roughly **32 years old**. At that age, these Vanguards are known for longevity **if** they've had decent maintenance. At **$250**, it's still a reasonable price for a complete, running take-off engine, but inspect it carefully for wear (bearings, compression, oil leaks, carb condition). Ready to pull the trigger? I can walk you through a quick pre-purchase checklist or what to expect when mating it to the 520-HC. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cafoose 3,744 #8 Posted 10 hours ago On 6/30/2026 at 6:04 AM, ri702bill said: does it have over 1100 hours on it? That seems to start the countdown clock on them to the issue at hand. Showing 1237 hours. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 25,763 #9 Posted 4 hours ago 5 hours ago, cafoose said: Showing 1237 hours. That 16 twin is a Kohler right? I don’t think that 1100 hours that Bill @ri702bill mentioned applies to that Kohler Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cafoose 3,744 #10 Posted 4 hours ago 6 minutes ago, Sparky said: That 16 twin is a Kohler right? I don’t think that 1100 hours that Bill @ri702bill mentioned applies to that Kohler 5 hours ago, cafoose said: Showing 1237 hours. Nope, it's the hours on the original Onan on my 520 The 16 I'm looking at is a Briggs Vanguard Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
