516H with bad engine questions

[handyman 1]

I just picked up a 516H with a bad Onan twin cylinder. First, the questions about the tractor. Is it odd that it has a hydro trans. and manual lift? Is this the heavier duty trans like the 520H? Overall a good tractor? NEXT, the engine: It seems that the rear cylinder has a broken rod. I have gathered this is very common on these engines without an oil filter. Is it worth fixing? Cost ideas? If I fix it now, will it happen again? Overall, the tractor is an '89 and is very clean. My thought is to swap over to a Kohler or maybe a Honda.

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

Honestly......

If you don't already have another engine (or know of something cheap) to replace the Onan, it would be a tough call. More often than not, the cost of buying a replacement engine and peripherals (muffler, etc.) exceeds the price of a complete replacement tractor, so you will have to make that call for yourself (and the capacity of your wallet)

The 516 and the (USA) 518 models used the Eaton 700 series hydro unit and are not capable of having hydraulic lift. In all seriousness, they really aren't any different than an early 312A except for the wider hoodstand and different hood. The 520H models use the Eaton 1100 series pump and are set up to have hydraulic lift, a filter, and better cooling ability due to the larger fluid reservoir.

Rebuilding the current engine is an option (the Onan P series engines do have filtered forced lubrication) but will not be cheap. I rebuilt a B43 (the P216's "older brother") about 17 years ago and it cost over $700 back then. (including machine work) You'll probably have that much just in parts now.

[handyman 1]

Yep, replacement engines can quickly drain the wallet. I have a ratty C141 8 speed with a good running 14hp Kohler single cylinder. My thought was to go over the Kohler and put it on the 516 and maybe even add the electric accessory lift I picked up to it. It is just too nice to part out.

[SALTYWRIGHT 861]

I PUT A DIESEL MOTOR IN MY 417-8 AND IT WORKS VERY GOOD. THE MOTOR WAS LESS THAN $500.00 NEW. B)

[Coadster32 793]

I PUT A DIESEL MOTOR IN MY 417-8 AND IT WORKS VERY GOOD. THE MOTOR WAS LESS THAN $500.00 NEW.

Pretty darn awesome looking too! Ask him about the battery setup on his rig! B)

[handyman 1]

Give me more info on the diesel. Where can you get one for $500? I have thought about that as an option and even converting to an electric tractor. With the diesel, is the difference in hp made up with the torque of the diesel?