Lots of 520-H models for sale

[v65animal 0]

I've been told to stay away from the Onan engines. How bad are they? Previously I had always heard good things about them since they were used in Generators.

Is it just that now the parts are harder to find and more expensive?

Or is there something just wrong with the ones used on the Wheel Horses?

Are they generally reliable to start and run smoothly?

I need a sturdy machine, and the 520's have the cool factor to go with it, but I don't want to get into spending more on repairs than I did on the tractor to begin with.

I'm looking to spend under $1500, 42 or 48 inch deck, 300, 400, or 500 series.

Thanks,

Sam

[Wheel Horse Fan 3]

The Onans are fine engines. I believe there were some issues with one or two years of the 20 hp models (someone please correct me if I'm wrong). If they are maintained they will last just as long as any other small engine. There are a few guys in this forum that have over 2000 hours on theirs. Parts are more expensive then a single Kohler, but you can't beat the sound and the power. I wouldn't be afraid to buy one as long as it appears that it was maintained by someone with half a brain.

Good luck with your search.

[Operator 7]

As you can see in my signature I'm not scared of them! Keep them clean, I use an air hose after mowing, change oil at least every 50 hours, keep air filter clean.

I've gone to Terra Haute for one!

Randy

[rickv1957 74]

The Onans are very good long life engines,Rick

[barns1 57]

Good engines. But I remember the owners manual stating to follow the recommended maintenance schedule closely, especially de-carbonizing the heads.

[Confused99 2]

I love my Onan and when the time comes, I am willing to drop the $$$ into rebuilding it but, I have 1400 hours and counting.

Jason

[jtmoyer 1]

i have or have had an onan 16,18,and 20 horse. all have run smooth and sounded great. you just have to make sure you don't get the 20 horse hot.

animal do you have a v65?

[jpmcleod 4]

Nothing sounds better than an Onan. I have a 20 and when I crank it up, it just has that sound you love. Other than carbutator problems, no problem with the motor. When I got mine, I had to pull the heads off and un-stick the valves. Put it back to gether, runs great. I wish I had more than one.

[GlenPettit 1,717]

The first 20 hp Onan engines Wheel Horse used had a problem with the "oil splasher" for lubrication; when that tractor was tilted while plowing soil or tilted driving on the side of a ditch/hill for a length of time, that splasher didn't properly lubricate the engine and the engine overheated. But, it was corrected/fixed by Onan when they realized the problem, but for some Wheel Horses it was too late. After that first batch of problems, the engines were very good. Also heard that it only happened when the left side was high, and for flat lawn mowing that same early engine worked just fine.

[chdinct 28]

I have 625 hours on mine and so far, it's been the best gasoline engine I've owned. Starts right up every time, better than a Kawi liquid cooled I owned for a short time. Gobs of power, but high fuel usage to match. I do the regular maintenance though. I do hear parts are a bit higher vs Kohler. I've also read many posts that Onan parts are no longer available, but I believe that is not accurate. I've see posts by Onan parts dealers stating just about everything is still available. Only thing I've ever needed engine wise was a new fuel pump.

Now, what is this head de-carboning requirement? Don't recall that in my manual, but I haven't looked at it in quite a while.

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

The first 20 hp Onan engines Wheel Horse used had a problem with the "oil splasher" for lubrication

I believe you're thinking of the KT Kohlers, Glen.

Onans twins had full-pressure lubrication (and oil filters) long before Toro ever stuck one on a Wheel Horse. :omg:

[refracman 167]

To decarbonize the heads need pulled and scraped clean, also part of the 600hr maintainance is adjusting the valves.

Funny thing about Onan valves they tighten up instead of loosening up like all they the others.

Been told its a prime cause of the valve seats popin loose.

You'll need intake, exhaust and head gaskets, cost is about 100 bucks depending on your source, besides oil and air filters. Definitly not cheap for parts.

[chdinct 28]

To decarbonize the heads need pulled and scraped clean, also part of the 600hr maintainance is adjusting the valves.

Funny thing about Onan valves they tighten up instead of loosening up like all they the others.

Been told its a prime cause of the valve seats popin loose.

You'll need intake, exhaust and head gaskets, cost is about 100 bucks depending on your source, besides oil and air filters. Definitly not cheap for parts.

Thanks refracman - having just past 600 hours, guess I should look into decarbonizing it.

[v65animal 0]

i have or have had an onan 16,18,and 20 horse. all have run smooth and sounded great. you just have to make sure you don't get the 20 horse hot.

animal do you have a v65?

Yes, I had a V65 Magna, 2 actually, but sold them. I had a Nighthawk 650 for about a month inbetween then had to go back to a V65