Mr onetwo 0 #1 Posted January 28, 2011 I am new to WH, but have been doing a lot of research here and elsewhere.I am going to look at a 1978 C161 twin tomorrow.I know what to look for with the transmission,frame cracks and such.I am leary of the B&S twin....what do you guys think of that engine?This is a restoration project and I think I can get the whole thing with a mowing deck for around $200.I really would like a Kohler one lunger, but if I get positive feedback on your experiences with this motor I will buy this machine.Also, does anyone know where to get a copy of the factory B&S rebuild manual?...there is nothing in the WH service manuals. Thanks to all for your help! :banghead: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KB9LOR 4 #2 Posted January 28, 2011 I have a GT 1642 with the briggs twin 16hp, it sure does the joib for me, now would I rather have a Kohler? You bet!, but the Briggs does all my garbage work now, plowing,Snowblowing, with zero problems! I would not hesitate to buy it personnally! Go for it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tbbahner 28 #3 Posted January 28, 2011 IMO there's nothing wrong with the twin BS. As good as a Kohler - no. But parts are cheaper than Kohler if you have to rebuild. Like anything, maintenance is the key. Tom B Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ken B 3,189 #4 Posted January 28, 2011 Sounds like a decent buy for 200 bucks. If the motor runs well that is a plus! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elixir20 1 #5 Posted January 28, 2011 I just picked up a 1979 C-161 Twin Auto over the summer. The motor seems to do just fine. The Briggs website has a parts list and diagrams for free. Just enter the model and serial #'s. The motor sounds less refined than the Kohler single, but has plenty of grunt behind it. I picked up a metal seat pan from a 416 so I can keep the fiberglass one in good shape. $200 sounds like a steal. Good luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
just me 0 #6 Posted January 28, 2011 the only problem i know of with the BS twin is the thrust bearing on the PTO side of the engine. It keeps the PTO engagement from pushing the crank into the flywheel side. Just something to look at when buying a WH with the BS engine. Not a deal breaker but maybe to get the cost down. Do a search on here for the C161 and you can find some info on this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
racinfool40 203 #7 Posted January 28, 2011 I too recently picked up a C-161 with a twin briggs and I was impressed with the power right now I have my blower hooked to it and no problems here!!! It's a great machine in my opinion: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sgtsampay 117 #8 Posted January 28, 2011 the only problem i know of with the BS twin is the thrust bearing on the PTO side of the engine. It keeps the PTO engagement from pushing the crank into the flywheel side. Just something to look at when buying a WH with the BS engine. Not a deal breaker but maybe to get the cost down. Do a search on here for the C161 and you can find some info on this. Don;t mean to hijack the thread, but can you explain a bit moee about what you mean? I also have a briggs twin, so I'm wandering what are you meaning.. thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dave24 18 #9 Posted January 28, 2011 ive always like briggs but ive had two mowers with the briggs twin and one had very little compression and the other was blown up so i havnt had good luck with them, but they were old and i had no info of the past owner so i could be wrong. :banghead: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
just me 0 #10 Posted January 29, 2011 On a briggs engine on the drive pulley under the PTO pulley has a thrust bearing to help keep the lateral load off the main bearings in the engine. The crank kinda floats in these engines and when you engage the PTO it pushes the crank. This bearing will actually push on the engine block and keep the crank from being pushed into the flywheel side of the engine block. It is a sealed roller bearing. The design works but not real strong and the bearing can and will fail. I had one fail on my C161 twin and didn't know it till I had a valve hang up and kinda stumble on this. One way you can tell if the bearing is bad is play in the pulley under the PTO or if there is no adjustment left on the PTO adjustment. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bitten 134 #11 Posted January 29, 2011 Hello and I would go for it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
just me 0 #12 Posted January 29, 2011 bythe way I would buy it also. I love mine! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 23,228 #13 Posted January 29, 2011 I'm not suggesting parting it out BUT, if you did buy it for $200 and decided the motor was junk you could get your money back in parts. If the deck is a good, non-rotted, quiet 42"-48" deck with a mule drive its worth more than the $200 you might pay for the whole package. Just my opinion. Mike......... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 994 #14 Posted January 29, 2011 in my opinion any wheelhorse that runs is worth 200,and the briggs could go 4 ever Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Roger from southern Iowa 1 #15 Posted January 29, 2011 Sounds well worth the money to me. AND !!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sgtsampay 117 #16 Posted January 29, 2011 On a briggs engine on the drive pulley under the PTO pulley has a thrust bearing to help keep the lateral load off the main bearings in the engine. The crank kinda floats in these engines and when you engage the PTO it pushes the crank. This bearing will actually push on the engine block and keep the crank from being pushed into the flywheel side of the engine block. It is a sealed roller bearing. The design works but not real strong and the bearing can and will fail. I had one fail on my C161 twin and didn't know it till I had a valve hang up and kinda stumble on this. One way you can tell if the bearing is bad is play in the pulley under the PTO or if there is no adjustment left on the PTO adjustment. Thanks. You got me thinking. I got to go test my engine now. I think I may have bad or going bad bearing now, as the pulley will wobble at super low RPMS. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,196 #17 Posted January 29, 2011 BUY :banghead: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
just me 0 #18 Posted January 29, 2011 sgtsampay let me know if it is and i'll try to help you the best i can, If I can't then TT can he helped me on this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sgtsampay 117 #19 Posted January 29, 2011 sgtsampay let me know if it is and i'll try to help you the best i can, If I can't then TT can he helped me on this. Understood. Thanks. :banghead: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
just me 0 #20 Posted January 29, 2011 sgtsampay this may help you if I did the link right http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?...ndpost&p=182929 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
just me 0 #21 Posted January 29, 2011 did we purchase this yet? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites