Tecumseh replacement suggestions

[darren 49]

I'm looking for ideas here;

I need to replace a Tecumseh V70/V80 installation. The motors don't seem that plentiful over here and there doesn't seem to be much love for them as an engine on RS - there's got to be a good reason for that.

So I was wondering about changing to another electric start, vertical crank brand in the 8-11hp range. I was thinking;

Honda GV400 (11HP)

B&S vertical shaft of some description

Kohler vertical shaft of some description. (there's the KV181S but that's pretty rare anywhere I think)

None of them are going to be a bolt-pattern match of course. I don't have the motor pulley anyway, so need a new one whatever I choose.

My main concern is overall dimensions. It's going in a reasonably confined space so the more compact the better; preferably the same kinda size as the Tecumseh unit would take up.

It's going in a vertical-shaft lawn ranger, so similar to the 200 series that run the B&S..

Anyone any recommendations? If i've missed any useful information, just shout.

[jay in nc 210]

darren i repowered a commando v8 with a b&s 16 hp twin to do so you need a piece of 1/2 in. steel plate with a hole for the crankshaft to go through, then drill & tap 4 3/8 holes to bolt this plate to the tractor, then drill& tap 4 3/8 holes in it to match the bolt pattern of the doner engine. you will have to drill the threads out of the block ,then bolt the plate to the tractor, then the engine to the plate & thats it. also heres pictures of the bolt patterns of a kv181 kohler, b&s 12 hp vert. single, & a 7 hp vert tecumpseh as well as a picture of my stock charger v8 with kv181 power the easyst is a replacement kohler, rare & pricey, tecky somewhat rare & pricey, or B & S common as white work trucks at a construction site but the bolt pattern is wrong & with the cast iron front frame section requires an addaptor plate. hope this helps. Jay

[darren 49]

That's really useful Jay, especially the pictures. Thanks very much

The KV181 looks a beaut! The Kohler'd always been my preference but if they're rare your side of the pond, they're going to be unobtainable here (weren't they only made for 2 years?)

I think the practical route is going to be the B&S one. I'll have a scout around for a smallish output one and post pictures on how it goes!

[SPINJIM 1,986]

Have you considered a Kawasaki? They make a 6hp and a 13hp that I know of. I've beeen very impressed with their durability, more so than Briggs.

[meadowfield 2,754]

Darren, if you aren't particularly worried about power, the tecumseh centura dx series works. My brother has put one in his 1970 lawn ranger and it works well.

mark

[darren 49]

Have you considered a Kawasaki?

Thanks Jim. I hadn't thought about the Kawasaki. They don't seem that common here from a quick search (or they last long enough that they're still in the mowers I suppose!) I'll add it to the list though..

Thanks too Mark. That's well worth knowing. They're around the 5hp mark aren't they? I'll be running a deck - not sure if it'll be asking a bit much of the tecy when it's got me on top as well..at least the ground's flat I s'pose! Is Ian using a deck with his?