Onan, vs. Kohler, vs. Techy vs. Wisconsin vs. Honda

[RMCIII 838]

This out to be interesting.... SO, here we go.... Please remember this is just for fun! What engine would you prefer, and why. Now, before you answer some of the problematic issues with a couple of the engines above, let's lay down some hypothetical boundaries......Here they are

 

•All engines are twin 18hp.

•All MFG.s' still have parts readily available and in stock

•All MFG's still have rebuild kits in stock

•All MFG's have live tech support for the engines

•All engines produce draw bar hp of 16hp/ and 35lb/ft. of torque @ 3,600 rpm

 

What engine would you prefer in your horse, if all of the above were true, and why?

 

 

Rob

[Ken B 3,166]

Hands down the Kohler.

 

Why, to me they have more than proven that they can go the distance with little to no repairs so long as you maintain them. Reputation is everything.

The Honda I KNOW would be an excellent choice but if given the choice I'd rather stick with what came in my Wheel Horse..

Now if we are talking about re-powering a log splitter or what have you then hell, just give me the Honda!

As for the other two, well, a Techy will always be a Techy. I don't know enough about Wisconsin's (never owned one) but I do know that they were well made and built too last..

Edited November 25, 2014 by Ken B

[craigbic 47]

Based on my engine experience, I'd take the Kohler although I figure most of these will give good performance and long life if properly maintained. I've owned several Techys, a Honda, and several Kohlers (granted not all of these engines were in tractors) and the results were that the Honda ran very well without mechanical issues but it would sometimes get finicky in the cold. The Kohlers like the Honda all ran very well plus I never had an issue in the cold with any of them. The Techys were a real hit or miss affair. A couple were great and a couple were problematic including a brand new one that had no end of problems. I have no experience with Wisconsin or Onan but their reputations are good so I figure if you maintain them well, they'll give good service.

[KC9KAS 4,744]

Kohler.

I would have said Honda but mine is an opposed 6 cylinder!

[Jim_M 179]

1. Kohler, reliability and parts availability

2. Honda, Reliability and durability

3. Onan, Torque

4. Tecumseh, If Tecumseh still built engines and made a twin it would give you twice the problems.

5. Wisconsin, An 18 horse Wisconsin twin is about the size and weight of a VW beetle.

Edited November 25, 2014 by Jim_M

[scotty 252]

I can speak for onan kohler and tecumseh.

1. Kohler - Mostly do to the fact of the simplicty of them compared to onans.

2. Onan - This would be my number one if it werent for the electrical mess.

3.Tecumseh - I dont like them all the ones i have dont run good.

[RMCIII 838]

These are come great responses.... SO, HONDA is not so popular if you had the choice for engine so far. That does suprise me.....

 

Rob

[squonk 42,706]

It depends on what I'm using it for: 

 

Overall work and long life Kohler

 

Money no object quality and long life Honda

 

Easy starting and light weight  Briggs

 

If I have money and all the time in the world to fix it   Onan

 

If I need a good boat anchor ( Because of it's weight not it's quality)  Wisconsin

 

If I was giving the piece of equipment to my brother in law   Tecky

[KC9KAS 4,744]

A lot of good practical comments here.

I always thought Onans were good engines although I never owned one.

Edited November 26, 2014 by KC9KAS

[Tankman 3,520]

Kohler is my 1st choice.

 

I'm having problems justifying that decision since purchasing and now using my '90 520-8 20 hp Onan.

Geeze that engine can idle through tall grass, grade, plow, without ever any grunts. Guess I left the grunts at Camp Lejeune. 

 

I owned a 4 cyl Wisconsin, 12" dia wood chipper, long stroke. That too ran very well, never any crying.

 

Have owned Briggs and Techys, mostly small stuff, ran OK.

 

My latest acquisition is my 16 hp Briggs Twin, sat for ten years, now up 'n running.

 

16 hp Kohler, one cyl, in my 416-8 is my bet for a long life.

 

Semi-retired, I am a bit anal 'bout PM (preventative maintenance). A USMC motor pool thingy that works for me. My PM schedule is perhaps double the norm but, I have the time and the Horses deserve my time. They work tirelessly when I ask them.

 

The Stallions all want oil changes, grease, cleaning, wax, tire bright, air cleaners, cleaning, plugs 'n hugs for Christmas! They deserve it too!     

[skrusins 128]

1. Kohler single cylinder, easy to work on. strong and durable.

2. Honda, Quiet, reliable. and very low maintenance.

[RMCIII 838]

It depends on what I'm using it for: 

 

Overall work and long life Kohler

 

Money no object quality and long life Honda

 

Easy starting and light weight  Briggs

 

If I have money and all the time in the world to fix it   Onan

 

If I need a good boat anchor ( Because of it's weight not it's quality)  Wisconsin

 

If I was giving the piece of equipment to my brother in law   Tecky

 

 

MMM... FOUL!!! Where did the brand Briggs have a part of this thread????

[craigbic 47]

1. Kohler, reliability and parts availability

2. Honda, Reliability and durability

3. Onan, Torque

4. Tecumseh, If Tecumseh still built engines and made a twin it would give you twice the problems.

5. Wisconsin, An 18 horse Wisconsin twin is about the size and weight of a VW beetle.

#4 and #5 are hilarious!   Hilarious and true - at least the Tecumseh part anyway. I never had a Wisconsin engine.

[Agage1 83]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Briggs vanguard. I repowered one of my tractors with it and it has become by far my favorite motor

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,498]

1. Kohler, my 3 kohlers run without regard

2. Onan,,,,,new owner,,,like tank says,,,does things without even grunting,,,,,amazing engine so far

3. Tecumseh,,,,lol. Dont know,,,,,,,still hunting for the very elusive H60 for the 500 special

4. Wisconsin,,,,,,from reading VERY heavy duty & WELL built

my 2 cents

Glenn

btw,,,,,,Rob, you still looking to bail on the 518?

[546cowboy 301]

Probably the worst engine I ever had was a Techy ( I've never had one that would run right ) but since we're talking 18 hp. twins. I bought a tractor once with an 18 hp. Kohler overhead cam that was a nightmare and every C-175 I've ever owned had a broken rod I don't think much of Kohler twins. I have never owned a Wisconsin or worked on one so I can't comment. I have never owned a Honda twin either so all I can go by is what I hear but the cost and the fact you have to modify your W/H to use one will keep me from buying one..

 

Now we come to my favorite and when it comes to the twins, I have had quite a few Onans but never an 18 hp. but the 20 hp. is by far my favorite. The engine it's self is not a problem at all. The problem is the way it is installed in the Wheel Horse which causes the rear cylinder problem and the electrical problems have nothing to do with the engine.

 

Now for everyone who doesn't think the Briggs should be included all I can say is, for me they are the easiest engines to get started no matter how long they have been sitting out in the elements. They will stand up even when they haven't been maintained to any other engines on the market. Granted they don't have the torque of the Onan but they get the job done day in and day out.

Edited November 30, 2014 by 546cowboy

[JackC 617]

The 20hp ONAN is my favorite engine. Plenty of power, highest torque in its class, and best sounding engine by far.  The Kohler engines are next followed by the Kawasaki engines.  They are all good when properly maintained and run on non ethanol fuel if they have carburetors.

[baerpath 517]

Kohler   I know what I can do to them and with them. 

Briggs   I've beat the snot out of and they stayed running.

Harbor Freight twin's

 

 

 

 

Onan    I get rid of anytime I can as quick as I can

  Couldn't put them any lower on the list

[Jim_M 179]

Probably the worst engine I ever had was a Techy ( I've never had one that would run right ) but since we're talking 18 hp. twins. I bought a tractor once with an 18 hp. Kohler overhead cam that was a nightmare and every C-175 I've ever owned had a broken rod I don't think much of Kohler twins. I have never owned a Wisconsin or worked on one so I can't comment. I have never owned a Honda twin either so all I can go by is what I hear but the cost and the fact you have to modify your W/H to use one will keep me from buying one..

 

Now we come to my favorite and when it comes to the twins, I have had quite a few Onans but never an 18 hp. but the 20 hp. is by far my favorite. The engine it's self is not a problem at all. The problem is the way it is installed in the Wheel Horse which causes the rear cylinder problem and the electrical problems have nothing to do with the engine.

 

Now for everyone who doesn't think the Briggs should be included all I can say is, for me they are the easiest engines to get started no matter how long they have been sitting out in the elements. They will stand up even when they haven't been maintained to any other engines on the market. Granted they don't have the torque of the Onan but they get the job done day in and day out.

Kohler has never made an overhead cam 18 hp engine......That's probably why it was such a nightmare.

Edited December 1, 2014 by Jim_M

[C-101plowerpower 1,606]

Kohler has never made an overhead cam 18 hp engine......That's probably why it was such a nightmare.

 

i think they did

edit, had the wrong engine at first

Koen

Edited December 1, 2014 by C-101plowerpower

[woodchuckfarmer 333]

Ive seen one

[Jim_M 179]

I stand corrected. I have never seen or or heard of an OHC Kohler. I thought they were all OHV with the cam in the crankcase like all of the command twins.

Edited December 1, 2014 by Jim_M

[clueless 3,118]

I have a 18hp OHC kohler with over 900hr on it . Leaks a little oil around the valve covers, one of its many flaws,but still runs great.Chris in Florida.

[Jim_M 179]

I would love to see the insides of one of those. I assume it's got 2 cams? Do they drive them with a belt?

[smoreau 658]

Jim. I believe there is one cam with car engine like push rods