muz123 1,192 #1 Posted October 27, 2015 I might be picking up a 1997 wheel horse 520-H with a plow. It has 780 hours on it. Is that a lot of hours for the Onan engine to have?Thanks!Dave Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 23,157 #2 Posted October 27, 2015 Not if its been maintained Dave. I think a properly maintained Onan should do 2000 hours.By maintained I mean more than just oil changes. They need some sort of de-carboning at some point and the tins should be removed periodically to make sure the cooling fins are not packed with grass clippings and crud.Mike......... 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red-Bovine 334 #3 Posted October 27, 2015 The 520's are great tractors and the Onan is a good engine. The big issue with the Onan is the valve seat problem. If the engine doesn't seem to be running smoothly and throttle up quickly and smoothly, it could indicate a problem with a valve seat coming loose. You could check the compression to confirm that. The valve seats can be repaired and restore the engine to proper running order.Red 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John Sullivan 24 #4 Posted October 27, 2015 HI, I have one, it is a 520-8 , over 900 hours. I have used extensively year round. Mow. Snow blow, skid logs, used the pto as a power source for a cord wood saw etc. Decarbonized every 500 hours . I just checked the compression about a month ago, was excellent. I bought new in 1989 and I bought it to use. It has required minimum maintenance and has never let me down My only regret is not purchasing a fel with it. it is a great rugged tractor.JohnIn Vermont 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 41,997 #5 Posted October 27, 2015 Like Mike said...Keep the cooling fins clean especially around the rear cylinder. Some other common problems are ;1. the carburetor must be cleaned if you have RPM surging2. the electrical connectors are subject to corrosion and need to be cleaned3. there is a gasket under the oil filter base plate that has a history of leaking oil that blows across the rear cyl cooling fins contributing to the build up of grass in the fins.These problems all existed on my '88 520H when I got it 3 years ago. They are all east to fix and have been addressed many times on this forum.I dedicate my 520 to snow blowing duty only and it does a great job. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muz123 1,192 #6 Posted October 27, 2015 Thanks for all of the info guys. Plus the 520 is only 500 which is pretty cheap. Tomorrow i will go pick it up! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 23,157 #7 Posted October 27, 2015 Thanks for all of the info guys. Plus the 520 is only 500 which is pretty cheap. Tomorrow i will go pick it up! Good for you...I saw that one (Craigslist) and was tempted myself to check it out.Mike........ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1978c81 385 #8 Posted October 29, 2015 Muzz u pick the 520 up. Any pics? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muz123 1,192 #9 Posted November 1, 2015 Muzz u pick the 520 up. Any pics? Yup! I snagged it! I will post some pictures later on tomorrow.Dave 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muz123 1,192 #10 Posted November 2, 2015 (edited) Here is one picture of the beast! Has 866 hours. It came with chains, weights and a plow for 500. If i did not call the guy on CL to buy this within the hour, i woulda missed this!This guy needs an oil change, carb cleaning and thats about it! Next year I'm putting the 60'' deck on this guy! But these 520's sure go fast when below $1000 on craigslist! Edited November 2, 2015 by muz123 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
