jellyghost 378 #1 Posted March 5, 2017 I own a Wheel Horse with the Cast Iron Kohler motor. It has been great, and there are many people praising the cast iron Kohlers online. How does the 16 HP Onan Twin compare? Does it have more problems? Is it quieter? I am considering a new tractor, and I am not confident that the previous owner was kind to it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
T-Mo-(Moderator) 4,599 #2 Posted March 5, 2017 Onans are great commercial grade engines. But they have their quirks and parts can be pricey. They have an unique, almost diesel like sound. John Deere used them for years in their 316 Onan, 318 and 420 garden tractors that were made from 1983 to 1992, and most of them are still on the job today. Other manufacturers used them as well. Some here don't like them, but they're great engines. Which tractor are you considering? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jellyghost 378 #3 Posted March 5, 2017 The tractor is a 416-H and it has about 300 hours. It is a little beatup. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,523 #4 Posted March 5, 2017 The Onan 20 hp engine in my '90 520-8 purrs. Great engine. After numerous cast Kohlers I was hesitant when I picked up the Onan. Now, the Onan 520-8 is a go to machine. The 416-8 is a Stallion. Go for it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 23,129 #5 Posted March 5, 2017 Every engine has its quirks....but if it hasn't been maintained then those quirks are much worse. That being said the Onan 16 in my opinion is far superior to the Onan 20. Have you ever heard of an Onan 16 with a messed up valve seat...nope...me neither. The 20 is very susceptible to the valve seat coming loose and there are countless threads on Red Square about it. Mike..... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
doc724 925 #6 Posted March 5, 2017 I like my Onan in my 416H. As others have said, it sounds great and mine starts super easy. It is however a bit thirsty, but not anymore so than my 20HP Kohler Command Pro. Only downside is that when using a SD deck, grass gets sucked onto the intake like crazy. I only use a RD deck on the Onan now. Pulling the tins to clean the fins is not simple if you try to do it with the engine installed. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richmondred01 2,307 #7 Posted March 5, 2017 I've had both the Kohler and Onans. Always kept a spare onan engine on the shelf. Never did that with a Kohler. Still have 2 spare Onans on the shelf just on the outside chance I get another 416 or 520. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
