Paul Boy 31 #1 Posted September 24, 2018 We recently acquired a very old Wheel Horse tractor, its quite roached and rusted and may have part from other Wheel Horse models. The tractor itself was kept inside a shed but the engine is another story. I am almost positive that we will have to do an engine replacement. The guy we got it from said that the original engine is a 3 HP engine and it is one that is placed under the operators legs and not forward under the hood. My question is what would you suggest as a possible replacement engine? I will appreciate any advice you can give me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,197 #2 Posted September 24, 2018 The 1960 and 1961's used both 4 hsp Kohlers or 5.5 hsp Tecumsehs. I think most of the guys, if you can't find one of those would use a Honda, Predator, or a Briggs in that hsp area for power. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paul Boy 31 #3 Posted September 24, 2018 What info do I need to know before beginning a search for an engine for this project? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,937 #4 Posted September 24, 2018 Depends on what direction you want your project to go...a factory original restoration, or just get it going? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,018 #5 Posted September 24, 2018 As others have suggested you need to determine the goals you have for this . If you want it to be bone stock then a Kohler K-91 is the way to go, if you just want to drive it and have fun with it then the Harbor Freight Predator engine will save you a bunch of money. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,331 #6 Posted September 24, 2018 You might want to check with Lincoln at AZ tractors. They might have something that would work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paul Boy 31 #7 Posted September 24, 2018 1 hour ago, AMC RULES said: Depends on what direction you want your project to go...a factory original restoration, or just get it going? At the moment just getting it going would make my wife very happy. Its not ever going to be original but we will keep looking for parts to make it as original as possible. I know the engine that came with the parts is toast so getting her running would be a plus. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,937 #8 Posted September 24, 2018 Did a search for you... PM'd you the link. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,937 #9 Posted September 24, 2018 Pict here... of my Suburban 400, for reference. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paul Boy 31 #10 Posted September 24, 2018 Appreciate all of your help. I think what we have here is a cut up bunch of parts from different models. Not sure how it will work out but will be something to keep us busy until spring. Have several others that I want to work on but New England winters are just too cold to work outside without heat. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redone 45 #11 Posted October 7, 2018 requesting a fair market value for a rebuilt 241 kohler. No history of whom built or parts used. It has been in storage for years. thanks for your help Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,018 #12 Posted October 7, 2018 4 hours ago, redone said: requesting a fair market value for a rebuilt 241 kohler. No history of whom built or parts used. It has been in storage for years. thanks for your help Bill @redone, to me if the engine has a uncertain back-story and is non-running I wouldn't pay more than $ 100. If it is in good running condition and has no issues like smoking or strange noises I would probably pay $ 250. When some people say something is "rebuilt" they only put in a set of rings and didn't have the engine machine as needed. The seller should pull the head off so the cylinder condition can be seen. This tutorial will give you an idea of what you should see inside. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paul Boy 31 #13 Posted October 12, 2018 We've made a bit of progress with the 551 this week. In the process of fabricating the lower portion of the hood. I think that there is a good chance that the original engine may be usable but the wife thinks we should use a replacement engine for now. I looked into the Preaditor 212cc 6.5 HP model. Would that be a sufficient replacement for this horse? Would there be much modification needed to make this engine work? I hope to be able to utilize the original gas tank with the new engine. Does anyone think this would be a feasible move to make. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites