Getting jitters, need help

[Dominator 68]

HI all, as in a previous post, I am  planning on purchasing a mint 1995 416-8 this weekend.  What is starting to worry me is the onan engine, having never owned one of these, are they as bad as some have said , or am I reading too much into it. Tractors in this shape do not come along very often, but if it is going to be a problem waiting to happen, I will pass. What do the experts say?  Ps. It has only 162 hours on the machine, price is fifteen hundred and includes new a snowplow as well.  Thanks for all your help, dominator

[953 nut 60,403]

11 minutes ago, Dominator said:

am I reading too much into it

YES, you are. If it is in good condition and you maintain it you should be fine. The cooling fins on the rear cylinder tend to get clogged up leading to overheating, but periodic cleaning and good maintenance will keep it going.

[lynnmor 7,859]

Onan is a quality engine.  They were mostly used in generators where grass clippings were not an issue.  953 nut stole my thunder while I was typing.  Maintenance done properly and they will run thousands of hours.  Yes, a few parts can fail, but that is true with anything.

[kasey54 305]

As 953 nut says. it will treat you well.

 

[JAinVA 4,638]

I like the simple anvil like quality of a Kohler but my Onan at full song, is music to my ears.Keep the rear fins cleaned out like 953 nut says and it will last you many a season.

Edited May 7, 2019 by JAinVA

[Sparky-(Admin) 23,325]

  When reading about Onan’s that have failed you should have noticed it’s the 20hp engine that is usually giving someone issues. It’s rarely the 16hp. Maybe it’s because there were more 20’s sold...or maybe the 20 is just more prone to issues and failures. 

  With those low hours you should be fine.

[Digger 66 3,488]

And don't forget the pictures !

[bds1984 1,501]

1 hour ago, JAinVA said:

I like the simple anvil like quality of a Kohler but my Onan at full song, is music to my ears.Keep the rear fins cleaned out like 953 nut says and it will last you many a season.

Agreed, but a K341 at full song is music to my ears as is my Ford V8 or a 6V71 Detroit!

[JAinVA 4,638]

2 stroke Jimmys a yes! Ford V8s for me as well.

[The Tuul Crib 7,339]

With low hours like that you cant go 

wrong! Proper maintenance should get you long service from this machine!

 

[WVHillbilly520H 10,376]

3 hours ago, Dominator said:

HI all, as in a previous post, I am  planning on purchasing a mint 1995 416-8 this weekend.  What is starting to worry me is the onan engine, having never owned one of these, are they as bad as some have said , or am I reading too much into it. Tractors in this shape do not come along very often, but if it is going to be a problem waiting to happen, I will pass. What do the experts say?  Ps. It has only 162 hours on the machine, price is fifteen hundred and includes new a snowplow as well.  Thanks for all your help, dominator

Here's my 2 520s, the shiny one I bought new in 1998 (700+ hours) no valve seat issues as of yet and for a good solid 17 years it was a 4 seasons machine the faded one I bought used with 236 hours (only a mower) on it 3 years ago and it wasn't kept inside or taken very good care of even by the dealer...but no engine or trans  issues yet either.

[mmmmmdonuts 274]

I have 520 as well with over 2100+ hours on the original Onan. Just basic maintenance and they will last forever. 

[WHGuy413 2,772]

I have a 416H with over a 1000 on it that still going strong. It was my grandfather's and taken care of religiously. When he passed my uncle got it and didnt take that great of care of it. Now I own it and use it to mow and snow blow. Great machine. 

[Dominator 68]

Guys, I really appreciate your comments, it took away the apprehension, it also shows there are people ready to respond when help is needed.  Many thanks, dominator

[bellevillerod 835]

My favorite Engine the Onan. Nothing sounds as sweet when working hard. Just keep it clean, give it some love and it will treat you right.

[ebinmaine 73,035]

6 hours ago, Dominator said:

shows there are people ready to respond when help is needed

Half decent group of folks here Dominator.

As with anything in life we all have our preferences but we do try to be as realistic as possible. When you go to buy that beautiful rig, if you have any questions, ask away .....

Or whenever... Not just about tractors.

 

[clueless 3,272]

I'm kind of in the same situation here, I've got two tractor I can't decide which one I'm going to keep. One is a '88 312-8 with 600hr second owner, the other is a '97 416-8 with 225hr second owner. I've put in a lot of time making the 312 my worker, put the larger 1 1/8 8sp on it, a height adjuster, rear rock shaft and clevis hitch. The 416 already had everything, they both are in great shape. Here is my issue, the 312 with the M12 is a fairly simple machine, the 416 with the onan not so much, the onan has tons of torque, that I don't need but it's a sweet machine, the 312 will do everything I need done. I only use these about 15hr a year, a little tilling, grading, lawn rolling, trailer moving, and very little grass cutting with a RD deck. Should I quite obsessing over the onan and sell the 312, or sell the 416, down here I'm not going to get much more for the 416. 

[Herder 2,355]

You gotta be in it to win it.  If the price is right and it's not blatantly abused you will be proud to own it.  I think most here will back me on this one.  I buy them ALL!!

[chip61 666]

I wasn't looking for an Onan powered tractor-I have a C160 and 314-8 that I worked pretty hard. I went to look at a Workhorse because I wanted something a little different but decided I didn't want another manual machine to mow grass. The seller said he had a 416-H that he was considering selling if I wanted to look at it. It had a little over 1000 hours on it but it was very clean and appeared well cared for. Two years later I have to say I have really enjoyed this tractor. I really like the simplicity of the Kohlers but I have to admit that Onan twin sure sounds good as it mows through the tall wet grass with ease. As said before, keep it clean and maintained and you will have a great tractor.

[WHGuy413 2,772]

I mowed with my 416-H this evening and I glanced at the hour gauge. It's up over 1400 hours and still going strong.

[ronhatch 406]

I have 8 and 10 HP Kohlers in my Wheel Horses and a 16HP Onan in my Case. Love them all!  BUT, if we're talking about a Flathead FORD V8 ....WELL, now you have my attention, Or per-1960 2 cylinder John Deeres!  Now I got goose bumps and tears in my eyes!

 

Edited May 9, 2019 by ronhatch

[Lee1977 7,232]

16 hours ago, ronhatch said:

I have 8 and 10 HP Kohlers in my Wheel Horses and a 16HP Onan in my Case. Love them all!  BUT, if we're talking about a Flathead FORD V8 ....WELL, now you have my attention, Or per-1960 2 cylinder John Deeres!  Now I got goose bumps and tears in my eyes!

 

I can talk Flathead Mercury V8 1950.  It was stove stock except for a Booleggers rear differential. Wasn't a drag car,  but at 45 MPH it came ALIVE. Would leave two thraction marks on a rough black top road when you hit the gas. I ran off and left a sooped up 55 Chevy one day after school. Next day he wanted to see what was under the hood. I told he was going to like it but I raised the hood. There was a few old Mercurys 

with different engines.