Two Onans for less than $500?!? Not that simple... Would you?

[12Horse Paladin 1,038]

I'm hoping for, and asking for advice.

I am a complete novice/noob to all of this, and especially the Onan. And from what i've read and understand, they can either be great when they are runnin right or a PITA, if not. Also expensive to repair...

They come with 52" and 42" decks. One is a 416H, the other a 520H. One ran till last yr then 'just quit' (was told; probably a wiring issue), the other, a blown rod. For whatever reason, previous owner switched the engines around between the two at some point, and says he never tore either apart to fix or repair.  Which i found odd, since he told me he was a retired small engine mechanic, but maybe i dont have all the facts, i dunno.

He did send me a few pics, but nothing worth sharing here...blurry n kinda bad lighting. Do not think he did this intentionally tho...said flat out he is not into these new phones, lol.

Im the kind of guy, i'm willing to take a chance, maybe get one tractor out of two. Ive never rebuilt a motor...but i have a good small engine guy i trust...and maybe would try, mself, if thats not too crazy...? I'd even consider just repowering with Kohler's, if that made sense...i can find those.

I have very specific reasons for wanting to give this a shot, if it isnt too far out in left field. So plz, all you more knowledgeable than i...what would you do?

And pleaze dont be afraid to tell me i may be biting off more than i can chew...

Thanks in advance for any and all replies.

...decided to add the pics he sent; dunno if it'll help, or make answering my post harder, lol🤔

Edited October 30, 2019 by 12Horse Paladin
Added pics

[Pollack Pete 2,273]

I'd go for them.Worse case is you get one running and have the other for parts.Lots of interchangeable   parts between the 520-H and 416-H.If the mower decks aren't all rotted out,where I live,they're worth almost what those two tractors cost.I always have people texting me looking for good mower decks.Good luck with making a decision.

Edited October 30, 2019 by Pollack Pete

[WVHillbilly520H 10,377]

Both will have the good Eaton 11 hydro and I'm all for the Onan and yes they are expensive to maintain and repair (but ain't a lot of things) just like above go for it and if you find yourself in over your head part them out or do a Predator swap... BTW there isn't a 52" deck it's either a 42" 48" or 60" the 52s didn't come along till the 260 or xi series tractors.

[chip61 666]

I don't see how you could lose with that deal, especially if the decks are solid. I do like the Onan engines myself, but if you don't want to repair them, a Kohler repower shouldn't be too difficult, or if you're feeling adventurous I think the Vanguard conversion would be a good option, although pricey.

[tom2p 2,394]

never tried a 520 - but a good running 416-H is a great machine ; one of the better Wheel Horse garden tractors (ever) and one of the best garden tractors of any brand 

 

even a tired decent running 416-H is desirable 

 

I have two 416-H ; also have a 312-8

 

the difference - 312-8 vs 416-H - is significant ;  probably not too noticeable on small property and / or mostly flat - but very evident on large property and even more with hills 
 

if the tractors are sitting outside - good chance there will be electrical system and related issues due to corrosion, etc.

 

( large percent of electrical problems on 300/400/500 series Wheel Horse tractors - probably overwhelming majority - are due to corrosion when tractor sits outside and / or in wet or damp area )

 

fortunately - there are many great and knowledgeable people on this site to assist you 

 

[Stepney 2,356]

I'd do it. If the wheels and decks are good that's alone the value of the whole lot.
I bought this wrecked 516h that had been outdoors for nearly 7 years after 'blowing up'. Every wire is badly corroded, engine was covered in trash.. didn't touch the carb or anything. Got it home and put a new key switch in. Gauges work, starts instantly and runs perfect. Certainly gave me respect for the Onan engine after I heard so much bad. 

 

[Lee1977 7,462]

The front axle and the wheels off the 520 is worth $200. They are both 1990 or later.

[tom2p 2,394]

14 minutes ago, Lee1977 said:

The front axle and the wheels off the 520 is worth $200. They are both 1990 or later.

larger 1" axles and spindles ... spindles w/nuts - correct ?

 

decent 416 muffler is probably worth around $100 - just the muffler 

 

Eaton 1100 hydro ... rear wheels ...   PTO ... mule drive ... lotsa goodies 

 

 

[ZXT 2,401]

That'd already be home if it were me! I'd go for it. I don't see how you could come out bad.

[PeacemakerJack 10,837]

You are in the cheddar state  brother!  Better get a move on before one of the other cheeseheads does

 

 

seriously—it is a deal I would jump on if I were you. As the guys have stayed above, it is worth it and then some just based on the parts you would get.

[tom2p 2,394]

14 hours ago, WVHillbilly520H said:

Both will have the good Eaton 11 hydro and I'm all for the Onan and yes they are expensive to maintain and repair (but ain't a lot of things) just like above go for it and if you find yourself in over your head part them out or do a Predator swap... BTW there isn't a 52" deck it's either a 42" 48" or 60" the 52s didn't come along till the 260 or xi series tractors.

 

52" or 54" deck would have been great option for the 400 and 500 series tractors 

 

never could understand 37" deck on a 400 and especially 500 - even 42" is a tad on the small side for a 400

 

Edited October 31, 2019 by tom2p

[12Horse Paladin 1,038]

UPDATE:

Sadly, i am not going to swing this deal right now. So, in case it intrests any of you, it's on wi craiglist under sheboygan. The tractors are in Elkhart Lake. He is asking 400 for the pair with two decks. Wont budge on the price.

Interesting guy to talk to, for sure.

Goodluck to whomever scores them, if it is anyone here...

Edited November 2, 2019 by 12Horse Paladin