Engine sound

[edgro 679]

I see many have noted they really like the sound of their Onan, and they have a sound of their own. This being said, as I don't own one, what do you suppose would give a distinct sound, from a Kohler or Briggs opposed twin, and are we talking strictly exhaust note? I know on a V twin motorcycle, the exhaust note is affected by the angle of the V, and also the offset of the crank pins, and obviously the muffler or lack of muffler. I do have Kohler and Briggs twins, mechanically, the Briggs is quite noisy compared to the Kohler. Exhaust note, not sure if different or not.

Just curious, I have hot heard an Onan run.

[bottjernat1 2,193]

Well let me help you out. LOL Here is my 1976 D-160 i just got. Get past me yakking and listen to the sweet sound of that onan!! 

 

[bottjernat1 2,193]

Here is my 1957 beaver with a Wisconsin on it. These also I feel have a unique sound. once again ignore my yakking. LOL

 

[littleredrider 409]

I have an Onan, it does sound good. But the best sounding I’ve had was a Briggs vanguard v-twin 16 horse. I put two hotdog style mufflers on it, and it sounded like a Harley. But wide open mowing it sounded sweet. Lil loud but sounded great. 

[bottjernat1 2,193]

My old suped up wheelhorse workhorse now my oldest daughters sounds awesome i modified the exhaust just a bit tho. its an old cast iron 12 hp techy(not original motor). when its at low idle with the flapper open it sound awesome. 

[tom2p 2,394]

9 hours ago, littleredrider said:

I have an Onan, it does sound good. But the best sounding I’ve had was a Briggs vanguard v-twin 16 horse. I put two hotdog style mufflers on it, and it sounded like a Harley. But wide open mowing it sounded sweet. Lil loud but sounded great. 

neighbor has a Briggs Vanguard V twin - and it does have a great sound 

 

I have Onan twin - also great sound ... maybe closer to diesel (vintage construction / excavation diesel sound)

 

[tom2p 2,394]

11 hours ago, edgro said:

I see many have noted they really like the sound of their Onan, and they have a sound of their own. This being said, as I don't own one, what do you suppose would give a distinct sound, from a Kohler or Briggs opposed twin, and are we talking strictly exhaust note? I know on a V twin motorcycle, the exhaust note is affected by the angle of the V, and also the offset of the crank pins, and obviously the muffler or lack of muffler. I do have Kohler and Briggs twins, mechanically, the Briggs is quite noisy compared to the Kohler. Exhaust note, not sure if different or not.

Just curious, I have hot heard an Onan run.

P216 / 218 / 220 twins are horizontally opposed - might be one contributing factor to the unique sound ... ? 
 

I believe Kohler twin also horizontally opposed ... ? ... they have unique sound ... 

 

???

 

[Tuneup 1,451]

I wouldn't mind a potato-potato sound from my P216 but it's a nice even note. Reminds me of a farm tractor. I do wish the note was deeper, though. It's 'snooty'. It might be WH arrogance as it's a newer generation than the other two nearby, both K301s.

[edgro 679]

So then, do the Onan, Kohler, and Briggs engines share a common crankpin, or separate crankpin, as in BMW boxer engine, as this would affect the sound?

[Tuneup 1,451]

Separate pins for the Onan so it has a good primary balance. Nothing like a Harley! For the others, someone can step-up but I'd guess the same for opposed engines in general.

[ebinmaine 72,365]

21 hours ago, tom2p said:

believe Kohler twin also horizontally opposed

True here!

 

 

Here's a video of the K582 (23HP) I got in a homemade generator. This engine was the impetus for building Colossus.

Got a BIG engine... Needed to put it somewhere right??

 

 

Nevermind my jabbering... I was REALLY excited to hear my FOUR DOLLAR engine running so good.

 

 

 

 

 

There is a quick hold at the mufflers. When this big bugger is put in the tractor it'll have the 2 baby glasspacks as mentioned in the thread.