Need help swapping motors

[chipwitch 73]

I have a C-165 with a bad motor.  I would like to find a used motor to replace it with.  I have looked at new ones.  In addition to sticker shock, I am a little confused by all the variations.  I am mechanically inclined but I just don't have a lot of experience with small gas engines.  The obvious stuff I get.  Horizontal shaft and shaft diameter are pretty obvious.  Even mounting bolt pattern isn't really a problem because I can drill holes in the frame or fabricate a simple bracket.  But is there anything else I need to look at?  I've noticed that Briggs, Kohler etc have all kinds of engines.  If you want one for mowers, click here.  If you want one for snowmobiles click here.  Power washers, here... Exactly what is the difference?

 

I found a local 18 hp vanguard with a horizontal shaft that came off a power washer.  What questions do I need the seller to answer to know if it will work?  The pump is currently bolted to the block.  I'd appreciate any info.  I know the info is out there, but it's hard to navigate it to see the big picture.  I am just as happy with a link that can break it down as I am receiving your personal advice.  Thanks!

 

[JoeM 8,334]

Chip pretty loaded question. 

 

I have done a couple 16hp vanguard on WH and they are very powerful. Those donors came from Cub Cadets. Just required using a spacer blocks under the mounting to get the belt angle right, and a 1 inch to 1 1/8 sleeve for the PTO.

 

Now the big issue with a pressure washer engine is the output shaft of the crank. Without knowing the configuration, it will be tough to move on. The best fit is a straight shaft about 3 inch long. If the owner would allow removal of the pump, that would be nice.

If it has a s straight shaft the other issue is the throttle linkage and governor. Pressure washers usually run full tilt and are governed........ this is a bit different than what is needed for your application. 

My mind is saying stay away. 

[oliver2-44 10,709]

Some power washer motors had a tapered shaft to mate with the pump. 

While this is not ideal, you can get a tapered to straight adapter on ebay.  

I you can start and run a used motor it's worth paying more for.  Ideally you get to start and run a cold motor.  

A used motor that you can't run is worth less unless the seller will put a warranty in writing.

Pull the spark plug and see what it looks like- tan is good, black and full of carbon not good.

 

Have you considered overhauling your existing.  That Kohler 16 motor is a great workhorse.  There's lot's of help here to do it. 

 

I see your in Miami.  You probable can find lots of small boat outboards and be the 1st to retrofit one of those to a WH.

Actually being in Miami you may find used motors that ran generators on large boats.  Those may also have a tapered shaft connection to the generator.

 

keep us informed on what you end up doing!

 

[8ntruck 7,832]

What kind of pto does the tractor have?  If it is a manual, you will need an engine with a thrust bearing on the crank shaft or have to work out an adaptor plate to add one.  If you have an electric pto, no thrust bearing will be needed.

 

Good luck.

[chipwitch 73]

8 hours ago, 8ntruck said:

What kind of pto does the tractor have?  If it is a manual, you will need an engine with a thrust bearing on the crank shaft or have to work out an adaptor plate to add one.  If you have an electric pto, no thrust bearing will be needed.

 

Good luck.

 It's a manual.  Wouldn't the thrust bearing be transferable to the new engine?

 

[chipwitch 73]

10 hours ago, oliver2-44 said:

Some power washer motors had a tapered shaft to mate with the pump. 

While this is not ideal, you can get a tapered to straight adapter on ebay.  

I you can start and run a used motor it's worth paying more for.  Ideally you get to start and run a cold motor.  

A used motor that you can't run is worth less unless the seller will put a warranty in writing.

Pull the spark plug and see what it looks like- tan is good, black and full of carbon not good.

 

Have you considered overhauling your existing.  That Kohler 16 motor is a great workhorse.  There's lot's of help here to do it. 

 

I see your in Miami.  You probable can find lots of small boat outboards and be the 1st to retrofit one of those to a WH.

Actually being in Miami you may find used motors that ran generators on large boats.  Those may also have a tapered shaft connection to the generator.

 

keep us informed on what you end up doing!

 

Yes, I've considered overhauling.  I also have a 25hp Kohler that needs overhauling for a mini backhoe.  Ugh.  I need to update my profile.  I moved to middle TN last year.   Found some property a couple years ago.  Just raw land, cow pasture and woods.  For the last 2 years my life has been all about getting moved, selling my house in FL and building a workshop which is incomplete and storing all my belongings while I currently live in a trailer.  So, the prospect of replacing an engine is far more appealing at this time than doing an overhaul.  But since you've mentioned it... I tried to find the overhaul kit and couldn't because I was unable to find the model number of the engine I have.  Seemed like it was going to take more time than I can spare at the moment... grass is growing!!

 

[8ntruck 7,832]

52 minutes ago, chipwitch said:

 It's a manual.  Wouldn't the thrust bearing be transferable to the new engine?

 

On Kohlers, the thrust bearing is built into the engine, but the thrust bearing is an option that was specified by Wheel Horse.  If the name plate is on the engine, you will find a spec number.  If you find a replacement engine with the same spec number, it will have the thrust bearing.

 

There is probably somebody on this forum that can explain and decode spec numbers better than I can.  Hopefully somebody can chime in on this subject.

[chipwitch 73]

I found a Kohler CH18 from a cub cadet.  What would it take to make it work in the C-165?

 

[pfrederi 18,662]

Look like they use sleeve crank bearings so you till need and electric PTO or rig up some kind of external thrust bearing.

[The Tuul Crib 7,339]

13 hours ago, chipwitch said:

Yes, I've considered overhauling.  I also have a 25hp Kohler that needs overhauling for a mini backhoe.  Ugh.  I need to update my profile.  I moved to middle TN last year.   Found some property a couple years ago.  Just raw land, cow pasture and woods.  For the last 2 years my life has been all about getting moved, selling my house in FL and building a workshop which is incomplete and storing all my belongings while I currently live in a trailer.  So, the prospect of replacing an engine is far more appealing at this time than doing an overhaul.  But since you've mentioned it... I tried to find the overhaul kit and couldn't because I was unable to find the model number of the engine I have.  Seemed like it was going to take more time than I can spare at the moment... grass is growing!!

 

Middle Tn eh? Im 20 min north of 
Nashville

[chipwitch 73]

3 hours ago, The Tuul Crib said:

Middle Tn eh? Im 20 min north of 
Nashville

60 miles east

 

 

[chipwitch 73]

3 hours ago, pfrederi said:

Look like they use sleeve crank bearings so you till need and electric PTO or rig up some kind of external thrust bearing.

 

Thank you.  The one I found is a complete tractor but the pto clutch is inop.  If I found a cadet with a working PTO, I would just need to rig up a switch and do some wiring?  Or is their more to it than that?

 

[pfrederi 18,662]

The Kohler in your  C-165 was battery points ignition i would guess the Command pro is a mag.  You will need a new ignition switch and some rewiring.  I know nothing about MTD Cubs or newfangled Command Pro Kohlers.  My newest Horse is 34 years old most are well over 40- 50......

[oldredrider 2,553]

@chipwitch check your messages.