tomshorse4keeps 7 #1 Posted May 29, 2022 Having lots of trouble, with my 1996 Wheelhorse 520H, Onan P220G engine, with 950 hours. I don't want to repair it, but would like, to "repower" it. After a little research, online, it seems, some engine manufactures, offer replacement engine "kits" to install, their engine. Has anyone had success, with installing a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engine, or maybe a Kohler Command engine. Any specific information, would be extremely helpful. Thanks in advance, for any help, anyone may provide. Tom 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
littleredrider 409 #2 Posted May 30, 2022 The repower kits are out of stock, no idea when they be in. Smallenginewarehouse is the only one I know of that does the kits. I called them last week for a couple questions, they use whatever engines they have. Briggs, Honda, whoever else makes a similar engine. Dunno why they call it a kit tho, when none of the electrical stuff works. AKA gauges. I have 4 520s now, one is a parts tractor, other complete and in nice shape, but has the typical valve seat. I got lucky (I think) and got the HF Predator 23 horse engine. None had any close by. Gonna try to do my own "kit"... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 9,251 #3 Posted May 30, 2022 @tomshorse4keeps like what bens tractors does with the twin honda swap , just a thought , pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 2,246 #4 Posted May 31, 2022 Contact @fast88pu. He's local to you. He may have a usable engine if you don't mind a P216, or P218. Less likely to have valve seat issues. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tomshorse4keeps 7 #5 Posted May 31, 2022 HI Biil D, Thanks for the info regarding @fast88pu. I am not interested, in a used Onan, or any other used engine, all the Onans, are at least 25yrs old, and probably have at "least" 1000hrs, on them. things start, to go wrong. Onan parts are extremely expensive, because the engines are obsolete and they know, they are the only ones, that have them. Although, I rebuilt a 1971 Buick Riveria engine, that was in 1974, when I was a young. When you take them apart, there's always more to do, than you expect and the cost goes up. Besides that, I no longer have the stamina, to deal with it. I just want, to set another "new" engine, in my 1996 520H and hopefully, it will last me another 10yrs, if I'm here, that long. I have seen, posts, mentioning various engines "series", that will fit, but model numbers, are incomplete, and there are variations, in mounting bolts, shafts, ect. Thats why I was looking for ads, from guys, who have "actually" installed different mfgs. engines. Including some specific info, regarding PTO allignment. All I see, is guys, mentioning that, PTOs, must be aligned. Since, the engine PTO, involves an idler, instead of directly to the deck attachment, I suspect some guys, have encountered problems, with alignment and found solutions. I have some experience with electric motors and pump installation and alignment is crucial. You can't have the belt flying off. I do very much appreciate, you responding, to my post, and I will keep @fast88pu, in mind, for the possibility, of other parts. THANKS AGAIN TOM 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 2,246 #6 Posted June 1, 2022 My apologies, I got you confused with another member who is local. Ohio to NY would be too far to travel for a used engine anyway, at least for me. Good luck with the engine swap. If you're good with wiring you should be able to make most of the gauges work. A few 5 pin relays should help with engine shutdown and making the hour meter and indicator lights work properly. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymag3 2,568 #7 Posted June 1, 2022 (edited) Bill..............................312-8 is incredible....with a 48 on it,,,,,,I will send pics,,,,thanks again, hope all is well with Dad.... Paint on it is like glass !!!!and the Kohler is so smooth and quiet Edited June 1, 2022 by johnnymag3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 14,620 #8 Posted June 1, 2022 Repowering a Wheel Horse can be expensive and difficult. Very few engines have the same mounting dimensions, and even fewer have the same output shaft size. I've done several, and it is certainly doable. But just be aware that it is alot of work. A 520, with all the guages and electrical even more so. I've never used a Predator engine either, though some have had decent results with them. Every one I've seen had a butchered hood to make the large muffler work. Personally not a choice I would prefer. I don't mean to sound discouraging, but rather just to say that a repower done correctly is great- but requires some fabrication and patience to do it right. I've used Vanguards with good results, but they are not "bolt on" jobs. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
