Swap or fix engine?
 

Okay, haven't been on here for a while since my 1811 slung a rod through the block a year ago. I can't decide if I should get the Kohler engine repaired or replace it with the 23 hp Vanguard Briggs and Stratton. Need your thoughts, opinions, suggestions. I'm going to have to hire someone to do either. Any info will be greatly appreciated.

I repowered my 1711 when the KT17 Series II blew a rod. It wasn't too hard. Parts are very expensive, and I wouldn't trust the other side to be perfect either.

I got the entire tractor my donor engine was in for $150, and sold the rest of it for at least that.

I'd either look of a good engine and save yours for extra parts if needed,
or find a whole donor tractor as Farmall did.
If your engine put a "window" in the block, it also did other damage that would be cost prohibitive to repair, and many parts are NLA.
One can use a KT series II or magnum as a "Bolt in"
The Magnum would need a simple wiring modification to stop the engine.
Others have installed "updated" OHV. engines.
IIRR Small engine warehouse (SEW) made a kit to install a newer OHV engine in them.
Me, I'm old skool, I like the opposed twin, but that was not your question. :BlahBlah:

SEW is where I found the Vanguard engine that has the conversion it with it. Thanks for your input!

The B&S Vanguard engine is 'made in the USA' *

*From Chinese parts.

It's final assembly is done in the US, but all the parts inside the engine are the same Chinese junk found in all other new engines. I would not use a modern engine on something that I want to last.

I thought Vanguard was Brigg's Japanese line? Or, used to be. I've had very good luck with them other than people overheating them, which causes the valve guides to move and stick the valve open.

My 8500 W genset has a 16 HP Vanguard which is probably the best engine I have. Certainly better than KT17 family/CH Command HO family. :bigthink:

Briggs Vanguard engines are NOT Chinese junk. They are indeed made in Japan, by a company called Daihatsu, part of the Toyota group. They are known to be pretty reliable engines, and do beware when working on one you'll need a metric set of wrenches/sockets.

Believe what you like. Daihatsu is the importer. I've been in several Vanguard engines, and have a different opinion. If Daihatsu is casting the pistons, cases, and crankshaft, they are doing a worse job than China. Pitting, voids, poor surface finish(inside, not outside), un-chamfered flashing edges. Some of the worst stuff I've seen. :bigeyes:

Best of luck!

They appear to be one of the oldest I/C engine mfgs (and a division of Toyota).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daihatsu

*With domestic and global parts.

Baaaahahhhhahahahhhahhhahaaaaaaaa!

https://www.vanguardpower.com/eu/en_...-vanguard.html

Who can decode 'global parts'? Me, me, me - I can!:biggrin2: