Engine Replacement in a 982

Mountain Heritage · #1 02-02-2010, 07:01 AM

Just throwing this out to see what people's opinions are....

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

This is advertised as a "replacement" to an Onan in a 982. But first of all the muffler SUCKS! Can you use the two original mufflers from the Onan to mount on this type of engine so the holes in the front grill are actually used? What is people's opinions on Honda engines to replace the Onana? I know Honda is good, but is it good enough to be a replacement if the Onan does crap out? If not, what type of engine do you suggest if rebuilding or finding another Onan to replace it with is available?

R Bedell · #2 02-02-2010, 07:30 AM

First, I have NO experience with these Honda Replacements. The only data that I have, is from what I have read about repowers from various forums.

From this, it is generally stated, that the Honda's are OK. The only problem that I have read, is that they lack the "torque" that the original Kohler's or Onan's had. Hence the larger HP to offset the lesser torque.

Some of these Honda have been a drop in replacement while others have had to have some modifications.

Again, this is all from what I have read.

Other Replacements.....I have often thought a Kohler KT-19 or M-20 would would work well in a 982.

Matt G. · #3 02-02-2010, 08:14 AM

I have never used a Honda V-twin, either, but I've heard enough bad things about them that I never will. There used to be a thread about them on the green site, and a few people reported that they ran hot because of the non-adjustable carb being set too lean. They also won't have any torque compared to a horizontally-opposed twin. I think the Kohler V-twins are a better engine; all the V-twin pullers seem to have Kohler Command V-twins in them.

I'm with Roland though...a Kohler M20 would probably be the ideal replacement. The simplest thing would just be to rebuild your current engine when it lets go.

#4 02-02-2010, 10:34 AM

Long story short I know a man in NC that did this swap in his 982 with a Kohler 24. He though his Onan has a knock and dropped it off at the dealer to be rebuilt. The Onan was fine, the real problen was the rear PTO shaft was coming apart and the 'knock' was transmitted to the motor. The shop had broke down the Onan to only then realize what the problem was. The dealer talked the man into doing the 'up-grade'. Cost of Kohler, custom motor mount, pto adaptor, drive shaft adaptor, custom exhaust, adapting the ignition, and a VERY nice custom duct/shroud installed left him with a $3600 bill at pick up. Money is not an issue with him but he was suprised at the final cost.

I have his Onan btw, block is bored 05 over already and could be reassembled for about $1200. Others may argue but I have priced the parts with Cummins/Onan and the cost of machining and $1200 is a pretty close cost for rebuilding yourself.

These are not the plug-n-play replacements that you are left to believe they are. Ignition swicth will have to be replaced, harness adapted from coil to magneto, duct will need to be manufactured or it will run hot, headers custom made if you want to us Onan cans, pto plate is not perfect from what I have read and will need to be shimed and modified. And I agree with what others have said and you will have no low end torque.

If you are concerned you might want to rebuild before you throw a rod and damage the block and crank, they are not cheap IF you can find good parts.

You might also want to consider the total cost of the Honda, freight, tax, harness, switch...exhaust, duct...etc...might be closer to $2500 for do it yourself.

Scott

Cvans · #5 02-02-2010, 11:18 AM

Just another thought. I have a 20 Kohler Magnum with 449 hrs. Sounds really nice for $675.00. You will have to research about the installation. I might be able to deliver to the Minneapolis, St.Cloud area if you not in a big hurry.
Chris

Mountain Heritage · #6 02-02-2010, 09:21 PM

Thanks for all the input guys! I don't need to replace my engine yet (hope I NEVER have to either)!! I am surprised about the lack of torque the Honda has like you all have mentioned - I would have thought Honda would have built an engine to mow everything else over? Guess not! From what you all have said, sounds like the hassel to adapt a Honda like this to work in a 982, it wouldn't be worth it. Get the right parts for the Onan and rebuild it or find a Mag or Kohler like you have mentioned and run with it!

Thanks for the heads up!

Matt G. · #7 02-02-2010, 09:42 PM

The V-twins, by design, don't have any torque. Doesn't matter what brand...Kohler, Honda, B&S... Emissions compliance and fuel economy come at the cost of torque.

I do have a Kohler V-twin in my 582, and it works good in there...it only uses about 2/3 the gas of the Magnum 18 I had in it, so it's more economical for plowdays

However, it will fall flat on its face if the rpms aren't kept up. I had a 2206 that I bought for the Kohler CH20 V-twin, but decided to sell after it turned out to be a nice mower (and nice profit...almost tripled my money by selling it instead of taking the engine out and parting it) but the 48" deck on it would lug it down a ton. An opposed twin would have eaten right through it. I'd say that 20 hp V-twin is about equivalent to a K301.

ihnick · #8 02-02-2010, 10:43 PM

im comparing a vtwin and a single here. i love the 16hp vanguard in my dads 2165 but my 1650 will run it over in power and torque snowblowing. both with are 42 inch but the 2165 is 2 stage. lot more torque in a single cylinder also if you ask me?

JeffD · #9 04-01-2010, 12:27 PM

I have a Honda conversion in my 782, and love it. It was cheaper to go this route then finding a brand NEW Kohler. No problem with torque, and the motor has a cool sound to it. Also the motor is ALOT lighter, and makes it easier to steer when mowing.

I mow 3 acres of grass and not one bit of it is flat, so the Honda is a plus over the Kohler for oiling. It is also easier on gas then the Kohler.

Jeff

ajgross · #10 04-01-2010, 03:07 PM

You could always do what I did. The old Crapsmen GT6000's used a kohler magnum 20 verticle crank engine. It's not very hard to convert the vertical crank engine to a horizontal crank. There are several post about doing it on the net. I took a shortcut and used horizontal case halves, but the vertical cases can be made to work too. The only problem you run into, is having the crank turned down so you can put a pto on it. I only plan on pulling a moldboard plow with my tractor so I didn't bother turning down the crank.

AJ