:ditto:
If I was able to save $400 by going from a 27 hp engine to a 25 hp engine would it be worth it. Will it handle the 54" deck adequately? Would I ever notice the 2 horse loss? Any thoughts or ideas?
When replacing an engine the only details you need to determine are; crankshaft position (relative position on the deck), crankshaft diameter, crankshaft length, key configuration, and bolt thread size and pitch. Essentially the centerline of the new engines crankshaft must be in the same position as the engine removed. The shaft diameter, key configuration, thread size/pitch, and shaft length (measured from case to tip of shaft) must be the same as the old engine, to insure the 1) old pulley assembly fits the shaft, and 2) the pulley(s) are in the same up-down position(s) as the old engine. Even if the new engine has a somewhat different bolt patern, you can always drill new mounting holes. I would never go down in HP unless I had to (or the price was right), but then again I seriously doubt you'd see much of a difference in performance dropping 2hp.
Also, have you checked the prices at SEC here:
http://www.smallenginesuppliers.com/ I've purchased several engines from SEC and they have very fast shipping, they're great people to deal with, very knowlegable, fair pricing, and you'll get good communication from them. They always have several engines in each class which are very reasonably priced.
These guys sell rebuilt engines fro good prices and have been around a few years:
http://stores.ebay.com/Small-Air-Cooled-Engines. If money is an issue this may be a way to go too. They are a custom engine shop and normally finish a rebuild to suit your needs. You can contact them directly, in advance, and describe what your replacing. They can match what you need on the spot. One caveat is they take 5-7 days to ship because they complete the rebuild after the order is received.
I assume based on the previous posts it is 1 1/8 x 4 3/8 shaft size. If you can determine the rest of the spec's of the old engines shaft then you'll know which engines are a match.
great job , what kind of engine are you going to use . look forward to more pictures. silver hair deere
:ditto:
