I just bought this 1968 Charger 9 yesterday

and I think the engine is seized. Don't know for sure, I don't have it yet, so I can't verify... but it's the original Tec HH100, and those get pretty costly to rebuild... I'm considering trying to put one of these in it.

Any opinions? Has anyone done this? If it fits with little to no mods, then I think I'm money ahead with the new engine... I've always used original engines, so I've never dealt with trying to make sure everything lines up. I'm not going to be doing this for a while... (the engine is too expensive) but I'm dreaming for the future, and before I waste too much time thinking on it, I thought I'd ask around. I've heard good things about these Honda small engines, and the local rental store has them on nearly all of their equipment, some of which I've used without problem.

So I'm interested in thoughts and ideas....
thanks.

The easiest, most reliable starting, good running small engine I ever had was a Honda. If you're not too worried about original, and face it, with a Tecumseh as an original I hope you're NOT, the Honda would be a good choice.

If I remember dimensions right, the crank in the Honda is a half inch lower though. You might need to put in a spacer. Which of course is a lot easier than trying to cut 1/2" off the bottom of the oil pan.

Dale

I'm not concerned about original (now anyway) look at her... she's not exactly the belle of the ball! I just want her to work. She's my first hydro... and well... may as well do her up right. Besides... if I do decide to fix her up pretty... the honda motor's already red!

Jason you can't beat a Honda.
Most of the gas powered equipment at work have Honda's in them & they take some serious abuse.
I have a 5HP Honda in a small 1 ton roller with an Eaton hyd pump & it pulls it fine.
I've never cared much for Tecumseh engines...I think that Honda would be a great upgrade!
Stephen in northern IN

Hey, at least she's not a wall-flower! I've never been thrilled with Tecumsehs either. Is that Honda engine the commercial model?

No.... or I should say... I don't think so. it's the 9hp electric start at Northern Tool & equipment. I don't know if I really need to go to 9hp... I was thinking perhaps the 5 or 6 would do, but I don't know if I can get them in electric start. I thought about the 8hp... but for $10 more you get one more horse..... seemed like a no-brainer to me. If I do this... cost will be the biggest factor anyway.

Jason,

As I understand it, all of those 'GX" model Hondas have cast iron sleeved cylinders, and real ball bearing supported cranks, at least on the PTO side of the engine. You may want to check to be sure, but I think that's right. Also, the orientation of the cylinder is on somewhere around a 45 degree angle, which means you'll have much more "head room" under the hood.

I can't think of a more reliable engine than those models (GX) in that line. They are very smooth runners as well, especially for a single cylinder.

If I was going to buy one, a Honda would definately be what I'd want.

Good luck with it!

Kevin

Thanks Kevin...

What's anyone think about the HP? would the 5-6 be enough? Are they under-rated? I can save a lot of money going with the smaller size. Maybe get this done sooner...

I've always been told a hydro steals about 4 HP on average as compared to a gear-driven transmission. If that's true, you won't have much left over.

I guess it would depend on what you plan to use it for. I think the smallest engine WH used on any of that particular hydrostatics was an 8 HP. The 877 model is the one I'm referring to.

But, then again I have seen 5 HP "re-powered" WH tractors around. I just don't know how they perform...

Kevin

Saw your Honda engine picture and made me think of one I had just seen at a harbor freight store. Must be the made in China copy. Harbor freight 13hp engine

Dang, they have a 6.5 horse for $130 also. I wonder if they even run? If they were red, I'd get one to see. Some of my old little tractors are engineless.

Maybe I will anyway.

Now, how to ship them in without the boss knowing about it...................

Dale

Just order her a pair of shoes for delivery at the same time, make sure that the shoes come off the truck first. With mine, she'd never see the bigger box for weeks.

I have a 656 or something like that with no engine. I little honda would be great for just puttin around. I would'nt be mowin or plowin just cruising and lookin cool . I found a running 6 hp at a tractor show this fall with an askin price of $95 but I didnt get it cause I didnt have the 656. 2 weeks after the show I get a free 656 with no engine !!
Mike.........

Dale,
If you really did want to try one of the made in china engines they often have them on sale in the Harbor freight stores. Might save some shipping if your not far from a store, just built one less than 10 miles from me so I dont have to drive over 60 miles now. Also if you sign up for the flyer from time to time they send out 10 or 15% off coupons that can also be used on curent sale items.

Nick in Ohio

Thanks Nick! I hadn't thought of looking there. We have a HF up in the Twin Cites... it's not too far.