6.5HP Greyhound engine from Harbor Freight?

[Tom2]

I know people have talked about these before, and I couldn't find anything negative about them.. But am still skeptical..


They sell for $159 and my store has a few of them. I have a coupon for $99. I'll see if they take a 20% coupon too, but kinda doubt it.

Looking at the models on the shelf, the throttle linkage/governor, seemed pretty chintzy.


I have a snowblower with a Tecumseh 6hp engine that needs a carb and linkage. If I can't find the parts for near free from a junkyard, I'll have to go on Ebay, where it'll be quite a bit more..Plus, still hard to find.
Not 100% sure if the engine will bolt up easily, and if the shaft is the same, etc.. I'll have to check before buying.


Has anyone actually bought and used one?

I've been burnt by HF quality more than once.. So I'm pretty nervous to spend $100 on something that might only work a few weeks, etc.. Then you're just stuck spending twice as much when you realize you should have spent more on better quality to begin with.

 

[1Garageman]

Does the engine come with any possible warranties on it?
Wish ya good luck man!

 

[terabyte]

I have been giving this a good hard look. they are rated very well. they are used a LOT by go kart racers. they are an exact clone of a Honda GX200. you can get warantee for $11 and they will simply hand you another engine if you blow yours up.

can you please tell me where you found the $99 coupon as I want to go get one this weekend? or possibly scan it and share?

 

[Tom2]

I have been giving this a good hard look. they are rated very well. they are used a LOT by go kart racers. they are an exact clone of a Honda GX200. you can get warantee for $11 and they will simply hand you another engine if you blow yours up.

can you please tell me where you found the $99 coupon as I want to go get one this weekend? or possibly scan it and share?

http://www.harborfreight.com/hftusa/magpromos/popsci.pdf

Theres a 20% off coupon there as well...

Like I said, I kinda doubt they'd take both.. But who knows..They are obviously pretty flexible when it comes to coupons..
For $80, then you're talking a no brainer..


How long is the warrantee for?

I would definitely get that..

 

[terabyte]

thank you for the coupon!
i think warranty is 1 year

 

[ripsnortMN]

I know a guy who put one on a log splitter and beat the hell out of it non stop for a few hours a day for six months. It sits outside all year long as well.

 

[mjozefow]

they are an exact clone of a Honda GX200.

This is what bothers me. The complete lack of respect for intellectual property. I would have been interested otherwise. I too have heard good things about the HF engines.

 

[Zrexxer]

This is what bothers me. The complete lack of respect for intellectual property. I would have been interested otherwise. I too have heard good things about the HF engines.

Yeah, it OUGHT to be a good engine, it's a complete and shameless ripoff of the design of one of the best small engines on the market.

 

[Art From De Leon]

How come Honda doesn't raise hell, or why doesn't US Customs confiscate these as they do counterfit DVD's, 'Rolex' watches, Gucci purses, etc?

 

[Zrexxer]

why doesn't US Customs confiscate these as they do counterfit DVD's, 'Rolex' watches, Gucci purses, etc?

For one thing, they're not "counterfeit," they don't say Honda on them anywhere.

 

[Ross]

I would guess that customs does not confiscate them because they are not counterfeit, they don't claim to be Honda engines. Why Honda does not complain I don't know, but I would guess that the design is not one that they own the patent to. Of course it is possible that they license out the design or that they actually manufacture them and they are just sold under the "Greyhound" name.

 

[ksbee]

I tried to stack coupons on the 151 Mig and found out they won't allow it. However if it's simply an advertised sale price they will allow use of the 20% off coupon or other coupon.

 

[RUQKENF]

I have one on a gokart. Removed the govenor, built a header, and has a racing air filter. The gokart is very fast and the engine is very reliable. I was able to use the 20%of the $99, I guess it depends on the clerk at the check out. There is a entire gokart racing circuit that only uses these engines, I just built mine for fun though. For less than a $100 you really cant go wrong.
Tony

 

[metal1313]

i think i might buy one to use on a shaker/sifter table i want to build. gotta get the dirt outta my gravel paths in the herb garden, then i'll use it to sift compost and what ever else i need to for even 100bucks if it works and doesnt vibrate apart it'll make life easy.

anyone know where to get an excentric pulley or how i can make one off balanced to?

 

[mcdtommy23]

Here's mine. 2 of them on this kart;

65mph top end, hauling my 230 lbs around. IIRC I was doing 40-45 in the vid.

 

[Shocker]

I think Honda has licensed the designs out. I remember reading about it, but I can't find the article.

 

[tdkkart]

I think Honda has licensed the designs out. I remember reading about it, but I can't find the article.

From what I remember, Honda screwed up with their International patents somehow, which made their design much like "open source" software, basically making the design a "free for all".

The industrial type motors weren't the only victims, somebody has been re-popping the small motorcycle engines also. You can buy several different pitbike and larger size bikes in the 50-125cc range with exact copies of the Honda motors on them.

I've got a WEN generator with a 10 or 13hp Honda copy on it, bought it because i have friends that beat the **** out of the same generator. I can buy 2 of these for the price of one with any other motor on it.
Look around, there's TONS of equipment out there with the copy motors.

As for the HF versions, there is indeed a whole new class of kart racing based in these motors. Left close to stock they are very reliable. I have heard that when you start modding them they will come apart in a BIG way. Seen pics of one that blew on the dyno, it wasn't pretty, but neither were the pics of some of the first Briggs OHV motors that they tried hotrodding. Briggs has had to make several strengthening mods to their 5-6HP OHV blocks for the karting market.

 

[mcdtommy23]

Both of mine are highly moddified. ARC rods, ported and shaved head, larger valves, different cam, bigger carb, ratio rockers, flat top pistons, ARC billet flywheels, headers, etc. Each making an easy 15hp. It's only when you start pushing that 20 hp range, or don't change the rod, flywheel, valvetrain that bad things start to happen. One of these engines can easily make 10-12hp, be reliable, and run a long, long time. These engines minus the gov. will run at 4 to 5k all day, 5500-6000 - install an ARC rod, above that, well anything could happen. Normal max rpm for this style engine is 3600 rpm. For safety reasons anything over the 3600 rpm should have a billet flywheel installed. I've heard of some bad things happening in various classes of karting due to flywheel failure.

This past summer, I ran my kart for apx 25 miles in stop and go traffic during the big cruise, there was quite a few wide-open stretches and I had 0 issues except my header fell off because I was an idiot and didn't brace it properly. The engine still ran but not as good as it normally did. I had a friend follow with the video camera, so if anyone would like more proof of what these engines can do, I would be happy to upload the vid. this weekend.

 

[Falcon67]

I tried to stack coupons on the 151 Mig and found out they won't allow it. However if it's simply an advertised sale price they will allow use of the 20% off coupon or other coupon.

Yes - their checkout computers won't allow coupon stacking. IIRC, if you are buying multiple items like some with a flyer coupon and something with a 20% coupon, they have to scan the 20% item and coupon first or the register will block the 20% coupon after the regular coupons are scanned.

I read somewhere that Honda's only real response to these engines is to hang up on you should you call them for parts and they figure out you are working on a clone. No soup for you.

 

[Donn]

I remember reading some where that the Greyhounds are bulit by the same manufactor that makes the Honda engines. They are actually made by a 3rd party for Honda. They are made in China for Honda (Japan), Greyhound(HF), and others!

 

[wineslob]

I have one those engines on a logsplitter. It's very reliable. Right now, even after a week of rain I'd bet I could go out and in 2-3 pulls it will start.

 

[Tom2]

Anyone sign up for that InsideTrack membership?

They claim they won't do nearly as many coupons for non-members and no more 20% ones. But if you sign up, you'll get the 20% and 25% coupons. I think it's like $30 a year or something..They must get a commission off each person that signs up.

I could probably proposition that I'll sign up - if they will accept both coupons

 

[sstruckguy]

From what I remember, Honda screwed up with their International patents somehow, which made their design much like "open source" software, basically making the design a "free for all".

The industrial type motors weren't the only victims, somebody has been re-popping the small motorcycle engines also. You can buy several different pitbike and larger size bikes in the 50-125cc range with exact copies of the Honda motors on them.

That is exactly what I have read as well. Honda either let the patents lapse, or figured that the design was antiquated enough, that it didn't affect the brand.(or its quality)

 

[sharkytm]

That is exactly what I have read as well. Honda either let the patents lapse, or figured that the design was antiquated enough, that it didn't affect the brand.(or its quality)

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37418
Tons of info in that old thread.
Basically, if you have to rely on it daily, spend the $$ and get a Honda. If its a throwaway application, a Chongda is fine.

We needed a trash pump for use in salt water (long story). We bought a pump w/ a 5.5HP Chongda on it, and it ran awesome for the 3 weeks we needed it. It ran wide open, got soaked with salt water, and got submerged once for a few seconds (big wave). Its rusty, but still runs like a champ. Not bad for $129.

 

[richashley]

I replaced a 6hp Tecumseh on a 40-50 year old chipper shredder with one of these 2 or 3 years ago. I too got it for $99. For that money it was more cost effective than throwing parts at the Tecumseh to try to figure out why it would intermittently cut out. It's been perfect and always starts immediately (unless you forget about the on/off switch!). Felt bad about it possibly being "unfair" to Honda, but there was no way I was going to invest what Honda gets for its engines and Honda should be able to take care of itself.

 

[Tom2]

Update:

HF is having the 6.5 engine on sale for their parking lot sale March 12-14 for $89.

Any 20% off coupons floating around?


I still gotta measure and see if it'll work with my snowblower..but for that price...I'll almost certainly be picking it up.

 

[willymakeit]

i think i might buy one to use on a shaker/sifter table i want to build. gotta get the dirt outta my gravel paths in the herb garden, then i'll use it to sift compost and what ever else i need to for even 100bucks if it works and doesnt vibrate apart it'll make life easy.

anyone know where to get an excentric pulley or how i can make one off balanced to?

We used to weld a weight to one side of the pulley on cheap elect. motors

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

I know a guy outside Portland, OR, owns a small engine repair business, and is also a rental center for power equipment. He keeps 5-10 of the greyhounds in stock to sell. I saw them lined up on the floor and asked what it was about. He went on to tell me what great little motors they are for the money, and as the rental fleet engines die, hes been putting the greyhounds on as replacements. He had no complaints and only praise, I was kinda of surprised.

 

[motopsycho]

I just blew one up Vroom Vroom BOOM!!!!

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

I just blew one up Vroom Vroom BOOM!!!!

We need more info,,,..... like how, why,...how old, how new ?

 

[kbs2244]

Donn has it right.
They are made in the same China factory as the Hondas by the same people and to the same standards.
All Honda replacement parts fit.
Honda knows all about it and is relying on their repution and dealer/OEM network to keep them in front.

The China guys can build some real nice stuff.
They have put a man in space, and have a real nice spy sattlilite network.
They will build to the specs and price point they are contracted to meet.

I would still rather buy Made is USA though.

 

[motopsycho]

We need more info,,,..... like how, why,...how old, how new ?

the first thing you need to do is take the starter housing off and find a way to better secure the magnet on the fly wheel or it can take out the coil and damage the block this is a must if you disable the Governor and use it for go karts

 

[motopsycho]

the engine was just out of its break in period

 

[motopsycho]

I know people have talked about these before, and I couldn't find anything negative about them.. But am still skeptical..


They sell for $159 and my store has a few of them. I have a coupon for $99. I'll see if they take a 20% coupon too, but kinda doubt it.

Looking at the models on the shelf, the throttle linkage/governor, seemed pretty chintzy.


I have a snowblower with a Tecumseh 6hp engine that needs a carb and linkage. If I can't find the parts for near free from a junkyard, I'll have to go on Ebay, where it'll be quite a bit more..Plus, still hard to find.
Not 100% sure if the engine will bolt up easily, and if the shaft is the same, etc.. I'll have to check before buying.


Has anyone actually bought and used one?

I've been burnt by HF quality more than once.. So I'm pretty nervous to spend $100 on something that might only work a few weeks, etc.. Then you're just stuck spending twice as much when you realize you should have spent more on better quality to begin with.

the first thing you need to do is take the starter housing off and find a way to better secure the magnet on the fly wheel or it can take out the coil and damage the block this is a must if you disable the governor these are sweet go kart motors provided you inspect them closely

 

[ripsnortMN]

Update:

HF is having the 6.5 engine on sale for their parking lot sale March 12-14 for $89.

Any 20% off coupons floating around?


I still gotta measure and see if it'll work with my snowblower..but for that price...I'll almost certainly be picking it up.

$89 really? How did you find out about this?

 

[Boost Creep]

$89 really? How did you find out about this?

http://parkinglot.harborfreightusa.com/ecom/info/home.do

and a 20% off coupon
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/html/MagazineLanders/1-automotive/images/20_c.jpg

 

[ripsnortMN]

So you don't have to be in the "inside track club" to get this deal?

 

[35mastr]

That motor will work on your machine Tom. The mounting shoud be the same.

Just need to measure your output shaft on your current motor. Make sure that it is the same on the new one. Should be either 1/2" or 5/8" if i am not mistaken.

Lots of guys run those motors with good luck. I am going to grab a couple when the parking lot sale comes just to have as spares. For 89.00 i dont care how long they last.

 

[Tom2]

The only thing I'm semi-concerned about is that it will be on a snowblower.

Snowblower engines usually have heater boxes which keep the heat from the muffler by the carburetor. They also don't use air filters. I assume snowblower engines are jetted a good bit richer as well.


But still, I'm sure it'll be fine since a lot of summer equipment still operates at cold temps (like my mower with a snowblower attchmt). Especially if I keep it in my heated garage during the winter.

We're getting about a foot of snow today.. Wish the engine was on sale sooner.. Instead, this will become a summer/fall project.

 

[tdkkart]

I know a guy outside Portland, OR, owns a small engine repair business, and is also a rental center for power equipment. He keeps 5-10 of the greyhounds in stock to sell. I saw them lined up on the floor and asked what it was about. He went on to tell me what great little motors they are for the money, and as the rental fleet engines die, hes been putting the greyhounds on as replacements. He had no complaints and only praise, I was kinda of surprised.

If a guy like this plays his cards right, buying them at $99 or less, he could bump up his retail price to $175 or $200 and offer a hell of a warranty, say 2 years full replacement, on them. He'd make a bit of money and more than likely less than 20% of them would come back.