Harbor Freight Greyhound Engine

[jerrysellers]

Hi Folks
I'm new to this forum. See a lot of discussion about Harbor freight engines here.
I purchase closeout and returns from HF. Have about 10 6.5 engines in stock. Also Have 11 and 13 HP with electric start.
Looking for a place to sell these motors. Is it o k to post them for sell here or is that against the rules.

 

[Wow]

I understand the clones are actually made in the same factory as the Hondas.
Honda uses Chinese factories.
(They just use Japanese quality control people.)
So the only difference is the paint.

This is totally, 100% false. Honda is very much against the clone engines and there have been many lawsuits. Why would Honda allow a factory to produce their engine in another color for another company for less than half the price? Honda very much hates the availability of these clones, and the quality is NOT nearly the same.

 

[JD6619A]

This is totally, 100% false. Honda is very much against the clone engines and there have been many lawsuits. Why would Honda allow a factory to produce their engine in another color for another company for less than half the price? Honda very much hates the availability of these clones, and the quality is NOT nearly the same.

I think we have a bingo here. The last 2 places i've worked we couldn't work on the clone engines cause we were a honda dealer. some of our customers were swapping out the engines on crown cement mixers when they were toast and installing the "chonda's" We received a letter from honda corporate not to work on or install genuine honda parts and accessories on the counterfeit engines due to the lawsuit going on with the Chonda engines and Honda.

 

[Wow]

I think we have a bingo here. The last 2 places i've worked we couldn't work on the clone engines cause we were a honda dealer. some of our customers were swapping out the engines on crown cement mixers when they were toast and installing the "chonda's" We received a letter from honda corporate not to work on or install genuine honda parts and accessories on the counterfeit engines due to the lawsuit going on with the Chonda engines and Honda.

Exactly. No Honda dealer will work on them, and they won't sell you parts if you tell them you're fixing a Chonda.

But seriously, how dumb do you have to be to try and pay a professional at least an hour of labor to fix a $109 engine?

 

[mikehogan]

i have the same engine on my go kart it runs great and starts first pull its a great engine

 

[russlaferrera]

"Not Available in California" ?! WTF?

I am rebuilding an old front throw reel mower and could REALLY use one of these. Maybe I need to bribe someone who lives out of state to buy one and trans-ship it to me!

They also have a CARB certified engine.

 

[[email protected]]

I have three of these engines. They have been reliable until yesterday. Pulled them out of the shed and two of the three started but I have not gotten the 3rd one on my Log splitter to run. Everything works except that there is no spark. Changed the plug from one machine to another still no spark. Checked the oil level shutdown and it seems ok. So I guess it is back to Harbor Freight tomorrow. I have a two year extended warrenty and it is only a year old.

 

[Torque1st]

They come with many different name labels but all from China. I have also seen DuroMax and other labels. Maxtool.com sells parts. You can track them down on the web to a Chinese factory. They seem to be OK for a throwaway engine. You can buy three of them for the price of a Briggs or Honda. The kart guys run the piss out of them. I have always wondered if they have a cast iron sleeve or just an aluminum bore.

China has always manufactured clones, there is no legal protection for intellectual property there. Even if Honda manages to shut down the factory it will re-open the next day under another name.

 

[mr.pfrank]

I was just wondering if there is any place to buy parts for the 6.5 hp greyhound engine that will improve its performance? Like air intake, exhaust, etc.

Also, how do u remove the governor on it and is this dangerous?

 

[Torque1st]

Try this place:
http://www.nr-racing.com/

Yes, removing the governor is dangerous with the stock flywheel.

 

[mcdtommy23]

I was just wondering if there is any place to buy parts for the 6.5 hp greyhound engine that will improve its performance? Like air intake, exhaust, etc.

Also, how do u remove the governor on it and is this dangerous?

http://www.affordablegokarts.com/performance_basics.php

http://www.nr-racing.com/

http://www.4cycle.com/


If you remove the governor, your valves will float and/or your carb will not supply enough fuel to cause damage. You would be lucky to get over 4200 rpm.

I've installed larger cams, heavier valve springs, ported/shaved heads etc. and can spin one of mine to 7500 rpm. I've put almost 2000 miles on my "kart" and have yet to have an issue.

I will say this, there was a HUGE learning curve. First problem; every time I would take a corner too fast, the motor would shut off. Solution- disconnect the low oil sensor.

Second problem: severe after/back fire. Found sheared flywheel key. This was not the stock key but one of the filed keys to advance the timing. Solution: use lapping compound on the taper and torq the flywheel to proper spec. I made a tool out of a 3/4" shaft coupling and welded a handle on. That with a key on the output side allowed me to get enough torque. NEVER EVER use an impact to tighten the flywheel.

Third problem: Severe kick back when I would go to start it. Wouldn't run right. Solution: set the lash on the valves.

Fourth problem: symptoms same as above after installing a GX160 14 cc head, lash caps, and a different cam. Found a bent push rod. Solution: Chrome moly push rods, and set the darn lash correctly.

(Second engine) After taking what I learned from the first, I took this one a step further and installed an ARC billet rod, flat top pison, GX390 carb, custom cam, GX 160 18cc head, alum. flywheel with fins cut, and a few other mods. Damn thing developed a mysterious oil leak. Found that I ran Mobil 1 during the break in and the rings didn't seat (iron bore). In fact, the cross hatching was still in perfect shape after 6 hours of break in time. Solution: regular old 30 wt. until break in then Mobil 1. Also had to add additional breather to the crankcase.


You can make these things mild to wild. There are some guys making 30 or so HP on a Harbor Freight special. The best thing about these engines is the cost of admission is low. They are great to learn on and are really only limited by your skill, budget, and desire to go fast.

 

[mcdtommy23]

I have three of these engines. They have been reliable until yesterday. Pulled them out of the shed and two of the three started but I have not gotten the 3rd one on my Log splitter to run. Everything works except that there is no spark. Changed the plug from one machine to another still no spark. Checked the oil level shutdown and it seems ok. So I guess it is back to Harbor Freight tomorrow. I have a two year extended warrenty and it is only a year old.

Could be as simple as a loose wire on the kill switch. Could also be that the gap between the coil and flywheel is a little too much. You can rule out the low oil sensor by just unplugging the wire going to it. Checking these may save you from removing the engine and returning it to HF. Just a thought.

 

[38Chevy454]

I started up my rototiller today after sitting for about 5 months. I always shut off the fuel, so turned it on, med throttle and full choke. Fired right up on second pull. I ran it up to the shed to put it away for winter. Drained the gas tank and then ran the carb out of gas.

The low-oil switch was also causing me problems on the rototiller when at angles. If you just cut the wire, it won't cause the low oil to shut down the engine. Grounding the wire does kill the engine. Just in case anyone else is wondering how the low oil switch works.

 

[Skin]

you cant "run the carb out of gas" on anything except for diaphragm carburetors. There will always be a little fuel left in the bowl and it will go bad that much faster. If you want to do it properly take the drain nut off, it should be angled out at about 45*, 10mm. I would recommend doing this as the brass coating on the bowl is thin and does rust/pit very easily. Either that or just put some stabil in the fuel and run it to cycle it through the system.

 

[digdug18]

i love these pointless threads, of information that was posted up last week, why is it that no-one actually searches the forums, most things have been covered before....

 

[mcdtommy23]

i love these pointless threads, of information that was posted up last week, why is it that no-one actually searches the forums, most things have been covered before....

Actually, this thread goes back to '09, so if this thread is "pointless" and restates information from last week, perhaps it is last weeks thread which necessitated such a reply. Or did you just read the last couple of posts relating to running the gas out. If so I love it when people don't read the entire thread.

Sometimes it's a good thing to have a bit of information posted in different threads, results in different keywords being used and different points of view. Unlike the threads bashing a brand, this thread was informative and useful.

 

[digdug18]

Actually, this thread goes back to '09, so if this thread is "pointless" and restates information from last week, perhaps it is last weeks thread which necessitated such a reply. Or did you just read the last couple of posts relating to running the gas out. If so I love it when people don't read the entire thread.

Sometimes it's a good thing to have a bit of information posted in different threads, results in different keywords being used and different points of view. Unlike the threads bashing a brand, this thread was informative and useful.

Nope, I read the whole thread. its just as bad bringing up a thread from the "dead". I don't think its really informative and useful. But that's just my point of view. Then again, this thread should really be in the Free parking section as well, since its about things we park in our garages.

 

[tmlesko]

Contrary to other reviews of this engine, I found it to be complete junk. I tried using one on a leaf blower and after a required no-load break-in period I used it one hour before the crankshaft twisted off like a piece of clay. It is obviously not heat treated or hardened in any way. The peripherals are cheesy, example: the air filter hold down is plastic inside the carb, that broke immediately. The low-oil shut-down is problematic and needs to be removed to get the thing to start. Don't waste your money and time on this junk.

 

[M-technik-3]

I have a GX210 on my kids kart, Before that we were running an ethonal powered BS animal. I have a KT100 and and I am debating right now on converting to a TAG 125 powered engine.

 

[fflintstone]

At last April’s sidewalk sale they had them @ $89. I used a 20% coupon and got it for $72. it is still sitting in the box.

 

[stinkity stoink]

I have put three of them in gokarts for friends. I think for the money you can't beat it. i put one in mine and removed the governor. It is a blast to ride. I think I paid about $90 for mine a year ago with the 20% coupon.

 

[electrodude]

Contrary to other reviews of this engine, I found it to be complete junk. I tried using one on a leaf blower and after a required no-load break-in period I used it one hour before the crankshaft twisted off like a piece of clay. It is obviously not heat treated or hardened in any way. The peripherals are cheesy, example: the air filter hold down is plastic inside the carb, that broke immediately. The low-oil shut-down is problematic and needs to be removed to get the thing to start. Don't waste your money and time on this junk.

One post wonder doesn't like the engine... so what? We've got a guy posting on here that's building freakin' racing engines out of these... so I'm thinking, who do I listen to:

1)the guy who's on here and posts actual, factual tech infomation or,

2)a one post wonder who posts speculation and nothing more?

Gosh, I'm so confused

 

[bitbycarbug]

Any more information on the Honda lawsuit? Are they actually produced in the same factory or did the company steal the engine specs and throw their sticker on it?

 

[Skin]

Honda engines are made in Japan and the USA. If they're making blocks or any major engine components [besides belts] in china its news to me.

 

[mcdtommy23]

Actually most of the real Honda Gx-200 blocks were cast in Thailand IIRC. I think Honda used differed COO's based on output shaft, ie 3/4 or 22mm for gearbox. The HF engines ARE NOT made in the same factory as Honda's. There are differences in quality. A real Honda block is superior no doubt. Honda cranks are better as well.

The newest Greyhound motors differ from real Honda's just enough to skirt the patent issues. Ie 5 bolt valve covers, gas tanks, tins, etc.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

This thead is full of one post wonders...

 

[kuttawa727]

I bought the 6.5hp greyhound motor from HF yesterday. After putting oil and gas in it the motor came to life with two pulls. I put it on a go cart for my boys and it has worked flawlessly so far. On another note I bought a service plan for $20.00 extra that will replace the engine for free no matter what happens to it for two years. You bring the old motor in to HF and they give you a new one no questions asked. Only thing is I was told by a fellow that worked there that they will not have the greyhound brand soon it will be another name but they still honor the 2 year service deal. Hope this helps.

 

[draike66]

You can get most parts through Harbor Freight, I bought a new Crank for a 6.5 and cost about 29.00 with shipping. I tried to use the engine on a chipper which orginally had an engine with a 1" shaft the 6.5 had a 3/4" it worked for awhile but didn't hold up. I replaced the crank and its running fine with no problems.

I race the HB 6.5hp with few modifications, header, breather, 18lb valve springs, honda flywheel for safety and a stock animal or honda does NO better and thats with them having the same mods. The HB engines do run pretty damn good stock.

 

[draike66]

You could say im Horbor Freight sponsered. Blow em up and it only cost 11 dollars to replace and the animal and honda runs no faster.

 

[ripsnortMN]

I bought on last year and got it for $78 out the door after the sale price with a %20 off coupon. The engine is still in the box as i have not found anything to use it for yet.

 

[terabyte]

they are on clearance right now for 74something. I paid less than $60 for one with the 20% coupon.

 

[oilslick]

I have a 6.5 and a 13 hp both have been running good for 3yrs one is on a wood splitter and it sounds like hell but keeps on runnin

 

[cruzer75]

I too just picked up one of these on clearance for less than 60 bucks for my tiller!
Hopefully the the new Predator series they are coming out with are similar in quality and price!

 

[38Chevy454]

they are on clearance right now for 74something. I paid less than $60 for one with the 20% coupon.

Same here, out the door for about $60 tax included. 6.5 hp horizontal shaft model.

 

[richashley]

A couple years ago or so, I put a 6.5 hp on an old chipper to replace a 6hp Tecumseh that was starting to run erratically. Yesterday, I put one on an old tiller that also had a 6hp Tecumseh that was exhibiting the same performance problems as the other one. I had to swap out five fractional mounting bolts for metrics to fit the new motor, but everything else was a direct swap. The new motor started on the first pull. The engine on the chipper has been reliable and trouble free. The only thing I'm pissed off about is that I thought $75 was a steal until you guys reminded me I could have used a 20% off coupon! Now I've got to figure out what to do with two 6hp Tecumsehs.

 

[nonhog]

I thought $75 was a steal until you guys reminded me I could have used a 20% off coupon!

Depends on what cashier you go to. Most seem to know that your not suppose to use 20% off with any other coupon.
Worth a try!
My 1st 6.5 was a pile, swapped it at day 90 of the 90 day warranty and 2nd one is great!

Thinking I should buy another for "stock"

 

[38Chevy454]

Depends on what cashier you go to. Most seem to know that your not suppose to use 20% off with any other coupon.
Worth a try!
My 1st 6.5 was a pile, swapped it at day 90 of the 90 day warranty and 2nd one is great!

Thinking I should buy another for "stock"

$75 is the sale price without using any coupon. They are getting rid of stock so it is the in-store sale price. You can use the 20% coupon on the engine.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Has anyone figured out why these are discontinued?

Is HF replacing it with an updated model, or did Honda finally stop them?

 

[Spareparts]

Changing Brands, musta found even cheaper Chinese kids to assemble them, on a side note the Honda crank will swap right in, my brother has about 6 of them for their kart racing effort.

 

[R6rider]

I use one of these for my little camp ground cruiser... works great. I was actually in HF the other day... and they had the 11hp model on closeout for 150. i should have bought it... and would have if the wife wasn't there. she asked what i needed it for... lol