Harbor Freight Predator 346cc engine, anyone have one?

[TheGrooveking]

I just picked up a Try Bilt (MTD) 4210CS chipper shredder that has a B&S 10hp Powerbuilt engine. The TroyBilt info says it's a Intek Pro engine but its not. Well I got the unit for cheap, but of course there is a catch, there is hole in the crankcase where the rod cap decided to leave for lunch. So with that I was contemplating picking up one of the new Harbor Freight Predator 346cc OHV engines. With the 20% coupon I can get it for $240 plus tax.

Of course I can't find **** on the B&S engine's mounting specs, the model number is a 204412-0276-E1 made on 3/11/10. The chipper/shredder looks like new, but the engine needs replacing. Figured I'd check in with you guys to see if you have any experience with either the HF Predator 346cc engine and/or the B&S 10hp engine.

TheGrooveking

 

[D.J.]

Did you try looking it up in the Northern tool catalog for the engine mounting specs.

 

[garboui]

Im not familiar with either engine or shredder but Im assuming were talking horizontal shaft engines. if this is the case i would say you have a 50/50 chance of mounting holes matching up from my own experiences with about a half dozen engine swaps. if not just make up an adapter plate from some 3/16" plate or even 1/2-5/8" and make threaded holes to secure the engine.

making the mounting holes match is also only half the battle. the shaft o/p location may very well be in a different location relative to the mounting flange. in this case it may be easier to mount in a modified location to match up or or belt/chain coupled get a different size

 

[TheGrooveking]

I just found this info:


http://www.jackssmallengines.com/small_engine_model.cfm?product_id_number=1062&type=Horizontal


Here is the link to the HF engine.

http://www.harborfreight.com/predator-346cc-ohv-horizontal-shaft-gas-engine-certified-for-california-68136.html

So far the only concern, which is small is the BS engine has a 7/16-20 tapped hole and the HF engine has a 3/8-24 tapped hole.

TheGrooveking

 

[lowendrider]

I have no experience with a chipper/shredder but for what its worth, I've used two of the "older" HF greyhound engines (both 6hp) as replacements. One of them went on a Troybilt tiller and was a direct bolt on...used the old pulley and original mounting locations. Both have performed flawlessly for nearly 2 years now.

 

[e30bradley]

I have no experience with a chipper/shredder but for what its worth, I've used two of the "older" HF greyhound engines (both 6hp) as replacements. One of them went on a Troybilt tiller and was a direct bolt on...used the old pulley and original mounting locations. Both have performed flawlessly for nearly 2 years now.

how fast does the car go with just 1 speed? and can it be driven sideways while spinning the tyres? I've had a kart frame for a while but I've never put an engine on it because I wanted multiple gears.. Like a motorcycle engine / trans. I have a 7HP engine for it now but it doesn't run and I haven't bother making it work and don't have money for parts.

 

[38Chevy454]

I have no experience with a chipper/shredder but for what its worth, I've used two of the "older" HF greyhound engines (both 6hp) as replacements. One of them went on a Troybilt tiller and was a direct bolt on...used the old pulley and original mounting locations. Both have performed flawlessly for nearly 2 years now.

Similar experience for me. I have a Troy Built "Horse" tiller that I put a HF Greyhound engine on. Everything bolted up fine, just a coupole metric threads vs SAE instances. So far it works great and no problems, except I did have to cut the low oil wire as the tiller bouncing around would make the HF engine stop. Cut the wire and no more issues. I am smart enough to check the oil level before each use.

 

[35mastr]

I have used 2 of them also. One on a big ol Craftman 5 speed rear tine tiller. The othe was on a front tine Bolens tiller. Just make sure you get the right shaft size for the pullys. Both were direct bolt in.

 

[IndyGarage]

I put a 208cc predator on a pressure washer I got - I've run it for about 12 hours total now - including about 8 hours straight yesterday - no sweat.

I paid $100 for it. The other engine guys have to cringe when they see that.

I may actually still spring for the Honda - I got predator because I didn't know if the pump or the burner on the washer was any good and just wanted a cheap way to get it running.

 

[TheGrooveking]

Thanks for your input guys, I'll be picking up the motor tomorrow, today I was too busy at work to swing by HF.

TheGrooveking

 

[spongerich]

FWIW- The guys over at diygokarts.com speak very highly of the HF engine.

 

[wb2vsj]

Just wondering how you made out with the engine swap?


Interestingly enough, I also just picked up a Troy-bilt Chipper/shredder with a busted piston On a Briggs & Stratton. The only oil in the engine was what was shipped from the factory - about a cup. The previous owner ran it till it seized and with that big shredder wheel as a flywheel, well you get the picture.

The B&S has a tapered shaft while the HF's are straight. I'm going to check the diameters and if the HF is big enough, yank the crank and turn down a taper in the lathe. Don't know which would be easier/cost efficient. Fixing the original B&S with deep cylinder wall gouges or turning a taper on the HF crank.

 

[ronjason73]

I just picked up a Try Bilt (MTD) 4210CS chipper shredder that has a B&S 10hp Powerbuilt engine. The TroyBilt info says it's a Intek Pro engine but its not. Well I got the unit for cheap, but of course there is a catch, there is hole in the crankcase where the rod cap decided to leave for lunch. So with that I was contemplating picking up one of the new Harbor Freight Predator 346cc OHV engines. With the 20% coupon I can get it for $240 plus tax.

Of course I can't find **** on the B&S engine's mounting specs, the model number is a 204412-0276-E1 made on 3/11/10. The chipper/shredder looks like new, but the engine needs replacing. Figured I'd check in with you guys to see if you have any experience with either the HF Predator 346cc engine and/or the B&S 10hp engine.

TheGrooveking

Two Predator engines (purchased 09.13) with serious issues out of the box. These are absolute junk. The first was the 212cc Horizontal Shaft that had mounting holes bored of a shape I can never recall having seen before. The second engine was the 346cc and that was DOA. Movement of the throttle resulted in no movement at the carburator. Springs were missing, loose screws, etc. These were factory sealed boxes, btw....definitely not customer returns. Again, unequivocal junk, expensive paperweights.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have heard there are absolutely ZERO replacement parts available and that the rewind assemblies are not very robust.

Some have said the engine are direct copies of Honda engines and many parts interchange.

 

[jclem40c]

For the same price you paid for the HF engine you can get one set of every one of the parts used in that engine. This will still leave you with Beer change compaired to the price of the Honda. Honda makes top shelf stuff but do you use it enough to justify the added money.

John

 

[Thruxton]

I put a 208cc predator on a pressure washer I got - I've run it for about 12 hours total now - including about 8 hours straight yesterday - no sweat.

I paid $100 for it. The other engine guys have to cringe when they see that.

I may actually still spring for the Honda - I got predator because I didn't know if the pump or the burner on the washer was any good and just wanted a cheap way to get it running.

Put this engine on a splitter, works great! probably 20 or so hours. Starts every time and I am really pleased with it. Direct replacement for the B&S I took off. And same price, 100. Hard to beat.

 

[kbs2244]

I put one on a trash pump to replace a 5HP B&S.
It was a bolt on replacement.
All the holes matched, shaft sizes the same, etc.

The only thing to remember is that they have an ignition switch while the B&S do not.
I put a label on mine so I wouldn’t start pulling the rope without turning it on.

It is a one pull start.