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HF Predator 173cc 5.5 HP on a MTD Mower???

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seagiant

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Sep 16, 2011
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Hi,
Gave my Honda self propelled walk behind Mower to my Sister and was getting by with just my Snapper Rider, BUT...

Turned some weedy Flower beds into just grass and now need something that can get where the Snapper can not...

Have a Buddy that runs a Mower Shop, and he had a Craftsman/MTD Mower with a blown up B&S Engine (Keep your eye on the Oil, Boys!!!)

It was going to the Dump, so he gave me the Mower.

Pulled the Blown Engine, and I'm going to HF, and pick up one of their Honda Clones!

Have yet to hear anything bad about them, and they are half what a Honda would cost...

We shall see, but these little Push Mowers have gone up in price, this way I have a completely new Engine anyway!

From What I see, people are using MTD Blade adapters with this Motor Shaft specs, as my Mower is MTD to begin with, mine should work with it!

I will have to install an aftermarket Throttle Cable, as the MTD did not have one, but does have the handle operated, kill switch...M-1.JPGM-2.JPG
 
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OccupantRJ

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I have a Predator 212 on a pressure washer for 10 years and a 420 in my Carryall2 utility vehicle for 5. I am absolutely satisfied with both in service, user friendliness, and cost. Two pulls maximum so far to start when cold with the choke set, even on the belt drive pressure washer.
 
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seagiant

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Sep 16, 2011
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Hi,
I admittedly, do not usually buy a brand new crate engine with my Lawn Equipment, most to all, are used.

Looked in to the break-in of this engine...

Have always heard to break-in, with DINO Oil, to seat the Rings to the Cylinder Walls.

Picked up some B&S 30 wt. 4 cycle oil for that.

Will run Synthetic after break-in...

Everyone has their own ideas on this, but...

ezgif-8b46125e69594a22.jpg
 
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seagiant

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5ubtle said:
Yes. Changed jet from #64 to a #70. Just FYI, mine was made by Rato.
Click to expand...
Hi,
Mine was made by RATO also, which seems to be good news, they have a good rep from what I have seen!

Where did you get that Jet, at???




The key identifier is RV170 PRO, which is the engine platform. Based on replacement parts listings and industry information, the RV170 PRO 173cc vertical-shaft engine used in Harbor Freight Predator mowers is manufactured by Chongqing Rato Technology Co., Ltd. (commonly known as RATO). Aftermarket carburetors and ignition parts for the Harbor Freight Predator 173cc specifically identify it as a Rato RV170 engine.

Here's how your numbers likely break down:

  • RV170 PRO = RATO engine family/model.
  • A2507163560= Production code.
    • The 250716 portion most likely indicates a manufacture date of July 16, 2025.
  • 370142529 = Individual serial number.
This matches what Harbor Freight has been using on many of its current 173cc vertical-shaft Predator engines.

The good news is that RATO has become one of the better Chinese small-engine manufacturers. Compared with Chinese Honda clones from 10–15 years ago, RATO engines generally have:

  • Better machining quality.
  • Improved carburetors.
  • Better-quality bearings and seals.
  • Good parts availability.
 
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seagiant

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Hi,
Well, back to Predator Engines...

Was not happy with the Fuel Line, as I like a real Fuel Filter and a Fuel Cut Off Switch.

I like to burn out Gas in the Carb when I'm done, that gets rid of standing gas and also shuts the Fuel Tank down so no gas leaking through the Carb and going into the Sump...

Brake and Throttle Cables, fitted great, had to massage the opening that holds the Brake Cable in, so it would fit, and hold, no problem.

The Start Pull Cord, is long so it goes up to the Handle where you can easily hold the Brake Handle and then pull the Cord...

Pulled the Spark Plug Wire, and pulled the Start Cord about 10 times to get some oil spread around inside, connected back the Wire, pressed the Primer Bulb 3 times, and the Engine actually started on the First Pull!

Running it unloaded now to break it in...

There are different ways to skin a cat, as they say, and I guess, this is one of them, opinions vary!

1.JPG2.JPG
 
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Beerhippie

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seagiant said:
1.JPG
Click to expand...
Isn't your stopcock on the wrong side of the filter? I'd swap the two so you can change the filter easily.
 
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bwringer

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Nice! I've often wondered about this myself. There are skrillions of new mowers out there where some ***** took it home, discarded the bottle of oil, dumped in gas, and pulled the string until noise happened. Briefly.

Anyway, why do you need a throttle cable? I haven't seen one on a mower in aeons.
 
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seagiant

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305
bwringer said:
Nice! I've often wondered about this myself. There are skrillions of new mowers out there where some ***** took it home, discarded the bottle of oil, dumped in gas, and pulled the string until noise happened. Briefly.

Anyway, why do you need a throttle cable? I haven't seen one on a mower in aeons.
Click to expand...
Hi,
Well, it has a Throttle?

I like starting engines low, letting them warm up a few and then bring them up to speed.

That's me, Old School, I guess!
 
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theoldwizard1

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SE MI
seagiant said:
Was not happy with the Fuel Line, as I like a real Fuel Filter and a Fuel Cut Off Switch.

I like to burn out Gas in the Carb when I'm done, that gets rid of standing gas and also shuts the Fuel Tank down so no gas leaking through the Carb and going into the Sump...
Click to expand...
Agree 100% !

Here is the problem. Many pieces of outdoor equipment use 3/16" (or metric equivalent, 5mm?) fuel line. The most common fuel filters and shutoff use 1/4". In the past, I have plumbed the filter and/or shutoff into some 1/4" and the used a 1/4" to 3/16" splice. Looks stupid, but it works. you can but those spring clamps cheap on eBay.

Segue - Stay away from those generic Chinese shutoffs. They leak ! Either use genuine B&S or Stens.
 
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