Wacker Compactor

[gdocktor3]

A buddy of mine gave me a Wacker that was submerged under water. It originally came with a 5.5 horse Honda motor. Obviously it's shot. I have an 8 hp Brigg's motor that I was thinking about putting on it. As long as everything lines up with the the belt and what not, does anyone see a reason why this wouldn't work? If a 5.5 hp motor turns (x)RPM at wot and the 8hp turns the same at 1/2 throttle, everything should be peachy, right? Or will I end up destroying something? I haven't looked into it much yet as I just picked it up last night.

 

[B_Bimmer]

A buddy of mine gave me a Wacker that was submerged under water. It originally came with a 5.5 horse Honda motor. Obviously it's shot. I have an 8 hp Brigg's motor that I was thinking about putting on it. As long as everything lines up with the the belt and what not, does anyone see a reason why this wouldn't work? If a 5.5 hp motor turns (x)RPM at wot and the 8hp turns the same at 1/2 throttle, everything should be peachy, right? Or will I end up destroying something? I haven't looked into it much yet as I just picked it up last night.

Quoted for the record.

Virtually all small industrial engines are governed for the same max RPM.

 

[bob15]

Have you tried starting the Honda (after giving it a small cleaning)? I have had several small engines (and one Kawi snowmobile engine) be totally submerged by water and got them to run fine again.

 

[4x4gearhead]

Is the compactor old? You may find that 8 hp engine might be too much for the eccentric, but if it were me I would probably try it as long as I didn't have to Rube Goldberg the thing together. My father has an old Beckett I think that I am going to try to throw a 6hp engine I have on to replace the 4.5 hp Honda.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Do the two engines have the same size and length of output shaft and the same coupling method?

 

[gdocktor3]

I literally picked it up last night. Haven't done anything. Only reason I grabbed it is because I have the Briggs. Both are horizontal shaft. The Honda is locked up and my buddy soaked the cylinder with Marvel, but it hasn't budged.

 

[Mhyde52]

Possible, but unlikely that everything lines up right for that 8hp briggs. Probably best to grab a $100 HF engine that will line up right, and have yourself a nice plate compactor for cheap.

 

[L.Cheapo]

8hp engines usually have a larger bolt pattern for mounting. If you can solve that, it should work. It would be wise to research the RPM of the original engine. Most small 4 cycle engines are governed to 3600RPM, a small number 4000. But they can always be reduced by the mfr of the equipment, and often are. This is achieved by adjusting screw stops or even different strength springs, often identified by color. Wacker made some quality equipment, and it is possible they spec'd a different RPM due to the nature of the machine and the desired effect. If you can make the engine physically fit and set the RPM correctly, I don't see why it wouldn't work.

 

[whyNick?]

Possible, but unlikely that everything lines up right for that 8hp briggs. Probably best to grab a $100 HF engine that will line up right, and have yourself a nice plate compactor for cheap.

I second this recommendation, the HF 212cc is often on sale for $99 and should fit your compactor better. I've had 4 or 5 Honda clones over the years and just bought a 212 for a go kart. The fit and finish on the 212 is much nicer than the older clones I have and is virtually indistinguishable from a Honda I own. But the best part is how well it runs. I pulled it out of the box, filled the oil, put gas in the tank, set the choke, and it started on the first pull. In fact I'd only pulled the rope about 18 inches before it fired up, that's what, maybe 2 full revolutions? It's a great engine.

 

[pcmeiners]

If the unit was totally submerged, good chance the large bearings in the vibrating mechanism will need replacement, had the same issue.

 

[gdocktor3]

If the unit was totally submerged, good chance the large bearings in the vibrating mechanism will need replacement, had the same issue.

Ya I figured that much.

 

[pcmeiners]

Purchased a Wacker on Ebay, replaced the main bearings, believe about $50 (Ebay 2 needed), then 3 weeks later Sandy decided to submerge the unit

 

[2oolhound]

You need to consider the weight of the engine. All the springs etc are designed at a certain weight they force up. You can always add weight but if the engine is too heavy the recoil won't be able to bounce it correctly.

I've seen some pretty useless whackers.

 

[Farmall450]

Possible, but unlikely that everything lines up right for that 8hp briggs. Probably best to grab a $100 HF engine that will line up right, and have yourself a nice plate compactor for cheap.

Agreed. It's a honda clone anyhow