HP difference in Briggs motors

[jasonw]

Ok quick question then detail. Whats the difference in power from a 2hp B&S and a 5hp B&S? Please dont be a smart a$$ and say 3hp, us smart people already know this. I am wandering if the 3hp makes that big of a difference? They are both stand up style motors. I ask because my chipper "5hp" motor is toast and I have an extra 2hp motor that runs awesome that is just laying around collecting dust. I know the smaller motor wont be able to perform like the larger one but will it even run the wheel on the chipper? The wheel bolts directly to the crankshaft. I wander if the shafts are even the same. I am not sure of the year of ether of them but I think it would be safe to guess maybe 10 years.

__________________
White Company

[bruces]

Lawn care business tips

there is a pretty big difference in power ,the shafts are probably both 3/4 but that depends on what the engines application was ,and theres a reason the manufacturer used a 5 h.p. in the first place instead of a 2 h.p. .If your trying to fix it on the cheap,try harbour freight or princess auto [in canada ] ,if you play your cards right and watch for a sale ,you should be able to get a brand new engine for under $100.00

[racerdude711]

Im not sure if you have a Harbor Freight in your area, but you can get a 6.5 HP Horizontal Shaft Overhead Valve engine for $129. Pretty good deal on engines there. Plus being 6.5 HP, it will be a bit more powerful than the 5 HP that was on it.

[jasonw]

I would love to just replace it but no way can I afford that. I have already lost a couple of chip jobs from this thing being down. I am fairly sure its just a stuck valve but have no idea how to fix it and I am worried if I tear it apart it will really be screwed. When I take the pul out and look in the head while I pull the starter I can see one valve opening and closing but one just stays opened.

[The Cleaning Doctor]

I don't know what the charge is for these types of jobs but you can always get a deposit and get the motor replaced and then do the job.

[picframer]

Originally Posted by jasonw

I would love to just replace it but no way can I afford that. I have already lost a couple of chip jobs from this thing being down. I am fairly sure its just a stuck valve but have no idea how to fix it and I am worried if I tear it apart it will really be screwed. When I take the pul out and look in the head while I pull the starter I can see one valve opening and closing but one just stays opened.

Consider renting one rather than loosing jobs, the profit from small jobs would pay for a proper engine in no time, or it should.

[jasonw]

You both have awesome ideas that I have not thought about. I hate renting stuff and taking deposits so I never think about it however maybe I should, at least think about renting one. If not rent one then I will just take it off my service list until I can get it fixed. I just dont feel good about taking money up front and I think here in California there are legalities about that anyway. As far as the chipping jobs go I hate losing any potential work but they are not good paying jobs, a lot of cheapos up here in this area and when you explain to them that its going to cost a few hundred bucks for a couple days of chipping and hauling they hate it.

Here is another good question for you. Lets assume its just a stuck valve and no other problem, I take the head off, fix it fairly easy then replace gaskets and get it going, seeing as I purchased it used would I be better off just buying the new motor or just making the repair? With a new motor at least i will know its new, after all this valve could just be one of many problems.

As far as fixing it, I called up sears who was recommended seeing as its a "yardman" chipper and there is no cross reference for the MN or SN so how would I go about properly identifying the motor to get the proper gaskets? Are there any hidden SN/s on B&S motors that I may not be able to see? Maybe I will get out there today and take some pictures of it and someone here could identify it for me? For sure its a B&S motor and it says 5HP right on the starter so assuming it has not been swapped out I am assuming its a 5HP.

[The Cleaning Doctor]

Look at it this way.... New motor $125


Time to replace maybe at the very most 2 hours

New motor and warranty.


How long to fix the motor?
How long will it last?

I am not a mechanic so I can not answer those 2 questions.

As for deposits? I get a 50% deposit for deck staining and concrete sealing. Why because I have to order the stains, I do not buy locally. If for some reason they back out then I am stuck with the stain. No the stain is not 50% of the cost. We also split the risk. I am risking that I will get paid and they are risking that I will come back.

[bruces]

there are coupons available in magazines from harbour freight ,I think they are $20.00 if I am not mistaken ,and you might get lucky and the engine will be on sale as well .I know quite a few people have bought them for under $100.00 so if you cant afford it now,wait for a better deal .There is a reason the valve is stuck open and without opening it up it would be very hard to diagnose ,you might be able to bugger fix it,but more than likely the engine will fail again on you,maybey when your half finished an important job which would suck .The engine at harbour freight is a clone of a honda and comes with a good warranty ,for a cheap replacement it would be hard to beat .

[bruces]

I just thought of something else .Many of us dont have much going on in winter [I work another job untill early April ] ,have you thought about taking a small engine course at a local high school or college ? I know in my area the local school has a night course from now untill March for under $200.00 ,this will allow you to do your own repairs and even if you dont have time to do your own repairs ,then you will be able to understand what the garage is talking about when they explin what work is needed .I taught one of these courses 25 years ago,and we allowed and encouraged the participants to bring in their own equipment and fix it during the class .