Should I Build it?

That's alright man you live you learn. That's how my builds usually go to. Kohler is my preference as well. But now you have the chance go a little bigger. You won't be disappointed in a bigger motor. You could be disappointed in a smaller one and kicking yourself later.

nice build .. I love the look ,,

Go for it .. Then you say you did it ..

Mo wrote:Thanks for the heads up Davey I'll steer clear of that Honda.

I have no experience with small engines so I sent it back today

Mo, OPE can help you for sure!!........I talked to a guy named Brian today at OPEengines.com @ 888-652-3990, that was very helpful in helping me figure out which spec engine was right for me, and the lowest cost one that would work.
Call and ask for him (Brian), tell him I sent you there for help determining which eng. you need like he provided for me.  

Things that vary from spec to spec that you need figure out based on your needs/configuration, and what to look at when comparing engines is:..........

1)Crank/output shaft size
2)Alternator/charging system output
3)"Engine Controls":  like the key-switch, throttle and choke levers mounted on the engine. Then the other type is like I got and is whats called "remote controls", which is an engine that doesn't come with those controls mounted on it but rather a wiring harness sticking out that you then would run to your own TM dash/control panel, and then run cables to for throttle and choke levers.
4)Air cleaner, which there is also two types of.  The standard flat type which most engines come with, which is what I got, and then there's a large canister type that's used for real dirty/dusty environments.

A lot of the engines specs like what I mentioned above aren't listed online, and that's why you need to call and ask what engines have what.
After finding some engines on their site that look like they would work and are in your price range, just write down what specs you need, then call and have them help figure out which one fits your needs for the lowest cost.

OPE is in Oregon, and their shipping is free and will be 4-5 days to you prob, he said I would have mine in 3 days!!     I ordered today at about 1 pm, and by 4pm I had received the tracking info email that it had already been shipped.  You do have to have it sent to commercial address for no cost shipping though, or I think they charge you about half normal shipping cost if going to a residential address. Just find a friend or someone you know that has a business/or work place w/ a commercial addy and have it shipped there, that's what I did.  

You will probably notice SteamBrite in TX sells all these same Kohler models too, but don't waste your time looking, I already did all that for you.  And I can tell you OPE is an average of $100 less for the same spec engine/s, plus SB charges $100 shipping too!.....so OPE is $200 cheaper, and cheaper than the other online eng. retailers too. Sometimes you might find a place a bit cheaper on the eng. cost but after their shipping, exhaust and any other charges it's more. So, Like I siad, I just spent the last month figuring all this stuff out, so save your time and look for the lowest cost model at OPE that will work for your needs and just buy it, and be done with it.  

And yes I bought the Kohler Command Pro 25hp in the first link I posted, more hp than I really need but it wasn't anymore money than the smaller 23hp and I liked the fact the 25hp has a bigger dia. output shaft, better to have too much hp than not enough (only down side will be it will likely use a bit more fuel, but such a small amount it won't matter, and I'll have the power it spin a bigger blower if I ever upgrade to a bigger one..

The exhaust/muffler was $106 from them for my 25hp engine, and it also comes in whatever config works best for your application.........Right or left side exit or even a center and there's also low and high mount, the high one I got sits behind behind the air filer housing, and the low one sits more down behind the engine right above the output shaft.

Whew, I'm beat after typing all that!  

If you have any other questions, just ask!

Couldn't agree more ope is the best place to pick up an engine and they are very helpful.

Oh and when I say "spec", to give you an example of what that means.........

All the 25hp Command Pro's horizontal model numbers start with "CH730", those first numbers are the engines size in CC's.

Then there's a dash and a another series of numbers, and those are the actual "spec" numbers, which look like this............ "-3208".  That CH730-3208 is the one I ordered.

A 20hp Command Pro's horizontal model numbers start with "CH640"

And spec numbers will look something like "-3021"

That CH640-3021 model is this one, for $1,380............

http://www.kohler-engine-parts.opeengines.com/kohler-engines-parts/full-line-of-kohler-engines/command-ch-cv-series-11-to-40-hp/horizontal-twin-cylinder-ch-18-to-40-hp/ch640-20hp/20hp-ch640-3021-kohler-command-engine-toro-dingo-skid-steer

And I just found a 20hp eng. for SteamWay machines made to their specs..............

http://www.kohler-engine-parts.opeengines.com/kohler-engines-parts/full-line-of-kohler-engines/command-ch-cv-series-11-to-40-hp/horizontal-twin-cylinder-ch-18-to-40-hp/ch640-20hp/20hp-ch640-3024-kohler-command-engine-steamway-carpet-cleaner

Also, here's a Blue Line spec engine............

http://www.kohler-engine-parts.opeengines.com/kohler-engines-parts/full-line-of-kohler-engines/command-ch-cv-series-11-to-40-hp/horizontal-twin-cylinder-ch-18-to-40-hp/ch640-20hp/20hp-ch640-3025-kohler-command-engine-ch640s-blue-line-equip-carpet-cleaner

Thanks for taking the time to type that up Davey. I'm going to wait till I get my refund on the other motor before I call but I'll make sure I let them know you sent me.

I still haven't given up on the propane. I think I'll use a gas engine to mach it up and maybe buy a kit to convert later.

Kohler has factory made propane engines too, if you want to go that way.  I think you'd be better with Gas tho........Gas is going to have more power, so you won't have to buy bigger to get the needed HP like propane. Propane engine is more money, likely to be a PITA, and harder for you to work on.

Oh hey, check this out.............

I ordered my Kohler Monday about 1pm from OPE and it was delivered today at 1pm!!...came from Oregon.

And that was free shipping too, in 2 days!......I figured their free shipping would be slow, like by way of a Donkey slow.  

    

Dave, what is in the white box? Exhaust?

Yes.  

Sweeeeet!! I bet you can't wait to put that new puppy in there

Andy Mc wrote:Here you go Mo,

Wo just saw this!
Thanks for the shout out and not patenting my genius set up idea's before I did!  
I have ran 3 different hard core acids through mine and still have zero problems!

I forgot to enter Andys video in the contest that was a cool one

It could have been a cool video, But,, as was pointed out ,,,, I disgraced my self by having yard sticks laying on the floor.

This crime exposed me as the slob / hack that I am.

Thus nullifying any value that the video may have offered.

I'm so ashamed.

 

I noticed some engines have a 2 sheave pulley to run the blower and a smaller pulley to run the pump. How long of a shaft should I get for that configuration? Is it actually 2 separate pulleys?

Just called Brian at OPE the 25 HP will be close 2K with everything I need. I'm going to have to think about it not sure if I want to spend that much for a garage project.

I can see why you went with that 25 HP Davey. It's is a better value and it includes the wiring harness extension, switch, and muffler at $1767.00. You have any video of the engine installed and running?

Mo wrote:Just called Brian at OPE the 25 HP will be close 2K with everything I need. I'm going to have to think about it not sure if I want to spend that much for a garage project.

Back in my family's shop, we used to build a few racers (dirt track mainly) and we rarely started with the enigne. It would seem like the motor on a TM would be the simplest thing to get right with all the other stuff taking most of the engineering. On racers, we only built them with a mock enigne until it was ready for final assembly.

I don't know of anyone that makes a replica small engine, but maybe the local distributor can find you a blown one for mock up usage? Try the small engine shops as well, you are bound to trip over one for a couple of bucks. That way, if the build goes sideways, you aren't out much.

That's what I was thinking or am just wussing out 

Although it would be fun to take a few guys, raid an equipment salvage yard, and slap a unit together, you are investing a fair amount of money on this build. Being cautious only makes sense to me.

I really do enjoy these builds, but I don't think that I am up to the attempt cold. Now, if the group collectively pooled some resources to build the most balanced machine out there, then it might be different. Then there would be many in the fight and that would ensure success. After which, the group markets the result.

Thats why im considering buying that old tnt. I really just want it for a project machine. The motor and blower I dont even want. To small for my tastes. However that SS tank/frame is an item worth having around.

Actually that gives me an idea. Hey mo you want to buy a used 18hp b&s off that unit?

Fuzzsucker wrote:Thats why im considering buying that old tnt. I really just want it for a project machine. The motor and blower I dont even want. To small for my tastes. However that SS tank/frame is an item worth having around.

Actually that gives me an idea. Hey mo you want to buy a used 18hp b&s off that unit?

You are not the first one to say that, I wonder what it would cost just to buy a tank and frame from Les?

About 6k. I asked

Fuzzsucker wrote:About 6k. I asked

Did you ask nicely??

Must be why so many have been looking for a worn out unit to redesign. Things do get expensive fast in this business....knocking on wood.