1970's Argo 8x8 engine swap, need a little help with a replacement

[eclimer]

I think have a 70's Argo 8x8, the body tag # is TB 3150. It has a 16hp OH160 Tec in it right now. We were wanting to put a Duromax (XP16HPE) 16 electric start in it for a replacement. I found one on MaxTool.com for $289.99 free s&h. My question is will this fit as a bolt in. I am rewiring and installing new choke and throttle cables also. If it will fit I will order one and keep you posted on how it turns out. Also what can you guys tell me from the Argo tag # YEAR, MODEL, ETC? This is my first post and your site has been very helpful. Thanks

[thebuggyman1]

The Duromax is a clone of the Honda 13HP, they seem to be good motors. Don't be suprised if it lacks the power of the Tecumseh. The big problem is the duromax line lacks alternators. Try here instead Carroll Stream Motor Company : www.carrollstream.com I beleive they have 3 amp or larger.

[eclimer]

Thanks for responding, I spoke with MAXTOOL and they said the electric start model has a 3 amp charging system. With that being said I also have a chance to purchase a 13hp 390 Honda but I didn't know if it would be enough horses. I guess I need to know if they fit or if someone has done the swap with one or the other what changes had to be made. Would the 13hp Honda be a better choice over the 16hp Duro Honda knockoff? I would think they would both be better than a 30+ year TEC....but I have be wrong once or twice before. Ask my wife,.....ha,ha!

[thebuggyman1]

If the tecumseh runs, I wouldnt switch it. The clone motors are being modified by gokart racers, they get 50hp out of them. It's good that the duro's are now coming with alts. the carrol stream ones had 3 amp last year and the new models were supposed to be upgraded to larger (10A???) for 2011. My wife would claim that I've been RIGHT once or twice LOL
I can't tell you if it would fit or not...the TEC is taller as it stands straight up. The clone has the cyl. angled to the side. You are just going to have to measure.

[eightwheeler]

id say its a 1980 and do not switch to a 13hp, the Tec has more torque that you need to be pushing an 8 wheeler also the 13's dont have fuel pumps, just divorce the bad fuel pump and upgrade it to a briggs vanguard one

[eclimer]

Thanks eightwheeler the Tec just threw the magnets off the fly wheel. I am just wanting a cheap and easy replacement and was sure someone had did a swap on here before. Have you heard of anyone using these Chinese clone 16hp's? I just wanting some ideas on whats gonna fit.

[vanmeterj1]

Thanks eightwheeler the Tec just threw the magnets off the fly wheel. I am just wanting a cheap and easy replacement and was sure someone had did a swap on here before. Have you heard of anyone using these Chinese clone 16hp's? I just wanting some ideas on whats gonna fit.

I cannot speak on Fitment for your machine,

Having said that I wanted to chime in here because I have the 16hp Powermax (same Honda Clone) Engine in my 71 Attex. It came with the 3A as well but with all the goodies I have in line to put on this machine, Like a winch, Lights, and even the MP3 pyle strero system I just flat out decided that the 1 wire GM 55AMP alternator was necessary. My Powermax has the larger stock carb from AGK, custom stepped exhaust, and K&N intake. I have also put the ALT in under the cylinder in line with the motor. I have about 500$ in it Total and I have been happy with the motors performance.

The hard truth is that while it fit in my machine I made alot of fittment changes to the general mount set up to get it right. It is a much larger foot print than your current 16hp TEC because of the angleled cylinder. all things considered though, it makes a great little package as far as The Performance to Dollars ratio goes. I cannot speak of the durability, Only time will tell that one and I just don't have the hours in with this motor to be able to say.

I Also had the 16hp TEC in another MAX II machine and the compression spring locked up on me, I fit a used 18HP briggs I/C in it as a replacement and has worked out very well.

I know that the 16hp tec with it's cast Iron block is a good durable motor when they run right but I personnaly perfer any newer design over it. The 16 hp TEC just seems to be a dog at throttle response and there is no great performance following for that motor.

What Eight wheeler said about not stepping down in ponies makes perfect sense. if your going to replace the engine then don't go backwards in performance by any means.