98 Conquest repower question FD620D

[wnh8x8]

I've got low compression on a FD620d and have pulled the engine with the idea of rebuilding (I haven't torn it down, yet). However, my conversations with a mechanic familiar with these engines says tolerances are critical and I might rather consider repower options. My previous machine had a Kohler air-cooled engine and seemed to work fine. I'm operating in SE Texas and first, wonder whether a water-cooled engine will handle the heat better.

Ebay has rebuild kits for around $300.00. Cylinder bore would run about $50/ea. Then I'm looking at mechanic labor so I'm guessing about $1000 total. On the other hand, I think I can buy an equivalent air-cooled (kohler/Honda, briggs) engine for a little more. (I've seen the threads on predator engines but don't mind spending a little more to get a quality engine).

Any thoughts on cost/benefit of rebuild vs. repower and related performance concerns.
Also, ease of swap. I'm relatively competent, but will likely have to hire someone to fab the exhaust if I make a change.

I'm looking for a reliable machine for hog/duck-hunting and don't want to throw good money after bad with a rebuild.

Thoughts and suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

W

[AlaskaGrizzly]

I would keep the Kawasaki FD620D. Air cooled will be louder. And I think they are more prone to heat issues. My first Argo had a Briggs & Stratton 16HP in it. It did fine for the years I had it. I often found myself running it without the hood on to get it more air. I never looked back when I bought a my first Conquest with the Kawasaki. To me they are dependable engine and perform well. Repair it right and it will last for a very long time. I had 2 Conquests up till last fall. Both had 400 hours and never any major issues with the engines. And to me 400 hours is not that much time. Biggest problem I ever had with either was a dirty carburetor bowl.

[dirtdobber]

Tear into your current engine and determine what is worn out. Then you can make a more informed decision. The cause of the low compression may or may not be a big deal.