Vertical - horizontal

[rodp]

Just looking down ebay and came across a few Briggs and Kohlers. Most are vertical shaft and some horizontal. Just wondered if it was possible to convert vertical to horizontal, and if so, what's involved? Anyone bothered to do it?

[fmints]

OK,,,, let me see here. First, I'm guessing that you are speaking on a Briggs for the conversion from a vertical to a horizontal, right? If so,, and I may not be a 100% correct, but I believe that these items will have to be changed:

1. first check you would have to see if the casings (block) have the holes available to mount the engine horizontally, (on verticals, the clutch-side engine casing is where the engine is mounted to the mower or whatever configuration that it is in, etc,,,
2. vertical oil pump on the inside of the clutch-side casings will have to changed to a horiziontal oil pump
3. the intake and carb will have to be from an horizontal config.
4. the valve cover that has the vacuum hose for the fuel pump will have to also be from a horizontal config.

Provided that the crankshaft is the right size, I do believe this is just about it!! Most verts on ebay go for under 800-900 bucks with horizontals ranging from 1100-1200 and higher. I would say to just get a horizontal. By the time that you buy all of the neccessary parts to include shipping you would be right at what an orginal horizonatal will cost brand new. Unless you are getting the vertical for much of nothing and the engine block already has the holes to mount it horizontally, I personally would not attempt it. It would not be cost efficient! I hope this puts a little dent in your curiosity and I'm sure that others on the site will chime in and add to what I written.

[rodp]

Much the same as I thought to be honest, just wondered if it had been done or was a viable conversion. Loads of verticals, both Briggs and Kohler, over here for next to nothing, like £10 to £40. Shame it's not just a simple swap of a few parts but that's life.

[jpswift1]

Don't do it, it's not worth the trouble. Just keep your eyes open for a deal on a horizontal shaft engine and save yourself lots of frustration, time, and money.

[rodp]

I don't really need one, it's just that if it was a simple swap of a few bits I would have waited for a super cheap one (£10 ?) and converted it just for a spare (and something to do).
Cheers anyway