briggs vrs honda

[ARGOJIM]

Are you running a heavily oiled prefilter (sponge filter) or is your paper filter oily? I do not oil my prefilter so engine will breath better.

[wheeler]

It's spitting oil even without the prefilter and filter on.

[Hunter31415]

Time for a leak down test. Sounds like you are getting excessive blow-by.

[wheeler]

Does anybody have an opinion on going from a 18hp to a 23 hp motor. I don't want to spend the extra money on 5 extra hp if it really doesn't make a difference. If it does make a difference I would like to know how it makes a difference.

[814cannob]

One thing to look for going to a larger motor is that there not pull start. To much compression I guess. Only a big deal if your battery dies and then your stranded. Wish I had a pull start, 23 hp Kolar.

[thebuggyman1]

I would pick the extra 5 hp every time. It really wont affect top speed, just how quickly you can get there.

[amphibious drew]

Going from a 16 to an 18 makes a big difference. Going to the 23 makes you feel like your driving a monster! You could go bigger, but my 23 spins all 6 of the 26x12x12 tires.

[Tomo]

hi ,
Once u get to around 625cc and above prefer bigger the better the torque goes up as well ,which is what u want also .
A larger cc/cu.in engine does not labour as hard and provides a far flatter torque curve when measured .At least in small engines .

In my ssf was a sad 18hp then a recondition to bandalero spec less pistons [lower compression ] I have approx. 25 hp [bando 28 hp ]
Far better than stock standard .Power Torque Is nice But throttle response is great .
Lastly u need to tune the clutches 1600 rpm engaugement red spring and the correct belt and correct tension or lack off
Change or leave the final T20 ratio to suit racing mid to high speed or Trail work low to mid range speed
It is important that your lowest trail speed is when the clutches have some belt compression happening otherwise belt slip will happen

tomo

[wheeler]

Great info my friends. I'm stuck with trying to decide what to do. I've priced engines out from all resources including some great sites given to me by 6x6 dudes. I've found some 23 hp briggs all from anywhere around 1400 to 1500 dollarinos. I spoke with a mechanic again and he would do a rebuild on my 18 for about 600.00. I'm not sure a rebuild is the way to go. I would love to have the extra power with the 23 but could use the extra money to buy some more toys for my machine. Hmmmmm.....perplexed and not sure what to do. Any opinions on rebuilding an engine vr new?

[wheeler]

Talked to another small engine mechanic who comes highly regarded and he told me he wouldn't even consider rebuilding the 18. He said that Briggs has a cast iron piston walls and they have a type of moly covering on the walls and he said they tend to score after being rebuilt. He said I may get anywhere from 5 to 10 hours on it before it begins to score. I did my research and found that after talking with a couple of other mechanics he is right! Whew that really sucks. I finally did what I should of done a week ago and upgraded. I bought a 23 hp Briggs Vanguard Twin - brand new, being shipped directly to my house with 5 - 10 days delivery. Now I gotta do is wait and wait and wait. Argghhhh!