Harbor Freight 13Hp Predator vs. Amazon XP16HPE 16Hp DuroMax

[mert]

Need an engine for a Muscateer I am restoring.

These two are pretty close in Hp and price... pros or cons to either?

Have seen info the Predator is a solid engine (Honda knock-off) but may not have enough charging capability for the accessories on the Muscateer (lights, may add some others once its running, a small winch maybe... ). Both have electric start. The DuroMax has OK reviews too, but a few more negatives than the Predator...

New to these machines and appreciate any advice/input/experience.

[amphibious drew]

I've known people with bad issues with the duromax engines. The harbor freight engines seem to work very well though.

[Toys4Me]

We've had great luck with the Harbor Freight engines. I've had to of the Carroll Streams which are the same as Duromax and neither one lasted. The charging circuit is a bit lacking on the single cylinder engines but they work well. We also added one wire alts to them and that fixed the charge issue.

[mert]

Thanks for the input. Any photos on the addition of the one wire alt? I did see info that their charging systems were a bit anemic ...

[Toys4Me]

Here are some pics from an install on a thunderchief.

[mert]

Thanks very much!

[mert]

Hi, resurrecting this thread as I am back in Minnesota and working on the Muscateer for the next two weeks.

Still looking at the HF 13Hp Predator to power the Muscateer. Will probably be buying this next week, unless anyone here has an alternate they would recommend at a similar price point.

13 HP (420cc) OHV Horizontal Shaft Gas Engine EPA

[smudvapor]

I have been running a 16 HP Duromax from Maxtool for the past two years and I have had no problems. My wife and I both trail ride in it and I plow my driveway with it in the winter. I am very happy with it.

[mert]

Anyone tied the "Lifan" brand engines.... have found one locally used for a bit under retail...

https://www.menards.com/main/outdoors/outdoor-power-equipment/snow-blowers-accessories/13-mhp-electric-recoil-start-engine-1-in-horizontal-keyway/p-1444430047027-c-10112.htm?tid=2599710737907307272

[john swenson]

mert, i have a good used 16 hp vanguard that runs good and has a new starter. will sell at fair price if it's anything that would work for you. if so, i will check on ups cost to you. johnboy va. no tank or muffler though.

[mert]

Thanks for the offer, I am not familiar with these in detail and am filling a void, so no past engine to look at for how it fits/aligns.... I have a line on an old Tecumseh (originally it had a HH100, found a HO160 that has similar mounting, but is taller... need to see if it may fit under the existing mesh guard). So I'll continue research before buying as I don't need a spare that won't work in the Muscateer....

[mert]

Thanks for the offer. But I found an original Tecumseh HH100 w/electric start and have decided to go back to original, and hope the black box works....