which engine would you use

[KajunKrawler]

I have a b&s 16hp twin & and a 16hp kohler single k341qs model. The kohler is in the hustler now and runs great. Should i put the b&s 16hp in the hustler? The b&s is lighter and runs just as well. The kohler is 127lbs i think. Would the b&s outperform the kohler?

[jpswift1]

Is the B&S a v-twin Vanguard or a flat twin I/C engine? If the Kohler in there now works great, keep it.......the K341 is a great engine with tons of low end torque and it is very reliable, perfect for a trail machine.

[KajunKrawler]

Yes it is the v-twin vanguard. I guess i should have just looked up the specs on each. Thx

[jpswift1]

The Kohler K341 is going to make more torque than the Vanguard, but the Vanguard may be a bit smoother. I personally like both engines, but if everything is working as it should with the Kohler, keep it and go ride. If it isn't broke, don't fix it kind of thing. Just keep the Vanguard in the shop just in case down the road you need to do an engine swap, this way you've got a back up plan and don't have to worry.

[jerseybigfoot]

I swapped the k341 for a 20hp kohler twin in my Hustler and the machine is bulletproof. The K enine was a good engine but could not get it to run clean. Would not want to trail ride behind it.

[KajunKrawler]

Well i put the b&s 16hp in the hustler and wont be going back to kohler 16hp. big difference. Will try to post cell phone video to show the difference.....
Kohler:

Briggs:

[Duke]

good vids and good looking hustler kohler is a great engine but I have always been a briggs person I think they sound good and are reliable and make good torque

[KajunKrawler]

well the vangaurd 16hp started smoking, just received my tracking number for the yamaha 540 fan engine that i plan on putting in the hustler. Got it on ebay for a $100. The guy selling it said it ran good.
Who is the two stroke guru on this board? I know i will need a few tips on tuning it in.
I knew the vangaurd was getting close for a rebuild, plus i wanted more hp so i guess it worked out. Will be tearing that vangaurd apart this weekend to see why it started smoking. Hopefully it just needs valve seals or something simple like that. If this was your engine what would you do to it to increase performance with about $300 budget? I am thinking rev kit, shaved head or thin head gaskets, & advance key for flywheel. Post your suggestions. Thanks

[hydromike]

There are plenty of two stroke folks on the board. Best to probably just post some questions as they arise, and we'll chime in when we have an answer.

For four stroke advice on rebuilding the Vanguard on a budget, I'm sure someone will chime in as soon as they see the thread here....

Good luck with your new 540!
~m

[KajunKrawler]

Here is the first question, lol. didnt take long did it?
Looking at buying these pipes for it:
"http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260561416239&viewitem= &sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT"
leave the quotes off, couldnt get the link to work right
From my internet research it looks like they will work. My engine is a 1982 yamaha 540 out of a SRV snowmobile.

[6 WHEELS OR BUST]

Hey kajun i have a 2 stroke clutch from a jlo rockwell. If youre interested i would be willing to trade it in on your vanguard clutch. I also have some hustler axles to boot.

[Don]

Assuming the internal dimensions are the same on all the Yamaha 540 engines, I'd say the pipes would probably work fine, but I'll bet if you're patient you'll find some cheaper. If Yamaha built more than one version of the engine, you may have a mismatch and not get the horses out of it that you should.

[KajunKrawler]

From what i have seen all the 540's use the same piston back then. Thats what made me think they would work. I have been looking for two weeks on ebay and craigslist and these are the first set of duels i have seen for a 540. I like your description under your screen name. I have loved two strokes since i had a Attex 500 as a young teen. If i knew what i had back then i would have never sold it!

Shoot me an email about what you are offering to trade for the clutch. kak@davieseng DOT com Im sure we can work a deal.

[KajunKrawler]

I tore the 16hp vanny down and noticed that there was only valve seals on the intake valves. Is that normal? I would have thought that the exhaust valves would have seals too. Alot of carbon build up on pistons. Oven cleaner works good for removing. It said not to use on aluminum but i didnt let it set to long and it comes off easy.

[Roger S]

Only uses intake seals. If you change them, make sure you get them on good, they can come off and bend pushrods. At least on higher lift cams.