Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I have an old Ariens snowblower that is in good shape but with a tired engine. I've been looking into a new replacement. The logical candidates seem to be the Tecumseh OHSK70, the B&S Intek 7.5, and the Honda GX200. 

The Honda seems to have the most torque (10 ft lbs) but is also by far the most expensive - $500 versus around $300 for the other two.

I have never seen a torque figure quoted for the Tecumseh, but it seems like the Intek 7.5 is around 7 ft  lbs?

Another engine that I came across was the Robin Subaru EX series, a 7hp OHC engine that has a lot of advanced features but isn't much more than the B&S or Tecumseh. They all have the same crankshaft (3/4") and height (about 4.17").
B&S sent me data sheets on the replacement: the Honda dealer has an employee who did one; and Tecumseh gave me all the dimensions and concerns (mostly about fitting the chute crank under the engine) but they all seem like they'll work.

I live in Boston MA and the current unit is a Tecumseh H50 on a 1970 Ariens. I checked the compression and it's 65 psi on the first pull and 75 psi after 2 or 3 (by hand pull). I do the sidewalks up and down the street for  some older (or lazier) neighbors so the kids can walk to school without walking in the road. The blower is great because it compacts the snow a bit and the biggest problem here after a snowstorm is finding a place to put it. I've used the unit 8 times so far this season.

SnowPro wrote:
That would be simplest, and probably cheapest. But least entertaining.

I have some nostalgic attachment to this unit as my dad bought it new in 1970. It's been extremely well cared for and maintained with new parts as apropriate and is overbuilt in a way modern design science doesn't accomodate. 

None of this makes economic sense. I use this thing 3-8 times a year to clear voluntarily clear sidwalks that I'm not obliged to clear - I just do it to be nice to some neighbors who are elderly, single moms, etc.  Las year I used it twice. So it's mostly for entertainment value.  The used market is pretty well developed around here - $200 to $250 for an old 5hp, $250 to $350 for an old 7hp. The 8hp often sell for less because they're heavier and harder to handle. Newer ones sell for $400 to 600.

The 10 ft lbs of torque on the Honda is appealing. I could paint it  white like the old Tecumseh and cause great puzzlement amongst owners of newer equipment. The folks I've spoken with who've "hot-rodded" them with large frame engines have regretted it because of the need for a different length v-belt and other changes. But the Intek is reasonably priced and may produce as much as 9 ft lbs of torque, so that looks like a prett nice choice. Having something that pollutes less is a good thing, as well.

I bought a B&S Intek Snow 7.5 with electric start & alternator. 

B&S was the most helpful in giving advice about the transplant; the engine seems to perform well; and they have a two year warranty. Tecumseh was responsive but didn't have the pictures and directions B&S offered. Honda would not offer any advice at all and referred me to a local dealer, who quoted me $499 for a GX200. He'd put an 8hp Honda on his Ariens but that's a more difficult change because the crankshaft is a different height. I never got a square answer as to what changes would be required to use a Honda on a snowblower.

Since I had to send the blower housing out for welding anyway, I cut off the bracket for the auger crank handle and will have it welded on to facilitate adding the u-joints required with the new engine. My blower is not the one shown (that's a B&S picture, I believe, but on the smallenginewarehouse site) but is otherwise the same model, so the OHV engine would interfere.

I'm changing the friction disk while I'm waiting, repainting everything, changing to Snow Hog tires, etc.  I bought the Duplicolor Chevy Orange DE1620 as suggested by Itzbinnace, and it does seem to be a perfect match for Ariens Orange.

Here's the new and the old.

Imagine my surprise after  hearing from various sources that this change was difficult or impossible (local dealer) to see that the new engine mounts perfectly on the old studs for the H50. They're too short and will have to be drilled out and  longer bolts used, but everything will bolt right on.

A  couple of ujoints for the chute crank and we'll be done!

i have swapped a lot of the 10 and 11 inteks for old tecumseh.

havent had many problems with the swap.in fact we usually do it for the old engine.

we sell the iginition and carbs and make a few bucks here and there.

the ariens is sometimes a bit more time ,like you said you will have to modify the chute crank.but its not to bad .and wow what a machine you have when your done.

later chris 

Reminds me of an Escalade sitting next to an old Dart. 

Congrats, that's going to be a great set up when you're finished.

Only one little four barrel.



Now that's a snowblower engine.



Garandman, People love those Inteks. You should be real happy. Don't forget the pics of the conversion if you can. It should be great.

Garandman wrote:

It doesn't seem like you left a message, ut here's the completed machine.

Just saw this part of your message.

[quote]I just bought a used Ariens just like the picture that you posted.  The model # and serial # were cut off of it so I am not able to figure out the best matching model number for this blower.  You said you have one along the same line, mine matches the picture exactly, does yours?  If it does, would you give me the specs of it along with Model # so I can look up more information about it?  It's a very clean machine with a tired motor and some light carb work that needs to be done.  I am also debating about changing motors or repairing the one I have.  I have found some really good engine prices online and compared to fixing the existing engine, it is much more worthwhile just to buy a new one.[/quote]

Have to add another post because the Moderators (who must be strange people indeed) removed the ability to edit posts......

The engine is a 7.5hp Intek Snow with a 3/4" shaft and electric start. The shaft was a little longer than requird on the one I bought as a "scratch and dent" special - I cut it off with a hacksaw. I had to drill out the old studs and replace them with longer bolts. I have a personal website with more pictures and details, PM me if you need more info.

Here's a comparison between the new OHV Intek and old H50.



Because I bought an 8hp Ariens I haven't actually used this one yet. I'm bringing it to my brother in  a week or so. He has a teenager to wring it out.

Garandman wrote:

Wow, you did a nice job at cleaning that machine up.  Looks brand spanky new!  I believe mine is pretty much the same exact model, could you tell me the Ariens model number of yours?  So you went 7.5HP Intek, I am still debating on which engine to put into my frame.  I was hoping to go to at least an 8.5 or 9.5HP motor but need to be careful that the internal components can handle it. 

Mind if I ask the website where you got your engine from?  I remember seeing those "scratch and dent" ones, but didn't save the link.

Thanks!