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

Hi. My 6hp tec seized up  (on my Ariens old snothro)and I will swap it with new Intek. I have both an auger unit and mower deck for this and I need to confirm (question 1) that I should get an air-filtered engine. I can get a great price on a 7.5hp Snow Intek OHV, 12C314-0207 snowblower engine but I mow with it in the summer, so it demands an air filter. Does anyone know of  how to retrofit an airfilter onto a snowblower engine? Otherwise, I can only afford a 6.5 hp intek and while the 6hp tecumseh worked well, I would have like to go close to 8 hp. Anythoughts on the 6.5hp Intek IC PRO, 123435-0168 ?  It is a air filtered, tiller rated engine. Thank you all who contribute. Sincerely, Rick

I assume that your old engine had an air filtration system of sorts on it right?  If it did, you could try rig that system to fit the new engine.  Also, compare the air filtration system on the Intek I/C to the old engine.  If they're similar, the engine should work fine.  The problem with summer engines in winter is that the carb and surrounding area is unheated by either ambient temperatures or from heat generated by the engine itself.  Icing in/on the carburetor can occur causing fuel/air mixture problems.  If you engine will be running in an eclosure that can capture some of the engine heat, it should operate with no problem in cold weather.   I'd go with the I/C engine.  Another thing to consider is the actual available horse power from the same sized engine.  If you would like more power, there's a very good chance that an eight h.p. might just slip right into your machine.   

Thank you Borat for continuing to help me out. That old HH60 tecumseh never had an air filter on it at all. As I have read, winter engines don't have filters and this one does not have any place for it and the small engine mechanic who has worked on it through the years never said to me that it was missing. I haven't looked at the IC in person, so I don't know if a heat reflector shield of some kind can be installed. The price of the IC is $249 6.5hp Intek IC PRO, 3/4" Shaft, OHV, Recoil & Electric, NO ALTERNATOR, Great for Troy Bilt Horse compared to the price of the Intek $260 7.5hp Snow Intek OHV 3/4"x2 5/16" Shaft, Electric Start Provisions, 3 Amp Alternator. As you can see, the price of the Intek can't be beat which is why I want to put an airfilter on it so I use it with my mower. Any suggestions on putting an airfilter on this Intek? Sincerely, Rick

Don't forget that the I/C engine has a cast iron bore vs. aluminum bore on the Intek snow engine.   Of the two engines, the I/C is probably most suitable for both cold and warm weather service.  If need be, you can remove the air filter in winter.  If the engine, is kept relatively warm by the heat it generates when installed on your machine and the carb intake is protected from inhaling snow, it should have no problem in winter. 

Some of the engines being offered for sale on the engine seller sites are those that have a fixed throtle. Make sure that the one you order has the throtle type (fixed or adjustable) that is proper for your application. I was suprised to see Snow Inteks listed with both a cast iron bore and a fixed throtle carb. 

Marc 

Rick, I've done some research into this b/c my H70 is smoking and I'd like to replace it. First, in the owners manual when using the ariens for mowing you are supposed to remove the heat box and install a filter. Second, many non-"snow" engines work in cool weather just fine don't sweat it. I'm not sure a filter can be attached to the snow inteks; they seem to have very tight packaging, therefore definitely go with a filtered engine. the I/C pro should work well, other engines that have gotten my interest are the 6.5 HP Honda clones (I just saw pepboys have them on sale for $99) and the Robin 7HP (~$325) has a lot of torque and revs to 4000rpm which will increase your throwing distance. BTW, how do you like the mower attachment I was thinking about getting one? Keep us informed.

It was my understanding that engines designed for cold weather use have reduced air circulation ( generally a shroud) so that they run "warm enough". Therefore they would run too hot in the summer.

It might be a matter of taking the shroud off or it might not be that significant if the engine runs 40C (72F) or so hotter.

Professorpi; I have been looking at some very low priced engines on Ebay and elsewhere but I don't trust them because I don't have trust in Chinese made knockoffs and their uses are for anything from a go cart to utility. I have learned for the web that I want torque and hp in the low rpm range, unlike a go cart engine that would want speed. I  am satisfied using  the mower deck for light brush cutting, knotweed and high grass cutting.

Borat; I found a site http://www.smallenginesuppliers.com/shop/html/tecumseh_snow_engines_feature-specs.htm stating the tec has a cast iron bore.

mm14; I almost made that mistake but I am reading alot of webpostings and learned that ahead of time. Thanks

Nibbler; I wondered if the shroud was removable. I am going to make some calls and get more info

I am find great pricing to MTD shaft engines but I can't find a pulley to go on it. I also wonder if I need to change the pulley size ratio if I go to a larger engine than the 6hp that died.

Thanks