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

I have here a piston connecting rod that has just a little too much play in the bearing/bushing that connects it to the shaft.  Is there a bearing/bushing that can be replaced or does the whole connecting rod/shaft assembly need to be replaced? This is off of a Honda 5hp horizontal shaft 4 stroke engine that belongs in a honda single stage snowblower (HS520). 

I agree 100%. This isnt an aircraft engine that is used in a critical situation. I dont see any major issues and it will be a great learning experience.  Try your public library for a book on small engine repair a similar Honda engine may be discussed.  Make it a fun project and take your time.  Just make a point of getting as much of the grit out of it as possible especially around the rings and grooves.  I have used Simple Green as a soaking solution on my BMW pistons (81 bike with 152,000 miles and runs great!)
Packo

If Underdog wants to do if for the experience, I agree, go ahead a put it together.  However, I wouldn't put a dime into it.  Doing a fingernail drag around the scored cylinder doesn't let you know if it's out of round.  From the wear pattern on the cylinder and piston, you can pretty much bet that it is.  I'm certain that the engine will run but it will burn oil, be noisy (for a Honda), and will also be low on power.   I'd put it back together nonetheless just to see how long it would last in that condition.  I repeat that I just wouldn't put money into it. 

When I buy Honda products, I make sure I get the "GX"  engine.  It's a bit more expensive but it will outlast a GC many times over if properly maintained.  These B&S snow engines are not much different than the Honda GC series engines.  No iron cylinder sleeve.  I wasn't too concerned with that aspect because the B&S engine I have is on a snow thrower.  Cool operating temps and clean environment will help to extend it's life.  If it does blow, I'd certainly make sure I replace it with an IC series or better yet, a suitable B&S Vanguard which is made in Japan.  

So, go ahead.  Put it together and keep let us know how it runs. 

Being an over head cam engine, you'll have to make sure you have the timing gears properly aligned.   There should be indicators on both gears and the manual should also tell you what position they should be in.    

PACKO wrote:

Thanks for all the input on this decision.  So I slept on it  last night and I think I have a plan:

I'll  start shopping around for a replacement engine.  See what's out there, what it would cost, and how well it would fit.

Meanwhile,  I'll  toss everything in a vat of "simple green" and hose it down. Then I'll  find a shop manual (I might even be able to resell the manual when I'm done with it) and spread all the parts out on the dining room table (a nice warm well lit room) .  After the baby goes to bed I'll spend a few minutes each night and see if  I can figure it out.