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

I'm trying to get a sense of the differences between the Tecumseh L head and the Tecumseh OHV Snowking engines.

From what I garnered from this forum I think that the L heads have historically been pretty bullet proof and trouble free over the long haul.   However there's not as much posted about the Tecumseh OHV Snowkings.  

From personal experience I had a 5hp Ariens that came with a Tecumseh and it was trouble free for 20 years.  My 11.5hp Ariens has a Tecumseh OHV Snowking and it seems to be a very smooth running engine but I don't know how it should be expected to hold up.   Are there any known issues with it?  If so I'd be inclined to buy replacement parts now while they are readily available.

Paul7,

The 318cc OHV's are very derivative of the large 318/358cc L-heads. Essentially, the same engine with an updated valvetrain and styling package. Vertical cylinder, interchangeable pistons and PTO covers, etc. The 358cc OHV (12,13hp) is highly derivative as well but there are more significant changes. A counterbalance shaft (smooth as glass), and a different crankcase and higher mounted crankshaft for increased stroke; and I'm sure a few other things. The small OHV's are slant cylinders and of more contemporary design. The OH195SP (versus OH195SA) has a different valvetrain and puts out more juice than the others.

PK