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

I thought that I would start a thread with information on the LCT engine. Since these engines starting showup in place of the Temcumseh Snow King it would be nice to have a reference thread. Here are some links with information:

http://www.lctusa.com/

http://www.j-thomas.com/Catalog/164_lct_engines.html

http://www.parsonsracingengines.com/page/lct%20racing%20engines

The Parsons Racing site also shows that some of the parts on the 208 cc engine are interchangable with Honda GX200.

There are two base versions for LCT: 208 cc and 414 cc
The 208 cc is the one used for snowblowers. It is also referred to as the StormForce. My experience with the engine is on a Poulan snowblower. I'll post more on how it works out later in the season (it's only snowed twice so far in Denver).

Sport

Catt wrote:
Thanks, Catt. It would appear that Zongshen makes the 357cc engine as well.

SEARS has a Boxing Day special on their Craftsman snowblower, with an LCT Storm Force 208cc engine.  Electric start, 24 inch width.  A small machine, but okay for homeowner use, I guess.  Price here in Canada is $599, a $300 saving.  Does this sound like a good deal?  I was nervous about the Chinese-made LCT engines until I read the positive reviews posted here.

Does anyone have access to the LCT 414cc Storm Force engine mounted in a Husqvarna 1830 EXLT "Snow King" and an LCT 414cc MAXX GEN generator that can confirm if the mufflers are interchangeable? I'd take a 1 ft-lbs loss for a decent noise reduction.

gnurob wrote:
With that size of an engine on a 30" machine, why not just cut back on the throttle a bit.  Run it at 3000 instead of 3600 and the noise reduction will be noticeable but power loss minimal..

borat wrote: The storm force motor is only a single speed.  It's either on or off, no inbetween based on everything I've read on it.

duplicate

Yes, having no throttle control is definitely a disappointment. Just backing it in/out of the shed is a roar.

Its not that its a bad engine--it is definitely is a powerful brute--but its over the threshold of what I would operate early AM or late PM. I assume the 414 cc MAXX GEN model is a fair bit quieter. So far the only video I could find was for a Northern Technologies arc welder/generator. It sounded quiet but the brief clip was at idle (it gets a throttle, go figure).

LCT replied to my question on compatibility. No confirmation of fitment but they did say that the generator motor relies on the generator frame to support the muffler. If somewhere were to attempt this mod they would have to count on some additional fabrication.

If only a few clear pictures were available...

Try adjusting the governor to reduce rpm. 

If you're keen on a different muffler, you might be in for some mount fabrication. It can be done however, a fair bit of trial and error will be required and attachment points might be an issue.

Have you thought of just adding a length of flex pipe inside the exhaust hole and running it down to the bottom of the chassis.  It should attentuate some of the sound.  At the very least, it will take the raspy bark out of it.