I replaced the Tecumseh a couple of years ago with the Harbor Freight engine. I have no regrets. My experience was the same as the video right down the line. I fought that old motor for years and dreaded trying to start it and then listen to the loud exhaust. I could have paid for several HF engines with just the cost of starter batteries. The HF starts the first time every time. I have used it in the Winter to push snow off the drive and it ran like a dream. Best hundred bucks I ever spent.
Great video. Thank you! I just installed the motor with my father in-law last night. Great tip on the pulley bolt. Father in-law is so happy, this machine has not moved in over 15 years.
I did this engine swap yesterday evening. Somehow the drive pulley has slid back towards the engine too far. How’d you get the pulley to rest so far out from the back of the engine? I’ve used the original key for the driveshaft as it was the correct size from what I could see. Please advise!
I ended up buying shims. Put 5 behind the pulley. Worked out fine. Now struggling to find the current wheels to replace my old rusted wheels and tires.
this is what I was looking for, looks like the newer 212s r slightly different then this video, an others alike... I honestly thought i put it together wrong lol
Did you use this engine to replace a Tecumseh HH60 engine - if so what model Engine did you purchase from Harbor Freight? thx cuz my Troy built engine went Kaput.
yup, replaced the original Tecumsigh HH60, it's the 6.5 HP Predator, 6.5 HP (212cc) OHV Horizontal Shaft Gas Engine www.harborfreight.com/generators-engines/engines/65-hp-212cc-ohv-horizontal-shaft-gas-engine-epa-69730.html Harbor Freight lists it at 34 pounds and I think the HH60 was over 50 pounds, so quite a bit lighter in the front as an added bonus. other than the crankshaft bolt being different size/thread, literally was a direct bolt in
@@johnstafford2402 I don't remember if we added 1 more or 2 more, just bought some at hardware store and mixed and matched until we had the right offset amount to line up
Mine is a 1982 Troy-bilt PTO w/8hp Kohler. I've replaced the gas tank and added a quiet muffler. When it runs, it is great. Looked at Harbor Freight today, replace 8 hp Kohler with a Predator 8 hp (301 cc). Same bolt pattern, right? The floor guy said all Predator engines bolt up the same. Better for PTO Chipper & PTO Generator.
very likely, to my knowledge the bolt pattern is the same/standardized, so the tillers could have tecumseh or briggs or kohler..the predator fit in place of the tecumseh on mine
@@dln9063 yes, plenty of power to do so, in fact, if you get it bogged down it has enough power to slip the belt. I've actually run it at lower throttle to reduce power/reduce slipping when breaking heavy clay soil
I was just wondering if you had any problems with clearance with the wrap around push bar or crash bar? Looks like it was tight on one side. I’m about to repower with one of these engines on my Troy-bilt.
it's fairly tight, but enough room that it doesn't hit or rub, even in use. but getting the push bar back on was..fun. have to hold your mouth just right and wiggle it on
Any idea as to how old your tiller is? I have the exact same machine, same decals and everything. About to do this engine swap with HF 212 predator. Just wondering.
@@workingdad A question... After taking the bolt off the reversing disk, what did you do to get the pulley's off the motor shaft? Mine don't seem to want to budge... at all.
@@ukewarrior mine was not seized/rusted on..that's what it sounds like if it won't budge. lots of nuts off or other penentrating oil? don't want to bend the pulley. not sure if you can find aftermarket replacement pulley?
@@workingdad yeah I got it for 75 bought 2 belts for 15 and this 212 motor for 129 today..Now it's time to put it together..Got sick of fighting that front tine tiller.
That's a dang good deal even if you need to stick an engine on it. Look for leaks on the tine shaft(s) and also the condition of the tines. I paid $225 and another $100 for a HF engine. These tillers are great. Light and easy to use very simple to keep maintained.
I replaced the Tecumseh a couple of years ago with the Harbor Freight engine. I have no regrets. My experience was the same as the video right down the line. I fought that old motor for years and dreaded trying to start it and then listen to the loud exhaust. I could have paid for several HF engines with just the cost of starter batteries. The HF starts the first time every time. I have used it in the Winter to push snow off the drive and it ran like a dream. Best hundred bucks I ever spent.
Great video. Thank you! I just installed the motor with my father in-law last night. Great tip on the pulley bolt. Father in-law is so happy, this machine has not moved in over 15 years.
thanks for watching, and hope yall enjoy as much as I have. It's a whole different machine with a modern engine!
@@workingdad is it still running? Thinking of making the swamp
I found the Harbor Freight open end/ratchet closed end wrench set is ideal for ratcheting the engine mounting bolts!
I did this engine swap yesterday evening. Somehow the drive pulley has slid back towards the engine too far. How’d you get the pulley to rest so far out from the back of the engine? I’ve used the original key for the driveshaft as it was the correct size from what I could see. Please advise!
I’m having this same problem. What did you end up doing?
@@calebhampton3560 there should be a spacer behind the pulley that keeps the depth correct
I ended up buying shims. Put 5 behind the pulley. Worked out fine. Now struggling to find the current wheels to replace my old rusted wheels and tires.
this is what I was looking for, looks like the newer 212s r slightly different then this video, an others alike... I honestly thought i put it together wrong lol
Did you use this engine to replace a Tecumseh HH60 engine - if so what model Engine did you purchase from Harbor Freight? thx cuz my Troy built engine went Kaput.
yup, replaced the original Tecumsigh HH60, it's the 6.5 HP Predator, 6.5 HP (212cc) OHV Horizontal Shaft Gas Engine
www.harborfreight.com/generators-engines/engines/65-hp-212cc-ohv-horizontal-shaft-gas-engine-epa-69730.html
Harbor Freight lists it at 34 pounds and I think the HH60 was over 50 pounds, so quite a bit lighter in the front as an added bonus. other than the crankshaft bolt being different size/thread, literally was a direct bolt in
What size shims did you use to make top pulley line up with your bottom pulley I used my 3 shims from my old motor and still not enough
I used the originals and that was enough, but helped a neighbor and he needed more, we got a washer from hardware store
@@workingdad what size washer did you use? And more than one??
@@johnstafford2402 I don't remember if we added 1 more or 2 more, just bought some at hardware store and mixed and matched until we had the right offset amount to line up
Mine is a 1982 Troy-bilt PTO w/8hp Kohler. I've replaced the gas tank and added a quiet muffler. When it runs, it is great. Looked at Harbor Freight today, replace 8 hp Kohler with a Predator 8 hp (301 cc). Same bolt pattern, right? The floor guy said all Predator engines bolt up the same. Better for PTO Chipper & PTO Generator.
same bolt pattern, only thing differnt is crankshaft bolt is different size and thread, can't remember what, but I think I say in the video
I need a replacement for my Briggs & Stratton 8hp industrial pro that was one a horse. Will this engine work?
very likely, to my knowledge the bolt pattern is the same/standardized, so the tillers could have tecumseh or briggs or kohler..the predator fit in place of the tecumseh on mine
@@workingdad have you tried pulling a hiller attachment with this engine?
@@dln9063 yes, plenty of power to do so, in fact, if you get it bogged down it has enough power to slip the belt. I've actually run it at lower throttle to reduce power/reduce slipping when breaking heavy clay soil
I was just wondering if you had any problems with clearance with the wrap around push bar or crash bar? Looks like it was tight on one side. I’m about to repower with one of these engines on my Troy-bilt.
it's fairly tight, but enough room that it doesn't hit or rub, even in use. but getting the push bar back on was..fun. have to hold your mouth just right and wiggle it on
Any idea as to how old your tiller is? I have the exact same machine, same decals and everything. About to do this engine swap with HF 212 predator. Just wondering.
the engine (which I assumed to be original) was a 1982 or 1983
Are you saying the only parts you had to buy in addition to the engine was one bolt with washers?
How about that!
yep, that was all! I guess oil, the predator didn't come with an oil bottle like some new mowers and such do
@@workingdad A question... After taking the bolt off the reversing disk, what did you do to get the pulley's off the motor shaft?
Mine don't seem to want to budge... at all.
@@ukewarrior mine was not seized/rusted on..that's what it sounds like if it won't budge. lots of nuts off or other penentrating oil? don't want to bend the pulley. not sure if you can find aftermarket replacement pulley?
@@workingdad After Market pulley are available from E-bay. I bought two of them look and work Just like the factory. I went with the Honda GX 200.
Wow. Think I'll do it tomorrow
Nice I am about to buy this tiller for 100 bucks..
oh man, that's a heck of a good deal
@@workingdad yeah I got it for 75 bought 2 belts for 15 and this 212 motor for 129 today..Now it's time to put it together..Got sick of fighting that front tine tiller.
@@daveyboy8907 that's an awesome score, you gonna post a vid in action?
That's a dang good deal even if you need to stick an engine on it. Look for leaks on the tine shaft(s) and also the condition of the tines. I paid $225 and another $100 for a HF engine. These tillers are great. Light and easy to use very simple to keep maintained.