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Read the magazine article about Jim's Repowering
"Repowered Equipment works better than new"
 The main components of the
"Small Engine Repower Custom Installation Kit" -
Muffler - Exhaust manifold - Rear stub shaft kit - Oil filter auxiliary kit - Oil filter adapter plate - 12 Volt relay - Choke cable assembly - Yokes and U joints - Adapter bushings - Each installation kit is put together for each application. We have some parts machined for us and we have special wiring kits produced for us. Included in my kit is the $300 oil filter bracket and auxiliary kit.
We offer experienced, professional installation. We don't just sell small engines and repower kits, we repower all kinds of equipment at our shop. For those of you wanting the do it yourself project we have toll free telephone support. Replace your tired Kohler or Onan engine with a Vanguard!
Briggs and Stratton Vanguard 16 HP Vertical engine- no kit $1900
Briggs and Stratton Vanguard 18 HP Horizontal engine- $1900 (no kit)
Briggs and Stratton Vanguard 18 HP Vertical engine- with kit $1900
Briggs and Stratton Vanguard 23 HP Horizontal engine no kit $2400
Briggs and Stratton Vanguard 31 HP Horizontal engine- $3000
Briggs and Stratton Vanguard 35 HP Horizontal engine - $3400
Testimonial:
Jim, Thanks very much for your assistance in getting my Cub Cadet running again. The Vanguard engine runs great. It's lighter and more powerful than the original engine and I saved about $1000 by installing the Vanguard myself. The adapter kit you sent worked perfectly. Your help and advice on the 800 number made everything go well. I was really impressed that you were available any time I had a question. I would certainly recommend you to anyone wanting to install a new tractor engine whether they wanted to do it themselves with your help or have you do a custom installation. Thanks again.
Sincerely, Tom
Stop by and Jim might just do some wheelies for you with his John Deere 140 just to show you how powerful these engines are. We all know, it's all about the power!
Parts for the Vanguard engines are easy to find unlike many of the "other" brands.
Large Inventory In Stock
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V-Twin, Overhead Valve |
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Better Fuel Economy |
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Easy to Repower |
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Runs smoother |
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Uses an oil pump so the engine
won't run dry on hills |
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Lightweight-Feels like you have power steering |
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Newer engines produce less emission |
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We also repower with the Briggs and Stratton Vanguard Engines in Bobcats Skid-Steer loaders,
Power Washers, Gators, and Compact tractors. |
Would you like help deciding? Give Jim a call: 1-800-618-8738 or e-mail jim@jimsrepairjimstractors.com Jim has overhauled, repaired, and repowered Briggs, Kohler, Onan, Tecumseh, Kawasaki, Wisconsin, Yanmar, Craftsman, and Honda engines.
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Torque spec charts
New! Case Garden Tractor Repower/Engine Swap kits!
These engines are perfect for you "Do it Yourself" people. If you have good equipment but the engine is tired or has quit, you will love how it performs after a repower with one of these Briggs and Stratton Vanguards. Jim has done hundreds of transplants and specifically loves the Briggs and Stratton Vanguard engines. They have worked great for repowers for regular small engine applications, for Mods, garden tractor pullers, and Hotrods (Mini Rods). He will put together a custom repower kit for your particular application. You'll have something to brag about when you're done. These engines have proven themselves for years.
Jim "Knows his stuff" when if comes to installing any kind of small engine in any type of equipment. He asked someone from Montana why he called us, he said "They told me you're the one who knows." We have shipped these engines as far away as Alaska and Hawaii.
This John Deere 400 had a 20 HP Kohler engine and we repowered it with the 23 HP overhead valve, VTwin engine.
Great Dane Commercial lawn mower-repowered with an 18 Horse Power Vanguard engine.
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This John Deere 317 garden Tractor had a 17 HP Kohler engine & was repowered with a 20 HP
Vanguard engine. |
Simplicity garden tractor repowered with a 23 HP Vanguard engine. Original engine was an 18 HP Onan CCK |
Bobcat was repowered with a 23 HP Vanguard engine. It replaced a 20 HP Kohler engine.
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This Case Garden Tractor has the new Case engine repower kit. Our shop installed a 16 HP Vanguard engine. It had a 16 HP Onan BM43 |
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If you would like to read even more about small engines and repowering them go to
our web log and visit the Small Engine Repower category
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Q: Since the engine in my John Deere 318 does not sit exactly in the same place, does that alter the belt size driving the mower deck, etc? Do I use the same muffler and exhaust pipe that I do on the Onan? Is the starter and solenoid part of the package?
A: With my kit I have the Vanguard engine shimmed up to the same specs as the old one. Also included is a new muffler and manifold. There are only about 4 wires to hook up to the Vanguard engine. It depends on the serial number, if you will get a solenoid or not.
Q: When I replace the Onan with the Vanguard I understand the kit you provide has a PTO bushing and longer cables. Is there any fabrication or welding required to replace the engine?
A: On our earlier set up you would have had to weld the driveshaft but now I spent a fair amount of money on each of these kits to eliminate that.
Q: I have 1970 John Deere skid loader with a 23 horsepower Onan engine, what would be a good replacement for it?
A: I would repower it with the 23 horsepower Vanguard engine.
Q: How do I know if my original engine is a horizontal or vertical shaft engine?
A: The engine is a vertical shaft engine when the engine shaft is sticking out the bottom of the tractor. It is a horizontal shaft when the shaft is pointing out the front, rear, or the side of the tractor.
Q: I want to repower a John Deere 400. How is the Vanguard engine a better option than a Honda 24 Hp?
A: To start with you would pay less for a Honda, but cheapest is not always cheapest. I had a customer that bought a Honda and had it for about 2 months and he came back with internal problems, so gave him another new one. About 4 months later he showed back up again with that Honda and sure enough, he had problems with it again. This time he took out a Vanguard engine and then about 12 months later he showed up again, but this time he came to buy a second Vanguard from me because he liked it so much he bought another one for a 2nd machine he owns. He said he would be back for more later as he had another machine down. I've found Honda parts hard to find and not enough dealers. If you do find the parts you'll have to wait for them. Another example, I have a Vanguard air filter for $9. Check and see what the cost of a Honda air filter is. I think they are around $30. The Vanguard engines are good cold weather starters. I am not anti Honda, they are good engines, I'm just very sold on the Vanguards.
Q: I have a Bolens 1455 lawn tractor with hydrostatic drive, It's about a 1968 or 1969 model powered by a 1 cylinder Wisconsin 14 hp model S14D engine where the crank has a flange on one side of the motor and a shaft on the other. will your adaptor kit work to fit the Briggs and Stratton Vanguard engine to this tractor?
A: Yes, we can get our kit package set up for your application. Our installation kit and 18 HP engine package is what I would recommend.
Q: I have a 70's Cub Cadet 1000 garden tractor a with 3 speed manual transmission. As you know these little tractors are tough and built like a brick outhouse. I would like to repower it and eventually equip it with hydraulics, 3 point hitch and front end loader. Do you think this will be possible?
A: Yes, we have the Vanguard engines in stock to go into your tractor and we've done the repowers ourselves on Cub Cadets. You can add hydraulics on this unit if you do a lot of plumbing. I also have a used front end loader in stock that will go on your tractor. It is amazing what the sturdy little tractors can do.
Q: I have a 1970's model Speedex 1632 with a blown 16 horsepower single cylinder Kohler. Do you have a new retrofit?
A: Yes, we install the new V-Twin overhead valve Vanguard engines and then you really have something. They are 40 to 60 lbs lighter and when you get one of these installed you will almost think you have power steering.
Q: Jim, have you had any success in repowering John Deere 210, 212, 214, 94 216 garden tractors?
A: Yes, we have repowered a fair amount of the 200 series John Deere garden tractors and they work out very nice.
Q: Is it feasible for me to repower my Cub Cadet 1811 lawn tractor with the Vanguard engine? The original engine is the Kohler M18l. My repair shop says it needs
a valve job.
A: I would not spend any money on that Kohler engine, it is not a quality engine to start with. If you get into a V-Twin, overhead valve, Vanguard engine you will be starting out with everything new such as the carburetor and the starter. Also this is a much more advanced engine with an oil filter and oil pump and other features. I can get you into the Vanguard engine for not much more than the cost of just a valve job.
Q: Any options to repower a John Deere Gator 4X2? I have the one with the Kawasaki 10 HP engine. It is very slow on the hills. I have added what I call Gator boost which is a governor override but still the unit is underpowered.
A: I have put a V-Twin engine in the John Deere AMT 626. We have the Vanguard 18 horsepower engine or the 23 horsepower engine. Either engine should give all the power you need.
Q: I have a 1964 Allis Chalmers B10 lawn tractor that has a 9 HP cast iron Briggs engine that I am thinking of either rebuilding or repowering (it's original and tired).
Do you have an engine repower kit with a Vanguard engine for it? If so, what have you found that works (hp?) and what are the general costs/difficulty?
What type of fabricating/changes will I need to do? Like re-drilling the base? Also I have a front shaft coming out of my tractor, will I have that with the Vanguard engine too? I know it is twice the horsepower, but I believe those old cast iron engines gave a whole lot of torque. Can I expect the same type of power out of an 18 horse Vanguard engine?
A: You can put in a V-Twin Vanguard, 18 horsepower engine. Most people who attempt the repower are successful. If you need to you can call me as many times as you want on my toll free number with any questions or problems you might run into.
You will have more torque and also more horsepower on the 18 horsepower engine. If you would like more power we also have a 23 HP Vanguard. Yes, you would have to drill holes to mount the engine. The Vanguard shaft length is 3". If you need something longer I can also help you with that, if it is a problem.
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Q: Jim, do you have a repower kit for a 1991 Toro 416H? Onan does not make a replacement engine.
A: Yes we repower that tractor with the 18 HP or 23 HP Vanguard engine repower kits.
Q: I am looking to repower my mid 70’s Sears ST 16 (Single cylinder OHV 16 HP Tecumseh engine). I’m thinking of using a Briggs Vanguard engine. Have you sold any engines for repowers on the Sears? The engine sits sideways with the drive pulley on the right side. The same garden tractor was also sold with an Onan Twin cylinder engine as the model GT 16 garden tractor.
A: Yes, we can repower that tractor with the V-Twin overhead valve, 18 horsepower Vanguard engine and it will work fine. I have repowered Craftsman tractors before but they have been vertical shaft engines. I have however repowered quite a few set ups that had your same original engine, the Tecumseh.
Q: I have 1970 John Deere 110 lawn tractor with hydralift which bolts to the top of the Kohler engine, I believe it is an 8 horse engine. Do you have an engine repower kit for this tractor? What engine do you use?
A: Yes, I do have an installation kit for the new style John Deere 110. In respect to your hydraulic pump, you would have to build a bracket for the pump. We also have a stub shaft available if you want power out the flywheel end. We use the Vanguard 18 horsepower engine to do the repower.
Q: Do you have a repower kit for a Ariens GT17 garden tractor?
A: Yes, this is a neat garden tractor to repower, we have done a number of them. The Vanguard engines fit in nice and neat and you will almost think you have power steering when you get done.
Q: Jim: I have a John Deere 140 garden tractor and would like to repower it over the winter. The tractor is in good shape, I would just like more power and smoother operation. I thought the v-twin Honda engine would be a good way to go but see that you use the Vanguard engines with great success. Does the electric clutch fit the Vanguard engine with no problem?
A: We have already put the Honda engine in the John Deere 140 garden tractors. You have to bend both frame rails. The Vanguard engines fit right in with out any frame alterations, plus the Vanguard is a top quality engine. When you get the Vanguard in a 140 garden tractor it will almost feel like you have power steering with the weight differences between the two engines. The electric clutch bolts on to our Vanguard engine. We usually put in the 18 HP Vanguard engines in the 140's. That will be a very smooth running tractor when you get done.
Q: Can you change a 317 John Deere KT17 Kohler to any other kind of engine? I have a 317 John Deere garden tractor in excellent condition can't find an engine that will last. Looking for an Onan engine or whatever exchange to replace this KT17 Kohler engine.
A: We have done dozens of these John Deere 317 tractors by converting them to the V twin, overhead valve, Vanguard engines. When you get done it looks just like it is factory installed. The engine is lighter than the old one so it almost feels like you have power steering. This is the only way to go.
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Q: Would like to install a Vanguard 14HP horizontal engine into a 15 year old Honda. The Honda also has a horizontal 13HP water cooled engine with 1" shaft. We would like the Briggs to have pressure lube-filter, fuel pump-no tank, 12V electric start, and remote throttle-choke. Are we asking for too much?? We have full access and capability for modifications. Could you offer suggestions along with a quote for this engine or your recommendation. Briggs preferred.
A: These V Twin, horizontal Vanguard engines work very well. I can supply you with engine pressure lube, oil filter, fuel pump, electric start, and with heavy duty alternator charging system. We also have remote throttle and choke. We have the Vanguard 18 HP engine and can ship to anywhere in the US.
Q: I have an old Jacobsen 16hp garden tractor originally equipped with Kohler k341 series horizontal shaft with front mount electric clutch and shaft drive to the hydrostatic transmission. It has a bolt up flange mounted to the flywheel to transmit power to the transmission. The clutch mounts forward and attaches to the shaft side. Just curious if there is a replacement Briggs engine , say a 18 to 23 hp or so that would bolt up the same as my K341 Kohler engine. I love the shuttle transmission and want to put this one back into service soon before the transmission goes bad sitting idle. Any recommendations?
I do know that a new Kohler K341 16 HP engine will probably run about 1200 plus dollars locally. I have checked recently. I also know that the newer high HP production engines are quite cheaper per HP.
A: Yes we have already put our V Twin Vanguards engines in the Ford garden tractors that are made by Jacobsen and it works really nice. We have the Vanguard 18 HP and the Vanguard 23 HP engine and the engine installation kit.
Q: I need to replace the 14 HP Kohler engine in my John Deere 140 garden tractor. Are there any engines that will work? I still want to mow and till with the tractor.
A: Yes, a 140 John Deere garden tractor well earns it's way to get a nice engine transplant. The engine we use is the V Twin, overhead valve, Vanguard engines. It fits in the 140 real nice. I would recommend the 18 horse power. My own John Deere 140 garden tractor has the 14 horse power in it. We use it all the time and have for 38 years. These engines are very good winter time starters, nice smooth, quiet running, and they sound like a baby Harley Davidson.
Q: I would like to know if you ever tried to stuff the Vanguard 23 hp engine in a Cub Cadet 1250-1650 series lawn tractor. If not, what would be the largest engine then? Also, what kind of problems might be incurred, like cutting into the frame, any other modifications, etc.?
A: We have put in the 16 and 18 HP Vanguard engines in the 1250 Cub chassis. I have not put in the 23 HP as no one has asked me to yet. The main difference on the 23 HP Vanguard engines is they have an oil cooler on the side and I am almost sure that will not fit. The 16-18 HP engines just fit in the frame rails. It is well worth the effort to put in these Vanguards.
Q: I Have a 1993 TORO 616Z with a 16 HP ONAN twin engine. I was given a near new 14 HP Vanguard twin. Both engines are Vertical shaft. If the Onan ever blew up, or needed replacement, I wonder if the Vanguard engine could be a "drop in replacement"?
A: The mounting holes wouldn't line up, so you would have to drill mounting holes. You probably would have to "make over" the exhaust system. You would have to do some wiring to convert from an automotive type of ignition system to a magneto type of ignition system. So no, not drop in, but doable.
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Q: Would you have a replacement engine that would fit a 682 Cub Cadet lawn tractor with a KT17 Kohler Engine?
A: Yes, we put in the V Twin, overhead valve, Vanguard engines that are a much better quality engine than the KT17 Kohler could think of being. They fit in nice and neat. All the panels go back on and look like a factory job. When you get it done the Vanguard 18 HP has all the power that the KT engine had. We also have an 18 HP available that puts out a short 20 HP.
Q: I have a 1983 Snapper 1855, great unit, but the old Onan getting tired. the engine model is bg-ms-3272a. Are you familiar with Snapper lawn tractors? Do you have a replacement engine kit? It is a horizontal twin with pulleys front and rear.
A: Yes, I can help you out with a 18 HP Vanguard engine for this repower.
Q: I have a John Deere 111 lawn tractor with the original 11 HP Briggs and Stratton engine in it. I would like to repower it with something in the 16 to 18 HP range. Either a single or twin cylinder engine. Have you ever repowered one of these John Deere 111's ? What would you suggest I use ? Do you have an engine repowr kit available to fit my needs ? I considered the V twin engine but was not sure it would fit. Will it fit without much modification to the tractor? It appears to me the hood would have to be modified ( cut away) for clearance. Is this correct? The other main concern I had was fitting the exhaust in the tractor. What is your experience with these issues as well as any others you encountered. What is included in the engine installation kit? Will I be able to use the existing engine mounting holes?
A: Yes we have repowered the John Deere 111 lawn tractor before. We use the V Twin, overhead valve, Vanguard engines. The John Deere 111 is a fairly easy job to do. The exhaust system I have will clear the hood. You should not have to do any cutting. The kit has an exhaust manifold, muffler, muffler bracket, hardware, choke cable, and throttle cable. Sometimes you can use 2 of the existing holes and have to drill two holes. Sometimes none of them line up and you would have to drill all four of them.
Q: I am interested in constructing a log splitter that would mount to the front of my John Deere 318 garden tractor. I plan to power the hydro pump off of the PTO clutch. I know that John Deere offers an attachment log splitter which is only 10 ton. I am concerned that the two stage pump will need more power than the electric PTO can transmit. Is this a logical concern and is it conceivable that one belt will be able to supply enough power to the pump without slipping or will more belts be required? I also have a poorly running John Deere 300 garden tractor and would like to know if you have repowered one of these?
A: You do not have to worry about the electric clutch. If you hit some heavy going with the mower deck it will kill the engine which means the clutch did not slip and the belt did not slip. It does not take that much power to run a 2 stage hydraulic pump, one belt handles it fine.
The 300 John Deere garden tractors are really fun to repower. You get rid of the stump dancing Kohler that shakes from left to right and back to the left. Another thing is that the new transplant weighs 40 to 50 lbs. less which results in it feeling almost as though it has power steering.
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Q: Do you do repower an Alles Chalmers 917 Hydro lawn tractor?
A: Yes, we have done the repowering on these tractor tractors before. It works out real nice. The tractor also steers easier when it is done.
Q: Do you know the firing order for a VH4D Wisconsin engine?
A: I looked up the firing order and what I found said 1-3-4-2.
Looking for more Q&A's?
Repowering Garden Tractors and other equipment
Parts and Service
Garden Tractor Attachments
Hydrostatic Transmission Rebuilding
Garden Tractors in general
Repowering Case Garden Tractors
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 Jim has a large stock of used engines of most brands. I'm sure there are some "Vintage" engines as well. |
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I have been "told" you can't call these motors, that motors are electric
powered and engines are powered by gasoline.
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Small Engines, Used Small Engines, Engine Kits, Repower Small Engine Kits
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Toll Free: 1-800-618-8738 *Free outdoor power equipment tech support
