Onan/ predator engines

jon f mn · Dec 7, 2020

Turns out the really good deal I got on the skid loader is
because the engine is bad. At this point I'm certain a valve is
bad, no telling what else is wrong, although it has good
vacuum in the crank case. So I looks like either an overhaul
for the onan 18hp or a new engine. I've heard onan engines
are expensive to rebuild, but haven't checked into it much yet.
I can get a new horrible freight 22hp predator engine for about
$800. My question is will that hold up or should I just rebuild
the onan?

danofarming · Dec 7, 2020

I would probably go with the predator. I have a 13 horse on an air compressor and had a log splitter (sold it recently) with an 8 horse. They both do their job with no issues.

Mike M · Dec 7, 2020

Wonder if it has a valve seat work loose ? if so maybe some locktite and stake around it will keep it in if it is loose.
I also heard that if the rubber seal where the oil filter goes through the shroud is missing then the air escapes and does not cool and that side is more prone to loose valve seats.

TractorTucker · Dec 7, 2020

I would try to figure out the problem with the Onan and how much it would cost to rebuild. If it costs more than the predator I would go with the predator, unless it would be a pain to change and would require machined mounting plates that would cost more than rebuilding the Onan.

DelMN · Dec 7, 2020

Onan has a history of bad valve seats. And when taken apart, there is usually more damage. If the predator engines is an easy swap, I would go that route. If you rebuild the onan, you still have the onan and its issues. The predator engines have a somewhat better parts supply. The predator is basically an Honda clone. In the smaller predator engines, some parts from honda actually exchange.

DelMN · Dec 7, 2020

Also keep in mind that if you get the predator at harbor freight, you can get 20 percent off your initial purchase when you get their credit card. The other 20 percent coupons does not apply to predator.

SVcummins · Dec 7, 2020

Here you go.
Oem onan parts

Billy Shafer · Dec 7, 2020

What Onan do you have. Yes Onan did have a problem with one production run of engines. They had a PSB notice on them. If you are lucky the seat can be reset. If not it destroys the block. I think it was the P216-P224 series that had the problem. Parts are out there but are getting harder to find.

jon f mn · Dec 7, 2020

That is the series this is. Looks like just the overhaul kit is over $1200. Then add the machining and you could easy hit $2000.00. Don't think that is going to happen

Billy Shafer · Dec 7, 2020

It would be hard for me to spend it also.

john in la · Dec 7, 2020

And with the credit card you get 6 monthly payments interest free.

Then you can spend the 20% discount and buy a warranty for a few years.

Wisconsin Cowman · Dec 7, 2020

The Predator 22 hp engine gas a small amp stator compared to the Onan just enough to charge the battery.

gab · Dec 7, 2020

If a valve seat came loose Onan has a few thousands bigger replacement a machine shop would have to put in. Look around Onan .com. Parts are pricey.

I have a P218 and P220 in Wheel Horses, ones got 1300 hrs. the other has 1995 hours. They're both 32 years old and been pretty trouble free.

504 · Dec 7, 2020

By the HF,and buy the extended warranty, you will be covered for a long time.

FLOLDFORD · Dec 7, 2020

I've had good luck with the Predator engines over the last few years. I've used them on quite a few projects. If you can make it work go for it. For the money they are hard to beat. If it lasts more than a few years and you have to replace it I think you will still be money ahead versus what it will cost to rebuild the Onan.

dzc3 · Dec 7, 2020

HF offers a schematic of all the threaded holes in their engines for mounting purposes. That might help make mounting it easier

moresmoke · Dec 7, 2020

I’m cheap so would probably try the predator or one of its cousins. Another option would be to buy a real Honda, probably still be cheaper than fixing the Onan.

1948CaseVAI · Dec 7, 2020

There is nothing whatsoever wrong with the HF Predator engines.

Doug Wi · Dec 7, 2020

I looked into the HF 22 hp for a ZT mower. Reading the reviews of it, lots of people have had bad luck with them. The specs say it has ball bearings on the crank. people that have torn into them, say they are just sleeve bearings. Plus for my application it wasn't a direct bolt in. took some adaptors and other reworking.I have found very few bargins in this world, you get what you pay for. That being said, I put a 6hp HF engine on a roto tiller . Reviews said it started on the first pull. I thought ya sure. Put it on and set everything and by golly it started on the first pull,. Doesn't get a lot of hours but has worked good for several years.

dieselbob · Dec 8, 2020

Hi Jon I have a complete Onan engine in the shed I don't think it has many hours on it, make you a heck of a good deal on it I am in SW Minnesota. Bob

jon f mn · Dec 8, 2020

Give me a call. 3204929077. Thanks!

jaoneill · Dec 8, 2020

Dropped a 22hp Predator into my 6X4 Gator a couple of years back; 500 hours on the clock now with very few issues.

wilson ind · Dec 8, 2020

Why consider an engine from Harbor Freight as you call the company horrible freight?

BarnyardEngineering · Dec 8, 2020

(quoted from post at 08:10:29 12/08/20) Why consider an engine from Harbor Freight as you call the company horrible freight?

Because calling it "Horrible Freight" is high comedy...

By and large the Predator engines are one of the things they screwed up on and made "too good."

That, or Honda has been screwing us all these years.

That, or if Predator engines are supposed to be the cheap knock-offs of Honda engines, the Honda engines are THAT much better.

timcasbolt · Dec 8, 2020

(quoted from post at 11:10:29 12/08/20) Why consider an engine from Harbor Freight as you call the company horrible freight?

hat's a part of modern society that bugs the heck out of me. Not just Harbor Freight, but any of that junior high school nonsense.

Blackhole49 · Dec 8, 2020

I mentioned this back when you bought the machine. Talk to jm and bite the bullet and put a Kubota diesel in it. The landscaper I worked for 40 years ago did it to his (same machine as yours) 25 years ago. I know he was still running it this summer.

TOM1949 · Dec 9, 2020

It is well known that the racing go cart community use the small ones.
I took one apart for a mini bike refurb and seemed like good quality to me.
Tom

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