BCS 716 Engine Replacement

[Andrewcooper]

I just bought a used BCS 716. Briggs engine needs rebuilt. I want to put a cheap new engine on it while I rebuild the Briggs. I'm not sure how to ensure the replacement engine fits/works.
I'm looking at the 6.5 hp horizontal shaft from harbor freight. Any tips?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Kapster]

What about just getting a new honda gx200, 6.5 hp engine and forget rebuilding the briggs and the harbor freight engine? I bet you'd be happier with it, and have less money in it.

Heres one but not sure what shaft size you'd need. Take the engine off and compare the mounting holes on your briggs to the specs on the honda site. And check what shaft size it has.

Honda GX Series Horizontal OHV Engine — 200cc, 3/4in. x 2 7/16in. Shaft, Model# GX200UT2QX2 | 121cc - 240cc Honda Horizontal Engines| Northern Tool + Equipment


This might help you with how to disassemble.

http://www.earthtoolsbcs.com/Engine-clutch_removal--BCS_HD_cone_clutch.pdf

 

[Andrewcooper]

Thanks for the suggestions Kapster. I'm going to rebuild the briggs just for fun - I've decided to learn about small engines so I can pass this information along to my science classes. But I will look hard at the Honda engine. The harbor freight engine is hard to pass up at $99.
The PDF from earthtools is very helpful!
So I'm hearing for engine replacement 1. Match up bolt holes. 2. Make sure shaft fits into clutch. 3. Don't overpower the clutch/transmission.
I know the 716 was rolled out with 5.5 HP??? Can it handle 8?

 

[farmerboybill]

The 716 has the exact same transmission as the 720 and the 730. The engine and tire size determined the model number. The clutch would be the weakest link, but it should handle 8 hp. The question is why do you NEED 8 hp? I assume you only have the 18" tiller on it. 5-6 hp is more than adequate for 18".

Now, if you were running a chipper or a flail mower, maybe a bigger engine would be nice, but it's just wasted power on an 18" tiller.