Dixon engine swap

flyweed · May 11, 2018

Hey guys. Hoping you can help me out. I just picked up a Dixon ZTR 4515 for $100. the OEM engine was smoking for the guy, so he purchased a used "White" 14.5hp engine to slap on it, and it doesn't have enough power to turn over. I am THINKING I got a pretty good deal, as I am going to check battery voltage an voltage at starter and regulator..if I'm lucky, it could be a bad battery with not enough power to crank the engine, or a bad regulator. We'll see when I get it home. OR...I am thinking this guy slapped a smaller engine on it, it is POSSIBLE the engines alternator may be less than a 9amp and not have enough power to start with the PTO connected?????

Anyway, just some of my initial thoughts. So he said the OEM engine was smoking...should I rebuild the OEM engine, and slap it back on, or should I repower with a larger (maybe 17hp or 19hp engine??) Where should I look for a good used direct drop on/in engine for this? Don't want to spend a ton of money, but since I got the mower for $100 I figured I can stick a little more into it, to get it up and running again.

Thanks for reading.

MossRoad · May 11, 2018

I'd do some measurements and see if a harbor frieght predator engine would work. I did that with my log splitter and it was a direct bolt in for a Briggs.

So what engine was in it originally? Got any pictures?

Sonny580 · May 11, 2018

I think my Dixons are 4211's, and 13.5 bs engines.--Yours would be newer and require a much larger engine.---Check your oem specs. as to the factory equipped engine.--I would check the rebuild route, THEN check prices on a new engine.--It would depend mostly on how much use you have for the mower.--As far as power,---- go for as much as you can slap in that sucker!!! LOL!!!! NO such thing as too much power on a mower!! LOL!!!! thanks; sonny580

tomplum · May 12, 2018

" it is POSSIBLE the engines alternator may be less than a 9amp and not have enough power to start with the PTO connected" The PTO should not be engaged when starting. Smoking could be failed head gasket. Absolutely no one rebuilds these. What is needed here is model and type numbers for sure and possibly pics of the regulators.

flyweed · May 12, 2018

sorry, I guess I could have provided a bit more engine info. the original engine is a Briggs and Stratton 28N707 Type: 0115-01 Code: 970224ZD

Hope that helps

tomplum · May 12, 2018

That engine came w/ a 16 AMP alternator. It uses the same head gasket as the Intek which is likely the source of white / blueish smoke that would indicate oil burning. Now on the engine that is in there now, difficulty cranking may be simple to correct as many times the compression release can't function due to excessive valve lash. So if if it seems like it is hard for the starter to crank it over the compression stroke, Google Intek valve lash and give it a go.

flyweed · May 12, 2018

Thanks much for that info. I am doing just that. The engine that is currently on the dixon, I am charging up the battery good today, and gonna check actual voltage. Then I'll dig in and set the valve clearances and see what she does. I am still skeptical on how many amps the "new" current engine

MossRoad · May 12, 2018

Am I correct to think that the 9amp alternator would have zero to do with the ability of the starter to crank the engine over, regardless of the PTO being on or off?
:confused3:
The alternator output doesn't have anything to do with the starter, the battery turns the starter. The alternator charges the battery, runs accessories, etc... but the battery turns the starter.

Or, are you saying the alternator isn't charging the battery up during operation?

flyweed · May 13, 2018

yes, you are correct. I was just asking about amp output of the "new" engine the Previous Owner put on, if it is worth me to even try and get it running IF it doesn't put out the correct amps to run the electric PTO that's on the Dixon. I need at least 9amps and the old original engine was putting out 15amps from what I understand.

The engine currently on the mower is a 14.5hp Model: 28N777 type: 0642-A1 code: 970123ZD can anyone tell me how many amps this engine puts out??

Thanks