OT sort of Changing engines on a wheelbarrow compressor

tmc_31 · Nov 15, 2016

I have a Ingersol Rand wheelbarrow compressor with a 5.5HP Honda GX160 engine on it. The Honda is shot. I am considering installing a Predator 6.5hp engine from Harbor Freight in its place. Why would I do such a thing you might ask? $345.00 plus shipping and tax for the Honda motor vs $115 for the Predator (picked up in store, tax included).

Has anyone done this swap? If so, what kinds of problems did you encounter? Has the Predator engine been reliable?

Mods, I am not sure where this post needs to go so please feel free to move it wherever.

Thanks,

Tim

flyerdan · Nov 15, 2016

The only thing to be concerned with is the mounting footprint, shaft size and relation of the centers of the shafts for belt compatibility. Most of the HF engines are true Chondas, they designed them to match right up with no issues.

tmc_31 · Nov 19, 2016

Hey guys,

I bought the 6.5 hp Predator engine and installed it on my compressor. It was a bolt up job. I did ruin the pulley trying to get it off the old Honda engine so had to buy a new one ($20). Otherwise the change out went well. I am going to have to lengthen the little wire pushrod that controls the throttle as the engine won't idle down as much as it should.

Now only time will tell if this was a good idea or not.

All the best,

Tim

Redlands Okie · Nov 20, 2016

Thanks for the update, hopefully it will run wells and last a long time

flyerdan · Nov 20, 2016

What I might suggest, (and this is for any engine, not just the HF) is that you drain the warm oil immediately and strain it through a nylon stocking or similar to check for thread cuttings or such that didn't get adequately flushed at the factory. Reuse the clean oil with only a few minutes run time on it until the first factory recommended change time, just a piece of mind check that there aren't any big chunks flowing around in there.

tmc_31 · Jun 13, 2021

Wow, ran across this old thread so I thought I would update anyone interested. The predator engine is doing well. I don't use it much so after a few months of non use, I usually have to hit it with a dose of starting fluid (had to do the same for the Honda after it got some age on it too).

All in all, it was a good swap, I will do it again when this engine craps out. So far, It has served me well.

Tim