7122 Repower - 6.5 year update

[rich_kildow]

Here's my original build thread.

It's been about 6.5 years since I put this engine into a 7117 and I figured it was time for an update.  This tractor has also had a a hydrolift and power steering retrofitted since I've owned it.  It wears a hard-top cab year round it is generally my mowing and snowblowing tractor.

The engine currently has a little under 100 hours on it as it shares the workload with the 7116.  That is the trail mower/tiller/occasional lawn mower/leaf pickup/Johnny Bucket tractor.  It has run well for me and the only real issue has been when I overfilled it with oil.  These are incredibly sensitive to being overfilled and it would blow smoke like mad intermittently until you all helped me figure that out.  In the winter time it always seems to take longer cranking than I'd like it to.  Full throttle, choke on, and it finally fires after about 20 seconds or so.  It's better in the summer but it has never failed to start, even at 20 below.  It just sometimes takes a bit.  

I did a carb cleaning this fall hoping it would alleviate the hard starting but it did not.  I took that opportunity to remove the plunger from the fuel shutoff solenoid as I always kill fuel flow with the shut off before I shut it down.  I also extended the wires going to that solenoid as they were extremely tight and made carb removal a pain.  

At this point, I'm not sure I'd recommend the engine at the current price.  I got the engine for $559 back in the day when the 20% off coupons were good for anything.  Now the engine is up to $899, putting it at more than 1/2 the price of a small engine warehouse kit.  Throw in a flywheel adapter, figure out your muffler, throttle/choke cables, and you are easily up into the $1100 dollar range.  For $1500 for a Briggs Vanguard via small engine warehouse, you're getting real parts availability and support.  At the time I did it, it was well worth it and I hope I added something to this community.  Right now, I'd say just got the SEW kit and have the peace of mind.  

[B10Dave]

Rich; thanks for the update on your engine swap. With the long cranking period on start up may I offer a suggestion. I have a 22HP Kohler  v twin in one of my tractors. On cold starts it fires faster if I use full choke and just barely move the throttle lever off the stop. Any more throttle and it cranks for a long time like your Predator. Keep on using and enjoying your tractor. 

[rich_kildow]

Good advice.  I was actually thinking about that when I wrote that part but it has never crossed my mind until now to try it at anything but full throttle.  I'll give it a shot next time and report back!

[rbstuartjr]

I’ve found each engine has its own personality and with that, their own way of starting easily. My kohler v twins like 3/4 to full throttle with full choke regardless of temperature. 

[AC710]

While it is not even the same species of animal, my 16HP Briggs would crank and crank at full choke half throttle, then run poorly until it cleared up. I read the Briggs service manual for tune-up ideas, and their idea was set the throttle just above idle in cold weather. Now it starts and behaves...who knew?

[rich_kildow]

I did the unthinkable and read the instructions.  Sure enough, starting procedure for a cold engine is full choke, 1/3rd throttle.  I've got drifts 12" deep to deal with when I get home so I will try that this evening.

[PhanDad]

5 hours ago, rich_kildow said:

I've got drifts 12" deep to deal with when I get home

You lucky dog! 

Enjoy your seat time.

 

[hurleyii]

7 hours ago, PhanDad said:

You lucky dog! 

Enjoy your seat time.

 

Easy my hydro is still down. I'm sol and we supposed to get 7" tomorrow.  Not good with company van.