Help with B&S

I like the Honda fine, the only thing I think is unique to the grasshopper is that the PTO is powered out the rear (Horizontal) and the hydro units are powered out the front (Horizontal). Is this uncommon?

Regarding the Intek, it starts when I pour gas down the carb, but dies when that gas is out. The carb is enclosed in a ridiculous breather mount so that I can't even see the top of the carb. Any suggestions?

Grrrr.... Naturally Kohler has consumer and pro engines also. Gotta love corporate marketing people attempts to obviscate. Command series is the consumer version and Magnum seems to be their commercial line. I suppose one I gave link to on ebay is a command engine and probably $400 in auction setting. My guess is the magnum 18hp if you find one would be up towards $800 to $1200 in an auction. with no reserve.

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"What would you do with a brain if you had one?" -Dorothy

"Well, then ignore what I have to say and go with what works for you." -Eliot Coleman

Ok this is 20hp listed for Grasshopper at: http://tewarehouse.com/PA-64510 for $1621 with free shipping. Better deal than Northern it would seem though not by whole lot. And it is a Command series engine.

I see, there is fitting on front of engine so Grasshoppers take power from both ends. No idea if fitting adaptable to other engines. Maybe specialized version of the engine like Kohler on my old Gravely with its funky unique crankshaft.

If that fitting is not transferable from old engine, you are stuck buying either Vanguard or Kohler made custom for Grasshopper or getting some custom machined adapter to mimick it. No cheap way out it seems.

As to your Intek, check fuel filter of course and make sure fuel line shutoff is open. Does it have a fuel pump? Is that working? Beyond that you have to remove the plastic crap and dig down to the carburetor. Most likely remove it, disassemble it and do thorough cleaning job with can carb cleaner. Before removing carb can try just removing the bowl, it will be held on with one bolt through bottom. Could get luck and just some standing water or other crud blocking the jet. Also let you see if gas is flowing through needle valve. These are pretty simple carbs since EPA took away the adjustments. But they are set to run very lean so everything has to be tight and clean. Not like the old days when small engine carbs had adjustable jet.

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"What would you do with a brain if you had one?" -Dorothy

"Well, then ignore what I have to say and go with what works for you." -Eliot Coleman

I hate listen to folks talk about broken or non-starting motors. I'd have it running by now :-)

No chance you'd want to bring it up I-81? I'd definitely have it running for less than $1700