Upgrading a Troy Bilt rototiller with a new Honda engine

[@poochie49]

I just picked up this same tiller for free. Owner said it hasn't been used for years. I checked it out. Just needed a new head gasket and some tinkering. Still has the original Tecumseh 6 HP engine. works like new. Winner,winner!

[@DanbyDoo]

Thanks for posting! Old Troy Bilt Horse tillers deserve love. They are the best designed machines. I like them so much I have 4. Last year I picked up a 1989 Horse 8 Kohler that was never started. A museum piece....for 500 bucks. I want to put it in my family room, wife says NO

[@NCPAOutdoors]

We have to keep the wife happy!

[@NCPAOutdoors]

W TF? When I completed this project to repower my Troy-bilt tiller I used the Honda engine because of its reliability and reputation. When this engine was ordered, the distribution company I bought it from claimed it was built in the USA. A quick visit to Honda’s website indicates that while it is a Japanese company, versions of the GX series small engines are still built in America, with American workers. Thanks for watching.

[@backspace4093]

NCPA Outdoors I have a 8 hp Briggs industrial commercial engine on my tiller. I bought it pretty cheap no running. I want to replace it with the Honda engine. According to small engine warehouse it will fit my tiller. I tried to find the dimensions on my old engine on line but no luck. Maybe I’m Just not looking hard enough. The crank size is 3/4 x2 5/16 keyed shaft that’s the Honda engine.

[@NCPAOutdoors]

backspace4093 my original engine was an HH 6.0. Online engine suppliers should be able to set you up with a comparable replacement. Sometimes a phone call can save a lot of time. Best of luck.

[@billysmith5721]

@W TF? politically correct ignorance

[@clifwoodall9577]

Great video. Thanks! My MIL has a '78 Horse and every time I would come to her place and help in her garden, the old Tecumseh would run for a short while and die. No power anymore... I watched this a dozen times over the years in prep for this upgrade. Just finished and the old tiller is like new. A few things I wish I'd have paid closer attention to: - you gotta have a 1/2" gear wrench! A ratchet won't fit. LORT but those mounting bolts are a pain with just an open end wrench! - make sure you have a new shaft bolt to hold the pulley on. You're right. The old one is too big. The new shaft bolt on mine is 5/16" fine thread. -my MIL wanted an electric start. Really not needed on a Honda, but she's 90, so she gets what she wants 👍🏼. If you're going that way you'll likely need a longer positive battery wire. - her tiller has a brush guard of sorts to protect the engine. If yours does, take that thing COMPLETELY apart and get it entirely out of your way. Great project and now the tiller has a motor that will outlive her (and likely me too!) My engine cost me $650 (summer 2024), but the electric start added about $100. Would have been cheaper without.

[@amossnowdaharleyman9179]

MOst times that tiller would be sent to scrap yard. Glad to see that 8 years ago you showed it some love.

[@TheProclamationProject]

Its far easier to remove the vertical pins that hold the cast iron housing around the pulleys and then the entire housing comes off. Mount the housing on the engine, put the pulley back on and then set the hole thing back on and slide the pins in. Muuuuccccchhh faster and easier this way. Also gives you an opportunity to clean and grease the pins.

[@billysmith5721]

i remember the Tecumseh engine on pallets waiting for mounting. i worked on assembly and machine shop in the troy factory

[@BRWfilms]

In your opinion, which engine was better on the horse tillers, the techumseh 6hp or the kholer 7hp, I have a 1979 Troy bilt horse tiller or garden way what ever you want to call it, it has the kholer 7hp on it and runs like new just tilled a nice area today :)

[@Clarkticus]

you guys made some fantastic machines. I am still tilling with a 79' troy built Horse

[@jamespayne4459]

Dad bought a 6hp Tecumseh Troy bilt in 79. I was the mule behind it most days. I inherited it when he passed last year and i just got i it running yesterday to till a patch for my wife to plant an herb garden. Great tools, pity nothing in the market is made to such quality anymore.

[@Clarkticus]

@@jamespayne4459 Awesome, sounds like a good memory. Sorry to hear about your dad. I ended up replacing the original Tecumseh with a cheapo predator engine from harbor freight this season, but it works great

[@oldman936]

A little late to the party…but I’m running a 74 model with the 6hp Tecumseh. Dad got it used in 75. It’s a year older than me. Had a little trouble with carb this year so I ordered a new one. Got it running last year after sitting for about 15 years. It’s one of the tillers I’ve ever used.

[@susancurrie2421]

Thanks for this KZbin Video. My Troy Built Horse died just a couple of months back, rather than tossing it I found this video, bought the engine you recommended and replaced the old engine. Everything you said was spot on and made the engine change very easy. Now I am tilling better than ever. Thanks again

[@NCPAOutdoors]

Awesome! Glad your back in business with your TB tiller. Unfortunately the original engines seem to be the weak link in these old tillers. With minor maintenance this machine should serve you well. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@mcarroll598]

This engine revolutionized the small engine industry. Just about every engine manufactured copied this design. By far the best small engine on the market! Nice video!

[@NCPAOutdoors]

Thanks for watching

[@practicalman45]

You can't beat a modern design OHV engine with the olde obsoleteo flathead designs. The old tillers were great but they are even better with modern engines.

[@bobbellairs6035]

Great video. I need to do the same for my 1974 tiller. Back then, they sold them with a 4hp Clinton. It's impossible to get parts for that anymore, so I'll be upgrading this spring.

[@NCPAOutdoors]

The new motor was definitely worth the investment. Thanks for the comment!

[@jameslester3861]

I have two of those Clinton engines 498 series. One came off a tiller, one came off a Yazoo mower and I got both of them in 1973 when I was in high school. Both had broken connecting rods. I repaired both and they still run. The tiller one we used to start racing kart engines with.

[@NCPAOutdoors]

It would have been cheaper to use a clone but I went with the Honda GX as I didn't want to mess with a breakdown when it was time to plant. The tiller works great, can't complain. Thanks for the comment.

[@bonifaciovillanueva3622]

NCPA Outdoors =

[@backspace4093]

NCPA Outdoors Did you lose reverse when you did the up grade. Also did you have to use any spacers to get your pulleys to line up.

[@NCPAOutdoors]

backspace4093 The reverse works great! Reused the same spacers from the HH 6.0. It was an easy project!

[@zackman14ify]

Wonderful video! I repowered my 2 Troy bilt horse tillers with 2 Honda clones from harbor freight. For $100 with a coupon, i couldn't really beat the price. But i might replace both of those motors with true commercial grade Honda when ever either one dies.

[@NCPAOutdoors]

zack hill It would have been cheaper to use a clone but I went with the Honda GX as I didn't want to mess with a breakdown when it was time to plant. The tiller works great, can't complain. Thanks for the comment.

[@woodsmanoutdoors509]

I have a Troy-Bilt horse tiller that i believe came originally with a 8horse engine i have a 6 horse honda gx200 would it be underpowered? Also it didn't come with the pulley for the motor so im wondering what the shaft size is and i dont know what the pulley looks like but would really like get it goin thanks in advance.

[@jsimm4587]

What was the shaft size on the old tiller and the length of the shaft ?

[@bobkimmcdonald6171]

Great instructional video

[@NCPAOutdoors]

Thanks, hope it helped if you are/were considering swapping out the engine on yours!

[@ricardobernal8897]

NCPA Outdoors about to tackle my super bronco crt with this swap, ill let you know how it goes, as stated, this video instruction is awesome, thank you

[@keithlincicum3691]

I did exactly the same to my '72 Horse, only I used a 160 GX off a worn out pressure washer. I would one day like to rebuild my old Tecumseh to retain that "Classic" TB.

[@jamesbramblett3346]

Keith Lincicum was your 160 Gx a direct fit? Have you been pleased with the performance?

[@richfiryn]

Where can i find replacement seals for the drive shaft of an older Troybilt ? Also, how do you determine the age of the older models ? Is there a resource for this ?

[@thegardentillerboy1244]

I'm glad you could afford a Honda I'm 13 so I asked so I had to buy a predator 212 to put on my to garden tillers

[@NCPAOutdoors]

The Predator engine is a good alternative to use on a tiller. With the minimal use required of most tillers it is a good way to save money and get your soil ready. I choose the Honda for longevity and trouble free operation. Thanks for the comment.

[@thegardentillerboy1244]

@@NCPAOutdoors thanks for my Hiding on my predator

[@HowardFBeale-ql6gk]

Im about to put a gx 240 on my old horse. Gonna be doing some fabrication.

[@kenegerton7512]

The easy way to do this is take the bellhousing off with the engine then put the bellhousing on the new engine and put it back on the unit.

[@gardeningklp]

Hello are you still happy with the Honda GX200 ENGINE ? I am thinking of ordering one for my Horse tiller. When I read the spec it says that its 5.5 hp and the tiller originally came with a 6hp Tecumseh engine so I was just wondering would it be under powered ?

[@backspace4093]

It’s not underpowered at all I have the same engine on mine. I can till as deep as I want or pull a hiller furrow. It’s never bogged down. It will burn the belts off before it bogs down.

[@kagnewmp12]

Switched my dead old engine out with a new one but when I started it the engine purred like a kitten but as I began to till with it the engine kept shutting down. It turns out that the new engine has a low oil shut off so when it tipped above it's set oil line it died. I talked to my small engine mechanic and he simply disconnected the wire and it runs fine. I unfortunately just got to Damn old to muscle that thing around anymore so I picked up a DR Power tow behind tiller and now I just pull it behind one of my small garden tractors.

[@joescott9258]

where did you get the Honda engine for the troy bilt tiller

[@raymondcote6669]

While showing bolt pattern, why didn’t you say the measurements ? What about shaft dia?

[@NCPAOutdoors]

I believe it was a standard bolt pattern, however it’s been a few years since this project was completed and I don’t recall the specific numbers. I refrained from mentioning it due to various model machines. Some TB tillers used engine other than the engine on mine.

[@jsimm4587]

My question exactly . Left out the most important bit of information we needed to here . Guess that caliper was for show and he couldn’t read it .

[@jeffdenney4148]

What’s the spec on this motor I’m looking to repower 1985 Troybilt horse ether with a Honda are a predator

[@gregdcross]

Good choice with the GX engine. They are as durable as the tiller. Now that you repowered it, time to put new tines on it.

[@NCPAOutdoors]

Good observation on the tines! We’ve looked at a new set of tines and tires these last few seasons, but its working good as is. Possibly next year. Thanks for the comment.

[@backspace4093]

@@NCPAOutdoors It’s been three years now how’s it holding up. Mine still runs as good as the day I bought. Well worth it.

[@lizardfirefighter110]

What the throttle hook up?

[@adamUDavies]

Thanks for making this video , you have convinced me to go with this 👍

[@NCPAOutdoors]

Good luck with the project.

[@robertduncan2742]

Harbor frights preditor works the 228cc. I believe it has cast iron sleeves as the Honda

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

Doesn't the original engine have two shafts ? mine does maybe its a gearbox bolted to the engine?

[@4Shreks]

If I am not mistaken, you have 2 shafts for forward and reverse.

[@keithsage1593]

I am looking for a new 208 cc for my sears tiller, where can I buy one?

[@stephengordon8968]

Thanks for the information

[@NCPAOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vanalstyne9834]

Got the bolt off. Took off the flywheel guard and held the shaft nut while removing the pulley bolt. I can't seem to get the pulley off. How did you do it? It didn't look like you used a puller. I'm at a standstill and your help would be fantastic. BTW, I'm replacing the Tecumseh 6hp with a Honda clone. The tiller is a Horse 1 from April , 1970.

[@NCPAOutdoors]

This is only held on by a key and shouldn't be a tapered shaft. That being said mine fell right off. I would assume that 40+ years of moisture, dirt, rust and grime would have it seized to the key and shaft. A two or three finger puller should take care of it for you. The puller are fairly cheap or most auto parts stores will loan them out. Thanks for watching.

[@vanalstyne9834]

+NCPA Outdoors While tipped forward I soaked the axel/pulley overnight with penetrating oil. No go trying to pull it by hand. Auto Zone loaned me a 3 finger (you have to use your credit card, but get the $ right back) and it slid right off.

[@jdb48]

thank you for your video

[@NCPAOutdoors]

Sure thing, hope it helped.

[@randygreen6461]

Does Honda have an electric start model and is the throttle cable attached? Thanks

[@NCPAOutdoors]

I’m not sure if Honda offers the smaller c engines with an electric start option. But the Honda starts so easily I couldn’t imagine why you would want to pay the extra cost for a starter if it was offered.

[@glynisainsworth3865]

Did yours have the second pulley for the reverse? If so how did you adapt it?

[@NCPAOutdoors]

Original pulley bolted right up to the new motor. Reverse works great! No modification required.

[@biopbsm]

will it run in reverse mode?

[@kentjacoby2869]

You have nice knees as shown in the entire video, but why didn't you show the assembly from the opposite side, show we could see how you are bolting the engine up, and the install of the pulley?

[@estebanortiz6652]

I have one that looks like that one I would like to replace the engine where do I find that year of my old trailer

[@NCPAOutdoors]

Year of the machine is not very important to re-power. Most replacement engines only require the bolt pattern and output shaft size information.

[@SA-lr1sf]

How many hors it was and how many is now?

[@tomdoty8334]

At 19 seconds into the video, you are pointing to the pulley with the bolt removed. Yes?

[@goodmandiad2713]

Yes he was but that was the easy part. Look at my post about how to remove the pulley.

[@vanalstyne9834]

How did you remove the pulley bolt? Do I wedge something into the pulley to immobilize it, then loosen? What is the circular fitting your pointing at? My bolt is an exposed 9/16. Thanks.

[@NCPAOutdoors]

Mine pulled of easily by hand, without the use of a puller. A three finger puller might work if needed.

[@ZenithRadio]

What boots you wearing bud?

[@NCPAOutdoors]

+ZenithRadio They are Carolina 10" logger boots, decent boot for cutting firewood and doing garden work. Can't beat the price but they no where close to the quality of a pair of Whites or Nicks boots. Thanks for the comment.

[@ethansloan1774]

What kind of tiller was it

[@artmuller5000]

Do you know the model number on the Honda engine?

[@Brian-bi7qe]

I have a TROY- BILT TUFFY rear tine roto tiller. Tecumseh engine that smokes and won't idle . I took to local mower shop for a tune -up. I got a call 8 weeks later. Hey we rebuilt carb, replaced plug and air filter but it won't idle. We recommend replacing the motor. Your bill for this service is $166.00 + tax . WTF!!!! It has the same problem that it had when I brought it in. They told me that I can pay and take it with me or they would call the police and I would have to pay them. What would be a good engine to put on this machine?

[@backspace4093]

Honda 200 gx.

[@Bullseye1280]

where is the honda engine made? What is the engine # to order

[@timsboyd1]

Great video that inspired me to remove my HH60 from my late 70s era Troy Bilt tiller. I was able to get everything apart OK but noticed the shaft on the old engine has a key in it that is keeping the shims on the shaft. I didn’t see this key on your old or new engine? Do I pound it out of the old shaft and put it on the new one along with the shims? Thanks again for the great video!

[@NCPAOutdoors]

I reused the old key and shims from the old engine. Good luck with your project.

[@timsboyd1]

Thanks again for your help.

[@mattprang4684]

what was the exact model number on your Honda? I'm planning on replacing mine and I have the same engine tecumseh hh-60. thanks for the video was extremely helpful.

[@man9170]

Honda gx 200

[@jacobditmer5579]

honda are really good engines

[@2008FORDF450V8]

Jacob Ditmer I know I have two OHC engine run like a top

[@markhaskew9544]

This was a Troy-Bilt Horse model. Correct?

[@NCPAOutdoors]

Yes, correct.

[@sldl04]

That Honda engine seems a bit light in the tiller at 200cc and 5.5 net hp. Would a 305cc or 390cc work better?

[@NCPAOutdoors]

The Honda is less weight than the HH60, but I don't feel it negatively affects the performance.

[@goodmandiad2713]

They changed the way horse power is rated. The Honda actually put out more than the HH60

[@robertduncan2742]

Sure would be nice to find one like that with a bad engine. There the cats meow

[@jordanmay6827]

So how do you keep the pulley from turning to remove the bolt?

[@NCPAOutdoors]

Mine pulled off easily by hand, but an impact driver or a three finger puller might work if needed.

[@jc8382]

Will the original bumper guard fit around the Honda engine?

[@NCPAOutdoors]

Hard to say as I didn't have one on my tiller. I would assume it would fit based on the size comparison of the engines.

[@backspace4093]

It will fit and you will have about a half inch of clearance.

[@mikevalente4484]

Hi i have a Troy-Bilt Pro Tiller 8 horse Kohler Magnam engine and i would like to do the same as you did on your tiller would a GX270 honda motor fit? Is this a good choice. Just really like your video of your repair. any way Thank you in advance Mike here

[@wen2h2o]

i also have kohlar engine what engine did you choose

[@stevewarner8880]

I replaced my 8 HP Kohler Magnum with a GX270 from Small Engine Warehouse in Indiana. Great engine, even better than the Kohler and it was great!

[@zacharbert6604]

@@stevewarner8880 I just pulled my Kohler Magnum off of mine (8HP), the crankshaft is 3/4 dia and is 2 7/16" length. The Honda GX 270 is 3.48 x 1 I think? How did you make that work if I may ask?

[@pgoff0000]

i am trying to pull the 2 sliding engine support mounts that the engine slides up and down. i pull the locking bolts, but I cannot pound those long rods out. does anybody have any ideas?

[@ashleighstephens9310]

Had the same problem. Pb blaster helped a bunch soak them good and they should come loose

[@goodmandiad2713]

Ok I am the only one who could not remove the 4 engine mounting bolts because they could not get the darn pulley off? For those of you as challenged as I was here is the trick. Do the stuff that is obvious, throttle cable, remove gas from tank, oil from engine ect. Now to the brass tacks. You can not remove the engine from the tiller because the pulley has been on there 40 years and rust wins this one. To remove engine this is what I did. 1, Remove the 2 bolts on either side that hold the pins that the engine /cast iron mount sides on. Also remove the 2 bolts that attach directly to the cast iron engine mount. 2,This puppy is really heavy so get help if you can. Now you can get to the pulley. Use a 67021 puller available from O'reillys auto parts as a loaner tool, Use it in the 2 jaw mode other wise there is no room to fit the 3 jaws into the cast iron part. 3, Pull the wire off the spark plug. Use an impact wrench to tighten the puller center bolt otherwise you may tear your arm off. Now you are home free.

[@jamesdumont6211]

What about weight? Does the new Honda weigh the same as the old Tecumseh?

[@NCPAOutdoors]

The HH-60 is cast iron and the Honda is cast aluminium. As I recall the Honda was a few pounds lighter but I didn't notice any negative impact to the operation. Thanks for the question and be sure to subscribe.

[@raymorrison5006]

Went from the worst engine to the best

[@SA-lr1sf]

Another 30 year for service to come.

[@sowrong6896]

how has the Honda treated you over the last 3 years?

[@RobertSAllen-ti1xj]

do you still have this motor ? i need the fly wheel.

[@adamUDavies]

Check out ebay , there is a lot of used parts on there. People are just tearing these tillers apart and selling the parts individually , because they get more money out of them.

[@RobertSAllen-ti1xj]

@@adamUDavies thanks for the advice. i ended up picking up a harbor fright engine. for 129.99 sold the the T for almost 200$. i dont understand why they are going for so much .

[@NCPAOutdoors]

Hi Robert- Still have the engine, but it’s not for sale. That HF engine should work great. Happy gardening and best of luck on the re-power!

[@RobertSAllen-ti1xj]

@@NCPAOutdoors Just finished tilling my garden. it worked amazingly after i disconnected the low oil shut off switch. Why do people want or like these old tecumseh motors so much ?

[@barrypate4203]

Just bought an old t b horse in central Alabama for $250.00 has th tecumseh 6.5 hp gonna replace w Honda

[@thomasgronek6469]

Beautiful engine, great selection. I hope it serves you well. Is there a Honda with higher horse power that would be as easy to change-out as the one you selected?

[@NCPAOutdoors]

Thomas, I've seen Honda GX 240's and GX 390's used since upgrading my TB. I don't feel that more power would be required for.the ground I work. I guess it would depend how much hard pan soil you have to break up every year.

[@thomasgronek6469]

Thank you.

[@backspace4093]

Just placed an order with small engine warehouse. Engine cost $295.00 same as yours. Ordered a set of tines with all hardware $99.00 and the 5/16-24 bolt. Hope to have it in a few days.

[@NCPAOutdoors]

5 years later and I am still happy with my decision to re-power my tiller with a Honda GX. Worth the money to keep these well built machines in the soil!

[@backspace4093]

NCPA Outdoors Dont know if I asked this question or not. But did you lose reverse when you put this engine on. I got mine on and a new set of tines. It’s like a new tiller. Did about a quarter acre of garden space. I have two hillers that came with the tiller. Makes pretty rows and this thing is a horse. And it has plenty of HP to till with. I run mine half throttle while tilling or plowing. It never struggles.

[@NCPAOutdoors]

backspace4093 reverse works great!

[@RickBelleville]

I purchased mine New in 1982 at a local Troy-Built Dealer. I have an 8hp Kohler I want to replace. Will the same GX Honda also work for me?

[@backspace4093]

@@RickBelleville yes sir

[@RobertPerrigoOkiechopper]

What did you do with the Tecumseh engine ? wanna sell it?

[@NCPAOutdoors]

Hi Robert. The Tecumseh has been lubed/boxed and put up on the shelf for another project someday, not planning to sell. Thanks for watching .

[@TheJogdredge]

OKIE CHOPPER are you still looking for a Tecumseh engine? I have one I just swapped out.

[@RobertPerrigoOkiechopper]

No, found one , thanks.

[@goodmandiad2713]

If you are still interested in one message me. I will give it to you for the shipping charges.

[@richshipley]

I need to do the same. What model Honda engine did you use? Thanks!!

[@NCPAOutdoors]

Feel free to check out the video, I think I covered the old and new model numbers. I believe its a Honda GX 200QX. The 200 is a few pound lighter than a 240 or larger but it isn't an issue for me, hardly noticeable.

[@thaman1851]

Hi, Mr where you buy honda engine 200cc, gx

[@NCPAOutdoors]

I compared several locations for the best price and I found mine at www.smallenginewarehouse.com

[@jamesripper240sx]

you mean down grading a troy bilt?

[@barryestell6324]

GX Honda are the best HONDA makes ,,now there GC is JUNK !!

[@goodmandiad2713]

The HH60 is a pain in the butt to keep running reliably. I tried myself to keep playing with it. That carb is junk.The Honda will treat you perfectly for as long as you want as long as you drain the fuel for one storage intervals.

[@randymagnum143]

"Upgrade"

[@lynnfox8714]

Absolutely the worst way to remove the engine from the Troy Bilt Horse Tiller, Remove as per the Troy Bilt Manuel, You Will Have Zero Problems!!

[@NCPAOutdoors]

This was several years ago but I recall the removal being a simple straightforward process. However we appreciate your constructive criticism and agree that a factory manual is always the best resource for disassembly and reassembly.

[@raymondcote6669]

What happened to the Tecumseh engine

[@NCPAOutdoors]

It will serve as an antique machinery display engine kept in operational condition.

[@kitcarson7572]

No more reverse with that engine!

[@NCPAOutdoors]

If you use the original pulley reverse will work fine. No issues with my setup, everything thing bolted right up!

[@markthompsoncpa]

Should have at least cleaned the tiller before putting on the Honda just outa respect

[@mrbriggs68]

Engine Won't last your lifetime guarantee that

[@goodmandiad2713]

Of course it will. I have seen them still running with 10,000 hours even thought he service life is supposed to be 2000

[@cbr1thou]

Id take my 8 magnum over the honda

[@11spitdms]

What size are the engine mounting bolt? I’m buying one but it has no engine currently.

[@NCPAOutdoors]

Sorry, I don’t recall the bolt size as its been a few years since I’ve had it it apart. I believe it was a standardized bolt pattern and size because the new Honda uses the same mounting holes and the original bolts from the old HH6.0. Good luck with your project. Happy gardening.