Predator engine swap on leaf blower

[@Joe-f3t8c]

I just did the same replacement because my 8HP Briggs snapped the 1" shaft. 1) The blower propeller was out of balance, this probably caused the shaft failure. I balanced it before putting back on. 2) The Predator 301 engine had the exact same shaft height. 3) Rather than fabricate a new exhaust, I simply cut the back of the fan casing where the exhaust pipe was touching. It only needed about a 1" by 2" hole. If I could do it over, I would have simply peened it since it only needed an indent of about a half an inch. 4) The muffler shield also touched the housing and needed a small corner area removed. That's it. Good video and Thanks. My only recommendation would be to check if the propeller is in balance, otherwise the new one will eventually fail too.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the information

[@999thenewman]

I'm happy you're happy. Thanks to Home Garage, the yard blower lives again. Great job, buddy. ^_^

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks man. It's working better than ever.

[@Jim-ie6uf]

I always break mine in. Those HF engines are great for projects like this. Nice job.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks and I really like these engines. I think it's the 3rd one I've bought.

[@butler386]

Great fix and I am surprised how well that thing blew the leaves. I always try to follow manufacturers directions with break in as well as designated oil changes. I usually change oil more frequently than recommended. Keep the video's coming.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you D Butler for the comment and yes they'll keep coming.

[@ragingbullhcwf]

I buy a lot of items from both Harbor Freight and Northern Tool. However, I make it a point to avoid their Chonda engines due to the high failure rate. Even the cashier @ HF advised me to do so. The price is attractive and they run good for a while, but will randomly crap out. It that engine was a parachute, I certainly would not wear it jumping out of an airplane! LOL I chose the Briggs Vanguard to repower my old Little Wonder 8hp blower. Yes, it was twice the cost of the Predator, but the Vanguard bolted right on. No drilling new holes, no sleeving, no muffler modifications, no guessing games. Even the throttle cable fit where it was supposed to. The ease of installation and peace of mind for long-term reliability justified the $400.00 I spent. Nice job installing and I wish you luck with yours. It does sound badass with the pipe!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you for the comment I appreciate it and sharing your experience.

[@blacklisterd]

Hey I just did this change over myself. But I kept the stock exhaust on. Worked out great. I did have to use a few washers to get the clearance I needed & weld on a pease of plate to extend the engine mounting holes to fit. Well worth it to me that the whole engine is stock & with the engine a little farther back it’s easier to raise the front to turn.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes the clearance was an issue, thank you for sharing

[@quentinreedfamilyreedfamil1347]

How

[@quentinreedfamilyreedfamil1347]

How did you fix it

[@blacklisterd]

@@quentinreedfamilyreedfamil1347 Like I said I shimmed the crank shaft with washers till I had the clearance I needed to leave the muffler on. A C E HW had the longer bolt I needed to bolt the propeller to the crankshaft. Tr-ctor s-pply had the washers that fit. At this point the 4 holes for the engine will not line up. Because the engine sits farther back. So I used the same thinness plate steel & extended the frame by welding it. Drilled new holes to mount the engine to the frame & that’s about it. It actually wasn’t that much work. Done in a short day. The muffler dose touch the blower housing thou. But I’m ok with it.

[@martinnightingale6033]

I got a new chainsaw last year . From a local tool store here in the uk . £90 . I ran it in as recommended in the book that came with it . Well worth it . It was purchased for occasional use . It's had a fair bit of work since getting it. I always run the fuel dry to . Same as my other powered garden tools Hedge trimmer got that a year ago for peanuts . Just needed new fuel lines and primer bulb . Strimmer too . Fuel it up couple of pulls it starts . 4 stroke mower I inherited when I moved in . Even though I serviced it . Always issues starting . This year got proper spark plug NGK. Starts first time every time now . Thanks for the videos I'm learning so much.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks for the comment I appreciate it. i enjoy hearing about other people's experiences

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I always try and warm my stuff up whether new or old and 99% are old and well broken in or broken down. The splitter has the 13 horse Predator and am WELL pleased with it. Son-in-law came for it last week. It had geen sitting a full uyear since it had been run last and started oon 1st pull. Super engines. And the splitter anbd 261 saw are the only new stuff I ever bought except for power tools. Those blowers sure do the job. The old one had an 8 horse Briggs flathead and wore me out on a regular basis. BLESSINGS 2 U!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, as long as certain precautions are taken those engines work great!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@HomeGaragechannel Mine always have but they may blow tomorrow but they're well paid for.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's always a plus

[@RussellBooth1977]

I just fitted new rings into my Briggs & Stratton 3 hp powered Supa swift lawn mower over Christmas time which stopped it from burning oil,it only needs about 3 pulls to start it instead of 6. It runs the old suction type of choke O matic carburettor so relies on engine compression to draw fuel in from the fuel tank, not a primer bulb or gravity feed so it needs a few pulls to start it. Briggs & Stratton recommend running it for 5 hours to break the rings in but most of the grass is dead due to drought, I tried in on a green patch of lawn & it went well. We've had some rain so some of the lawn has sprung back to life so I might do some mowing today,as far as the break in procedure goes,I will change the oil after 5 hours of use. Edit 25.1.20 - it started first pull this afternoon,I mowed with it for 1 hour & the spark plug electrodes now run grey instead of being oily,it doesn't use any oil now whereas it used to burn 1/3rd (200 mLs) of its oil capacity up in that time !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Nice. I still believe in breaking the engine in myself.

[@jhomrich89]

I see immediately why the first engine broke, there's no rubber bushings installed between the engine and the mount to reduce vibration. Too much vibration can cause this to come apart. Happend to me when I recovered one of these a few years back

[@larrycroft470]

I hope you will keep us updated on your overall opinion/evaluation of the predator engine. They certainly are less expensive than all others. Thank you

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I will Larry Croft. Thank you for the comment I appreciate it

[@watermanone7567]

Hi: Nice fix. I usually run the engines for about 30 minutes to ` hr. at half speed and then change the oil. I have never had an issue in my shop doing this. Also you might want to think about sending the crank in the other engine to a machine shop and having it center tapped, threaded and then welded with a new end of the shaft. Or maybe just install a new crank??? Thanks for your video's.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Waterman one for the comment I appreciate it. Yes that's an idea. I'm looking a possibility taping it

[@999thenewman]

@@HomeGaragechannel kzbin.info/www/bejne/qInJmp2Np9efqZo People should look at this video from Taryl Fixes All.

[@newstuffsucks...5754]

I did a harbor freight swap (5.5 Heni head) on a Parker Thatch-o-magic. I needed an engine quick so I bought it. Ran fine first season thatching 15-20 lawns. Winterized and put away. Following year started up ran lousy. Cleaned and adjusted carb, new ngk plug, no difference. Not sinking any more time or money into it. I’ll find an older Briggs, Honda or Kawasaki. It bugged me putting a chi-com engine on a nice USA made piece of equipment anyway. We also had a China clone on northern tool splitter. After 2 seasons it jumped time, ate the valves. I know lots and lots of guys re-power with predators, and even the new toros and ariens use Chinese engines. That’s fine I have lots of equipment and most of its older. If it can be repaired I do otherwise I only run Japanese or American.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Very excellent examples of these engines short comings. I already started mine this year so its still good luckily. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it

[@newstuffsucks...5754]

Good luck with it, I hope it serves you well. For me, when I depend on a machine to put bread on my table, I can’t trust them. There’s a reason the price is so low. Good video though. We just bought a new little wonder. Fantastic machine

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@newstuffsucks...5754 yes they are. Thanks for the comment again

[@eltonpham2165]

At 4:05 the engine mounting bolt/nut doesn’t have a washer under the nut to help it secure it to the frame and engine base. Also are you going to mount and bolt the original muffler onto the pipe?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yes you are correct on both points. I'll put a washer on soon. Yes it will be the stock muffler or one of those round spin on ones .

[@ericrichardson3332]

Its always best to follow the manufacturers instructions for break in procedures and usually its in the from of hours and depending on manufacturers there may be minutes and hours maintenance that must be done to keep the engine running , my dad has an old model number 9 briggs and stratton 5 hp engine don't know that exact year but it's run time before an oil change is 25 hours and add oil every 5 hours of run time as needed until it reaches 25 hours and the air filter is steel mesh that you put oil on or in the pull cord is separate and has to be hand wrapped around the pully to pull start it and it has a condenser and points and yes it still starts and runs great

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are correct!

[@rmhdsn284]

Let's start a discussion. How about just directing the exhaust into the blower chamber to mix with and be expelled with the other blast air?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a good idea. so good in fact they didn't bother doing that from the factory

[@jameshedrick6839]

I have always followed the break in procedures for a 2 or 4 stroke engine

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you James Hedrick

[@davidwilliams9450]

Can the original handle mounted throttle control be hooked up to that engine?.....Seems a bit labor intensive to have to keep reaching down to change throttle settings.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure it wouldn't be a problem its just not necessary.

[@davidwilliams9450]

@@HomeGaragechannel I have an identical model Little Wonder 8HP High output blower that has been sitting in the back of my garage for several years with a seized engine....oil seal blew while I was using it, and I have been considering a repower....but wanted to keep the handle mounted throttle which is why I asked.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

I like those half price Honda clones. Great fix.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Me too

[@nashguy207]

I used to break my engines in but my dealer tells me now a days just run them wide open from the start and do first oil change at 5 hours.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Gotcha. I appreciate your comment thank you nashguy207.

[@ninoreeves7702]

yikes wide open no load....not at my house....i have several predators....idle brake in, for one tank of gas , change oil....now you are ready to go...

[@statestreetlandscaping6955]

Nice job. Two questions: 1)Does lowering the blower housing affect the ground clearance of the machine? and 2) Was the output shaft the same length? Looking to do the same, but dont want to run into these issues.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

1. It mainly changed the angle of the blower, sort of like lower or lifting the back of a pick up truck. 2. And if I recall, the shaft was the same length.

[@trevorwood9703]

I have the same job with the same blower/engine. Could expand how what you did for the exhaust get modify to fit? Thanks.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure. i took off the muffler and got a flange that fit the engine and put a pipe on the flange that angled away from the fan housing.

[@trevorwood9703]

@@HomeGaragechannel thanks for the quick reply! Did you have to weld the angled pipe, after you bolted on the flange? Sorry pretty new to this.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@trevorwood9703 its not a problem. Yes I had to weld it. The flange was originally an EGR flange from a toyota. I used some of the pipe since it was turn already and some straight pipe from a different engine.

[@nicholascoleman6549]

Hi! im running into an issue with my honda GX240 motor on my little wonder blower. the exhaust had fallen off, and granted I bought this piece of equipment used I wasn't really surprised since it was all rusted out. I bought a new manifold and muffler to replace the old parts. My local dealer also told me that proper mounting required studs, which I also installed. However, after using the blower for a few hours today, the manifold is coming loose again. Im not sure if I tightened the studs too far into the head and didn't leave enough thread for the nuts? I was wondering if you had any troubleshooting ideas to figure out this issue. thank you!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, did you measure or count how many threads were going to be in the head before install it. IF it's not enough you'll need longer bolts but you might run into a clearance problem then.

[@nicholascoleman6549]

@ I figured it out! I put the studs in too far… I didn’t leave enough thread for the nuts to hold onto. Hopefully should be fixed for good now!! Thanks for the response

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, glad you figured it out.

[@IvanOchoa461]

What could go wrong if you run the engine with no exhaust what's wrong without having an exhaust

[@IvanOchoa461]

What could happen without an exhaust

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Well you could affect the air fuel ratio and need to adjust the carb so it doesn't run lean on fuel.

[@IvanOchoa461]

@@HomeGaragechannel I thought you could warp the valves

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@IvanOchoa461 that's a good possibility too

[@quasarsword7479]

I love the little Wonder

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Its way too powerful but its fun to use

[@quasarsword7479]

Home Garage we use it on fields, and tho help sweep lots. My new blower is : hasqvarna 580bts mark II ❤️

[@mohamednazeel7649]

Wow..... amazing power that motor has.... perfect

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You are correct. I've only dealt with the 212cc before so this is a big upgrade. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it.

[@carlmercado2673]

How did you install a pipe ???? Did you use a flange ??

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you mean the exhaust pipe? yes I had a flange from a different project and welded to it.

[@GaryMcKay-x8n]

I’m in the middle of the same project with the same blower and engine. Can you tell me what 3/4” spacer that you used to handle the differences in shaft lengths and how you mounted it. Also did you use longer bolts to mount the engine to the blower housing. Thanks so much.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I don't recall needed a spacer for the shaft length. Yes, I had to install longer bolts to secure the blower housing to the back of the engine and you'll need to use spacers there to keep the housing from being pulled towards the engine.

[@GaryMcKay-x8n]

@@HomeGaragechannel do you recall if they were 3/4” spacers? I appreciate your help!

[@stephenleone2375]

Are you able to hook up the throttle linkage from the handle bar to the one on the engine, or are you going to have to reach down every time?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it works just fine reaching down there. I might try fabricating one in the future. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it

[@stephenleone2375]

@@HomeGaragechannel - If you do fabricate something to make the throttle linkage connect, please make a video of it.....even if the video is done after the installation is completed. Would love to see how you choose to go about it. Overall.....nice job on this engine install.

[@davea2407]

What was the original engine a 1 inch straight shaft? I am looking at buying one of these and the Engine may or may not be bad the listing doesn’t say just says needs love but I have a sneaky feeling it’s a step shaft

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes It an 8 hp horizontal shaft briggs with a 1" shaft.

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

Swapping an engine is a bit like swapping a carburetor, you have to make sure every part is the same or else it won’t work

[@HomeGaragechannel]

That's very true. I will say you can make small modifications to help it work out.

[@roystheboy]

Great job on this are you going you use the leaves as a compost

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Roy. Unfortunately not. I just need them out of the way

[@rayzrLennon]

Great video. Does anyone have any experience with swapping out the 5HP motor on little wonder for Predator 6.5 (212cc)?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I have a the video previous to this one which might help.

[@travisbenjamin3629]

@@HomeGaragechannel can you send like to that video? I can't find it.

[@frankfurther3828]

Do these have a clutch? When I pull the rope the turbine also spins.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nope direct drive

[@ashzole]

what would happen if you replaced the engine with a Boing 747 engine?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it would be very loud and heavy

[@WallyJ2K]

Great video! I am looking at using the 212cc engine for a leaf vacuum engine replacement. I will also need to make the muffler mod. Doesn't the engine run really loud with only a pipe instead of a muffler? Could you have run the pipe to the muffler to make it quieter? I'm new to all this stuff. Thanks for helping us learn!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yes its loud but I wear my hearing protection so I don't notice it. Yes I could have run the pipe to the muffler but the distance of the muffler from the engine makes it vibrate a lot.

[@EssentialDIY]

Hi can you explain what you did to modify the height and how you got to center the shaft correctly? I have a 8hp little wonder briggs and want to put the 13 ho 420cc predator on my blower

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I had to change the mounting positions, on the blower housing, I ended up, drilling a new hole on each side, and using 1 of the existing studs. I also had to make new holes in the "red" mounting plate as well, and stand the engine, about 3/4' away, from the back of the blower housing

[@pyrog.c.c89]

I build a Minn bike with a Predator 212 engine. Make sure you break it in. I don't trust those Motors until you're broken in.

[@pyrog.c.c89]

Nice job buddy👍👍👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Ah great advise. I appreciate your experience.

[@brianandrews7099]

Harbor Freight has certainly missed the boat by not coming out with an afford and extension line of vertical shaft, electric start 10-25 HP engines a long time ago to repower riding mowers.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I wonder why they haven't? I'd like to know just for fun.

[@ninoreeves7702]

wierd shut down procedure....i just flip the switch , unless your running it out of gas ...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I always run the bowl out of gas so the jet doesn't get a chance to clog up.

[@aidanasmr5099]

Is this the most powerful blower?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no, they have much more powerful ones, that you can drive around.

[@js_1995x]

Old Snap on 18v impact?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yep still works like a champ.

[@js_1995x]

@@HomeGaragechannel my dad has 2 if them, and a drill. He doesnt use them. His new stuff consists of a drill, right angle drill, impact(3/8 and 1/2., ratchet(1/4 and 3/8),buffer/polisher, orbital sander. He doesnt use the impact, he uses a Flexzilla air impact. He doesnt use the drill, he use a Dewalt drill. He doesnt use the 1/4 ratchet, he uses the 3/8. He doesnt use the right angle drill. I use the 3/8 impact. He uses cheaper stuff, not his expensive stuff

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@js_1995x he definitely values his good equipment. After I got the snap on I didn't use it over year but now it's in my tool bag ready to use.

[@timpmuldoon736]

Me personally, I would follow a breaking. Put some fresh oil in it and you’d be surprised how dirty that new oil is already.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@martint766]

How loud was it with the new muffler?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

oh it was incredibly loud, unbearable in fact. I had to wear hearing protection.

[@jusinburton5286]

i change oil after 5 hours then every 20 hours or so afterwards. Conventional before 20 hours synthetic afterwards.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Justin Burton, that sounds like a very good schedule to keep.

[@jaarryifleshblood315]

I let the engine break in properly, letting the engine parts expand and let it Idle for a while before I turn it off. It’s not good for the engine when you put heavy load on it straight away when you use it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for the tip I haven't put much time on it so I'll give it a try.

[@conner5611]

Are you a commercial lawn worker or do you just work on people's equipment how do you get all your equipment?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

the second choice. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it.

[@conner5611]

@@HomeGaragechannel cool thx for the response I really appreciate your video's they help me fix my trimmer carb

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@conner5611 no problem

[@edrobinson8819]

Where did you find the exhaust pipe?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I don't remember where I got it from, but I had it laying around from some other project.

[@mikespain8655]

Little Wonder walk behind blowers are not very popular. They are expensive, heavy, hard to maneuver, and it gets old walking back and forth pushing and dragging it. A backpack blower ie the only way to go.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

they certainly have a specific place in leaf blowing

[@rmhdsn284]

@@HomeGaragechannel Now that's a VERY diplomatic response. My truth is that they are positioned to perform two very different jobs!

[@frios011]

You do realize that there is a break in period on this as well as all new engines. Supposed to run it at least two hours under no load!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's good to know

[@qwertykeyboard5901]

I'm moderately surprised harbor freight doesn't have a sub 50cc engine.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

me too

[@jimspirits9473]

Hi there. I replaced my 5 hp Briggs & Stratton on my little wonder 5 hp blower with a 6.5 predator but same like you the shaft broke. Welded it together and it broke again soon after. My question is the predator engine that you are using has a 3 1/2 inch output shaft whereas the 6.5 hp that I had, and like the old Briggs, had a 2 1/2 inch shaft. How did you handle that or is your air housing wider? Was your machine an 8hp originally? Thanks much. Jim

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I think the original was an 8 hp briggs, then I went small shaft and that broke, but the 301 needed to be moved back to compensate for the differences in shaft length.

[@richardboggs7777]

I follow manufacturer suggestions for brake in the engine

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Richard Boggs.

[@gregluff1149]

for me a new 2 stroke i put a cap of 2 stroke oil in the tank on top of normal mix for 2 to 3 tanks and not over half throttle under no load 4 stroke ill run it at the lowest throttle I can to do the job for 2 to 3 tanks then change the oil and run it normal

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice thanks for sharing your experience

[@dunkfedick7800]

I run my brakes period from 15 minutes at idel to half for 20 then full for 15 then I change the oil and add a little of misteryoil to the oil and gas it help out with up lub to the piston and last for many years my last on last 25 years on a gocart

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Dunk Fedick

[@pulleyland2768]

Great video. Helped alot

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad you liked it!

[@robertmailhos8159]

To bad a honda engine is so expensive that would be a great idea for the blower oh well you did what you had to see you later young man

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You are absolutely correct about that. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@HomeGaragechannel you go it young man

[@mikecollett7303]

I know this is a relatively old video, but I am doing this to my Little Wonder. I have found the same shaft height issue (I'm using the predator 301cc as well), but also see a shaft length issue; the predator is about 3/4" longer than the original Briggs. Did you account for this as well or was it not an issue going from Powerhorse to Predator?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You are absolutely correct, I use to use a 3/4" spacer, to move the engine away from the back of the blower housing.

[@doraescalante8663]

Dang that’s strong

[@HomeGaragechannel]

It's also really heavy but it works wonders.

[@brianpeterssr.4021]

That's a lot of modifications. Rather buy the orinigal engine. But good job.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You are correct. If I bought the Briggs version it probably would have been a better fit. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it

[@scrappysgarage7404]

I'll buy that broken engine from you

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks but i have some plans for it.

[@rannz8]

Even though you were calmly narrating this I know damn well you were fustrated

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes and no, Getting frustrated, while fixing stuff, just makes it harder to think. If possible try to keep any emotions down if possible. otherwise, have a beer.

[@lar4305]

I really wanted to watch your video, but i just couldn't handles all the political ads interrupting it. so i had to exit it. May be when the election is over i can.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow thanks for letting me know that was happening I had no idea those ads were showing up.

[@edwardcehelnik9792]

Used predator motor

[@benjaminleslie3155]

I've been eyeing a listing of a little wonder that's the same as this one with a blown b&s intek. Seller is asking $85 for it. And a predator 301 is $250 think it's worth it?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

YES Sir I do.. I'd go for it.