Replacing Blown Wood Splitter Engine with a Harbor Freight Predator Engine

I have a ton of wood to split before the snow comes. Of course, my trusty log splitter's Briggs and Stratton engine decided to self-destruct. Luckily we have a Harbor Freight Store nearby and they had an inexpensive engine that looked like it would work. Here's how I did the replacement.
Things I used:
* Harbor Freight 5.5Hp Vertical Shaft Engine ( www.harborfreight.com/55-hp-1... )
* Steering Wheel Puller ( amzn.to/3Gpitk2 )
* PB Blaster ( amzn.to/3T1E0ae )
* Allen Wrenches ( amzn.to/3NaDfI7 )
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[@BG_Lidar]

Great job. I did the same with a Predator motor in an Ariens snow blower. Worked BETTER than the Tecumseh original

[@mickeyj4228]

The Bilt Hard 173cc sold on Amazon is the same engine with a Blue engine cover and $70 cheaper at $159. I just installed one on my DR trimmer mower replacing the junk Briggs 7.25. I'll upload a video on it in a day or 2.

[@dave5176]

I used the same engine on my old 1980 Craftsman lawn tractor. Works great for what I do with it, which is haul hay on a little trailer. The engine is a downsize from the ten horse Briggs, has less torque, but runs faster. Always starts winter or summer. You could have just cut the shaft down, but washers are OK too. I like the way you did the "brake" as you call it. I just used some bailing wire. I might just use your idea!

[@johnhorner5711]

Nice work Chris! It is great to see that you are still making and fixing things.

[@71cromag]

I'm doing the same project on the exact same equipment. The love joy connectors on mine are different but I had to do the same thing with washers but I chose to lower the pump underneath with the washers. The problem I'm having now is the bolt patterns lining up. I want the exhaust to be facing the inside towards the splitter. I like your approach to the throttle and brake arm.

[@tyronedeasbrailsford951]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@dallenjolley7707]

Very nice informative video, thank you for doing it. Question, does the new engine come with a new "key" on the shaft?

[@JoshNoss]

Pretty sure that yes they all do

[@SpynCycle57]

I would shorten the output shaft to match the length of the original motor.

[@PatrickFlynn-yp4yk]

Like the idea and that it worked out for you I had the same problem with my 22 ton identical to yours engine blew cannot find a replacement with the same shaft size those that you can engine too small was told that it would work but won't last long I was told that the engine should be at least 189 cc or 212 CC right now I'm looking at getting a horizontal and hooking it up that way from harbor freight they have the predator p 6.5 HP which is 212 CC right now not sure what I'm going to do but I'm not going to go out and buy a brand new one have you had any problems at all with that 5.5 horsepower? hope things work out for you in good video have a great day

[@SerendipitySue]

I’m using it right now! Works like a charm. Don’t notice any thing different from old engine.

[@KimRowden]

Nice video - but while I really like the Predator engines Harbor Freight seem to be quitting the engine business. There are NO engines available in my 6 nearest stores. The stores don't have an answer when I ask when they will be back in stock.

[@jameschainey2343]

It's called a coupling

[@SerendipitySue]

Thank you, I was having a brain fart and couldn’t think of the correct name 🤪

[@jameschainey2343]

🙂