Case 444 engine swap

[Anonymous-0]

I am going to try and put a twin cylinder 16hp onan on my 444 case like the 446 has, but I am not familiar with the 446 except it had an onan engine. I am wandering what it will take to do this? Two questions in paticular, How to bolt the hydro pump to engine properly, are all onan engines the same so you could use a factory adapter, and second does the onan bolt directly to the frame unlike the kohler that uses the rubber mounts? Thanks for any help, and advice!!

 

[Tom Arnold]

This is one of those "Sounds like a good idea" things on the surface but in fact will turn out to be a very bad move.

The tractor frames are different. The 446 frame has a dropped section where the Onan sits that is reinforced to regain the lost strength from the cutting. The Onan is spec'd with a different oil pan than many engines and the crank output shaft is short to accept the pump coupler.

On top of that, the wiring harness is different. So is the regulator, pump mount bracket and worst of all, the expensive PTO clutch is different. And then there will also be exhaust system issues.

The worst thing is that your tractor won't be worth much at that point, thanks to you changing out the engine.

I don't know why you feel this is necessary because IMO you won't be gaining much. My advice is simple. Forgeddaboutit. Instead. Find a local small engine machine shop that knows Kohler K engines inside and out.

If you are mechanically inclined enough to attempt that engine swap, then you should be capable of dismantling the K engine so save some money. Take the bare block, crank, cam and head to the machine shop for inspection and evaluation. Have them deck the block and head, bore the block to get rid of taper and out-of-round issues, polish or grind the crank and camshaft so they can tell you what piston/ring set to buy along with gasket/seal kit and connecting rod.

E-bay hosts sellers that have such items for very reasonable prices. Do not forget the valves, springs, seats and guides. Put new crankshaft end bearings. Either buy NEW balance gears for it or just leave them out. Do not use old balance gears EVER.

Check the points push rod for length. Do not overlook anything and that's why you need an experienced Kohler guy to guide you. Check the carb for slop in the throttle shaft and bush it. New points, condenser, plug and wire.

Bottom line? If you do it right, you will end up with an engine that will bolt right back into the frame with no modifications. You will be amazed at the power/torque this engine will deliver when it is rebuilt properly. Your tractor will be worth more because it is correct and original.

I also suggest that your replace the 4 rubber engine mounts. New isolators can be bought from McMaster Carr for far less money than from an Ingersoll dealer. Remove the fuel tank. Get rid of the filter in the fuel outlet in the tank and install new fuel lines along with an in-line filter just before the fuel pump.

Wash all the crap off the frame and steering while the engine is at the machine shop. Check all the wiring and wiring connections NOW while they are easy to get at. If you do all of this, you will spend less money and end up with a better machine.

 

[G L Grumpy]

Onan's have diff pump mount than the Kohlers. See them on epay all the time. You should join the Yahoo groups Case forum. Lots of parts sellers and great help to do what you want to do. Seems someone is asking same question there now, maybe that is you?