The good the bad and the ugly

Everything about Kohler, Onan, B&S, Honda, and other engines.
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DavidBarkey Canada
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The good the bad and the ugly

Post by DavidBarkey »

Recent post got me to thinking .
What do thing was the best engine " of it's time "
NO wrong answers here this is just based on peoples experiences.

Me personally think the Onan P220 - proven block design, reliable ignition system , ample power without being too fuel hungry. with routine maintenance will go many thousand hours of use . (going off personal experience )
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Timj United States of America
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Re: The good the bad and the ugly

Post by Timj »

DavidBarkey wrote: Tue Jan 23, 2024 7:03 pm Recent post got me to thinking .
What do thing was the best engine " of it's time "
NO wrong answers here this is just based on peoples experiences.

Me personally think the Onan P220 - proven block design, reliable ignition system , ample power without being too fuel hungry. with routine maintenance will go many thousand hours of use . (going off personal experience )
I think the P series is that way, my P216 and P218 just run and run well. P218 is heading towards 1500 hours, doesn't use oil, doesn't smoke. :thumbsup:
:creeper: deck's on, blades sharp, let's go it's time to mow :48: :446cart:
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Re: The good the bad and the ugly

Post by Jancoe »

B block with p heads. B blocks had better valves and seats. Build from there with 20hp cam. Use p ignition. If I were to build one that is.

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Re: The good the bad and the ugly

Post by DavidBarkey »

Jancoe wrote: Tue Jan 23, 2024 10:12 pm B block with p heads. B blocks had better valves and seats. Build from there with 20hp cam. Use p ignition. If I were to build one that is.

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Curious , what is different in the valve and seats that make the B blocks better ?
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Re: The good the bad and the ugly

Post by Jancoe »

B block has thicker valve stems
B valve stems are 11/32. ( .343 )
P valve stems are close to 9/32 ( .280 )
I don't hear of b blocks loosing a valve seat. Just p blocks. They changed to thinner valve stems and the valves couldn't carry the heat enough?

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Re: The good the bad and the ugly

Post by DavidBarkey »

Jancoe wrote: Wed Jan 24, 2024 8:38 am B block has thicker valve stems
B valve stems are 11/32. ( .343 )
P valve stems are close to 9/32 ( .280 )
I don't hear of b blocks loosing a valve seat. Just p blocks. They changed to thinner valve stems and the valves couldn't carry the heat enough?

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Thanks , good to know. I like working with Onans . Always learning something new .
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Re: The good the bad and the ugly

Post by Gregnew »

DavidBarkey wrote: Tue Jan 23, 2024 7:03 pm Recent post got me to thinking .
What do thing was the best engine " of it's time "
NO wrong answers here this is just based on peoples experiences.

Me personally think the Onan P220 - proven block design, reliable ignition system , ample power without being too fuel hungry. with routine maintenance will go many thousand hours of use . (going off personal experience )
I deeply agree
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Re: The good the bad and the ugly

Post by MattA »

Jancoe wrote: Wed Jan 24, 2024 8:38 am B block has thicker valve stems
B valve stems are 11/32. ( .343 )
P valve stems are close to 9/32 ( .280 )
I don't hear of b blocks loosing a valve seat. Just p blocks. They changed to thinner valve stems and the valves couldn't carry the heat enough?

Sent from my SM-S906U using Tapatalk
The thinner valve stems likely improve airflow by making more power. With more air flow you can add more fuel making more power and more heat. My "I don't own an Onan" understanding is the head overheats which causes the valve seat to come loose. Does the oil filter side exhaust valve usually come loose?
Ingersoll 4016
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Spike188 Canada
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Re: The good the bad and the ugly

Post by Spike188 »

Welcome to the CCIGT @Gregnew
Spike Colt - 9 & 10, Case - 108, 118, 444, 446, 448, 646, 646bh, Ingersoll 4016, 4118AH
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Re: The good the bad and the ugly

Post by Harry »

Welcome Greg, please post in the intro area and lets us know about yourself. We would love to hear about your interests. :peace: Harry
1973 444, 1974 644, 1976 446, 1977 646, 1986 226
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