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I have a 2000 Snapper HiVac, model P216012 with a tired Briggs 6.0 consumer engine. I want to repower with the Honda GXV160, and see there are several different variants of that engine. I found one at Northern Tool, (GXV-160-UH2-A12) for $369, but it has a tappered 1 > 7/8 shaft. The GXV that Snapper is using is part: GXV-160-UH2-A1AS-649061 and comes on the commercial push mowers that Snapper sells and has a straight 7/8 in shaft. The A1AS will cost me about $100 more as I have to get that thru a dealer. For the guys that have done this conversion, which model of the GXV160 did you use?

I've read the other threads on this, but did not want to hijack with questions directly related to my project....

Northern Tool: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...&type=search&gclid=CIHvq5n59c0CFRRZhgodiewIYg

I have recently repowered my snapper hi vac with a GCV160, not the GXV160. I used the A1A. Mine also has the 7/8" shaft. It was also auto choke, manual throttle and the existing throttle cable worked correctly. The engine brake cable was also correct for my repower. I went from a Briggs. I did have to purchase a new pulley and blade adapter as the old Briggs had a 1" shaft. I have read that due to the extra fuel tank volume on the GXV160, you may have to raise the engine 1/8" or so to clear the drive disk assembly.

timc1018 said:

I have a 2000 Snapper HiVac, model P216012 with a tired Briggs 6.0 consumer engine. I want to repower with the Honda GXV160, and see there are several different variants of that engine. I found one at Northern Tool, (GXV-160-UH2-A12) for $369, but it has a tappered 1 > 7/8 shaft. The GXV that Snapper is using is part: GXV-160-UH2-A1AS-649061 and comes on the commercial push mowers that Snapper sells and has a straight 7/8 in shaft. The A1AS will cost me about $100 more as I have to get that thru a dealer. For the guys that have done this conversion, which model of the GXV160 did you use? I've read the other threads on this, but did not want to hijack with questions directly related to my project.... Northern Tool: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200333573_200333573?utm_source=google_PPC&utm_medium=Dynamic+Search+Ads+Test&utm_campaign=DSA&utm_content=_intitle:honda%20vertical%20engines&mkwid=smIWxvKMY&pcrid=81459269951&mtype=b&devicetype=c&storeId=6970&langId=-1&type=search&gclid=CIHvq5n59c0CFRRZhgodiewIYg

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Curious, I read one of the threads where the owner had to raise his engine 1/4, but I wonder if they had to raise the engine for this:

http://www.snapper.com/us/en/push-mower/commercial-mowers#specifications

Yes, if you pull up a parts diagram for that mower, the CP215520HV, you'll see a spacer. You can order one, but they are kind of spendy

timc1018 said:

Curious, I read one of the threads where the owner had to raise his engine 1/4, but I wonder if they had to raise the engine for this: http://www.snapper.com/us/en/push-mower/commercial-mowers#specifications

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Here it is

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/ring-engine-spacer-p-1668757.html?osCsid=7ifpl1fkakcult2jpgm30sra74

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Myamada1230 said:

Here it is

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/ring-engine-spacer-p-1668757.html?osCsid=7ifpl1fkakcult2jpgm30sra74

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Click to expand...

Thanks!

tim

Wow that is spendy for just a spacer! But if it's needed it's needed. I have an older snapper with the GXV120 on it. In my case that engine came on the mower and configured for it. It doesn't need a spacer but it's probably a bit different shape or size or something that the 160. I must agree, if you're going to repower with a new engine a Honda engine is the way to go.

For what it's worth, here's mine: Honda engines actually look really good on these snapper Hi-Vacs



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Has anyone installed an engine (preferably Honda GX) with a tapered 1" >> 7/8 shaft?

Never got around to doing this as I made it thru 2 more years wit the Briggs, but the rod's knocking now so looks like I need to do this. Has anyone installed a GXV or GSV on a Snapper HiVac? I am now leaning towards The GSV.

I found a GSV engine, but the crank is 5.6mm longer than the Briggs Crank (85.9mm) Will the additional crank length cause a problem?

IT will change the air flow under the deck .
And of course it will cut 5mm lower on every setting.

bertsmobile1 said:

IT will change the air flow under the deck .
And of course it will cut 5mm lower on every setting.

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Nevermind, The GSV series won't work due to the Shaft/Key sizes. I'm prob going with the GXV160.

I found a version of the GSV190 that may work, so I ordered a GSV190 and a GXV160 from Northern Tool today. I’ll see which one is easier to install and send back the other. I hit all of the online parts houses to figure out crank pulley and key, and the blade hub. Found Snapper models that use a variety of crank dimensions. Hopefully the engine brake cable and the throttle are fairly standard. Looks like both engines will require the spacer ring, the GX for clearance and the GS due to longer crank shaft to raise the blade a few mm. I’ll see how it goes. Really like the Snapper Chassis and Rear drive system.

Edit: Changed first sentence for clarity and accuracy, as I mistyped before.

May I ask what's all the praise on the GXV engines? I've owned a couple. I've used all Honda types that were under powered. They just don't punch through the tall grass like a Briggs or Kawi. Not trying to start a brand war here. I guess the engine spec sheets tell it all. The GXV160 has the torque of a 140cc Briggs.

slomo

slomo said:

May I ask what's all the praise on the GXV engines? I've owned a couple. I've used all Honda types that were under powered. They just don't punch through the tall grass like a Briggs or Kawi. Not trying to start a brand war here. I guess the engine spec sheets tell it all. The GXV160 has the torque of a 140cc Briggs.

slomo

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Where did I praise the GXV? I don't believe I ever said it was better or worse than my old Briggs, I think I just said that I wanted to install a GXV or GSV on my Snapper to replace my worn out 20 year old Briggs.

tim

timc1018 said:

Where did I praise the GXV? I don't believe I ever said it was better or worse than my old Briggs, I think I just said that I wanted to install a GXV or GSV on my Snapper to replace my worn out 20 year old Briggs.

tim

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You didn't praise anything Tim. Good luck with your Honda engine sir .

slomo

The Briggs actually lasted 20years with no real maint and running low in oil a few times so I’d have to say it was darn good engine. I just always liked the design of the GXV and the overall “tone” of the honda engines so I’ve been wanting to try one for the last few years. The Briggs really started knocking the last time I cut so I figured now is a good time while I have a back up Snapper to use. I’ll sell it to offset the cost of the Honda once it’s up and running.

Timc - Before u bolt down the motor, measure the length of the shaft and compare. Snapper deck is pretty deep. They sell a blade mount that is also a spacer and lowers the blade another 5/8(ithink).

Happy mowing!

The Honda GXV160UH2A1AS is the Snapper spec engine. The Northern Tool engine has the same crankshaft. It is actually not 'tapered' but stepped from 1" to 7/8" as you will notice your drive belt pulley is 1" ID and your blade adapter is 7/8".
The Snapper spacer is required to position your blade correctly. Without, it will be hitting the deck lip. You will also need a new flywheel brake cable (from Snapper) as it needs to be longer.
The Northern Tool should work just fine, but do your local businesses a favor and shop local.

Honda Tech said:

The Honda GXV160UH2A1AS is the Snapper spec engine. The Northern Tool engine has the same crankshaft. It is actually not 'tapered' but stepped from 1" to 7/8" as you will notice your drive belt pulley is 1" ID and your blade adapter is 7/8".
The Snapper spacer is required to position your blade correctly. Without, it will be hitting the deck lip. You will also need a new flywheel brake cable (from Snapper) as it needs to be longer.
The Northern Tool should work just fine, but do your local businesses a favor and shop local.

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That is exactly what I have determined. I ordered the GXV160UH2A12. Stepped Crank (1" down to 7/8"). With the engine raised up with the spacer, from the diagrams, Snapper added three washers between the Blade Hub and the Crank to lower the Blade Hub to compensate for the deck spacer raising the Blade Hub.

The Throttle and Blade Brake (on engine) are on opposite side of their respective handle mounts so the cables have to cross over, which explains the longer Brake Cable. I order both the Brake and Throttle cables. I've been ordering parts using the CP215520HV (7800849-00) as a parts source reference, as from what I can see in the diagrams the basic chassis/handle layout is the same as my P216012 (year 2000 HV with 6.0 Briggs)

I have tried to buy local, called two local Snapper and Honda Dealers, but they don't return my calls. I tried to buy the Engine Local as well. I've called both at least twice, leaving messages then actually talking to a parts person that tells me he will call me back and never does. I guess they don't need the business. I ended up going mail-order for Engine and Parts.

Snapperfreak said:

Wow that is spendy for just a spacer! But if it's needed it's needed. I have an older snapper with the GXV120 on it. In my case that engine came on the mower and configured for it. It doesn't need a spacer but it's probably a bit different shape or size or something that the 160. I must agree, if you're going to repower with a new engine a Honda engine is the way to go.

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just add the nuts and screw them down all the way, then add washers and set the engine on it, and theres your 1/4" spacer, all for about $1

I thought about that, but adding washers will create air-gap between engine and deck for stuff to blow thru. I don't mind buying the spacer.

The air gap wouldn't be an issue. The blade actually creates a vacuum an would draw air in through the spacing until your bag filled and it had no where else to go.

Honda Tech said:

The air gap wouldn't be an issue. The blade actually creates a vacuum an would draw air in through the spacing until your bag filled and it had no where else to go.

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Actually when mulching, you will get grass blowing UP out of every hole in the deck. Just wait till you scalp the yard LOL. This would be dramatically exagerated if you had the bagging blade on with the wing tips bolted to it.

slomo

So I've ordered all the parts to install the GXV160, as well as replacing bearings in the drive system and wheels and a few other worn out parts. Should be here in a week or two as some were not in stock, so while waiting on parts I decided to clean up the deck a bit. Deck is in pretty decent shape, but went ahead and just sanded the areas that were rusty, then painted over with POR15, then painted over the POR with oil based Red rustoleum paint. Used a brush, and only painted over the area's that were bad, as I'd still like it to look like a 20yr old lawnmower, just in good shape. Maybe at some point I'll pull it all apart and spray the deck when I have more time. Right now to many car projects to finish. I'll post pic's when it's complete.....

Got it running today and cut the yard. Very quiet/smooth engine as expected. Installed the Oregon 121 Blade, excellent cut, and only had to make one pass. With the Briggs and Ninja blade I was making two passes each time to get a good cut. The Briggs was old and getting to the point where it wanted to choke on the grass, even with new blades (Both Snapper) where as the Honda just powered right thru. I should be good to go for another 20yrs years, looks like the mower will out last me this time....I am back to enjoying cutting the grass again.

timc1018 said:

So I've ordered all the parts to install the GXV160, as well as replacing bearings in the drive system and wheels and a few other worn out parts. Should be here in a week or two as some were not in stock, so while waiting on parts I decided to clean up the deck a bit. Deck is in pretty decent shape, but went ahead and just sanded the areas that were rusty, then painted over with POR15, then painted over the POR with oil based Red rustoleum paint. Used a brush, and only painted over the area's that were bad, as I'd still like it to look like a 20yr old lawnmower, just in good shape. Maybe at some point I'll pull it all apart and spray the deck when I have more time. Right now to many car projects to finish. I'll post pic's when it's complete.....

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I sand/wire brush the deck to remove heavy/loose rust. Wipe clean with window cleaner, leaves nothing behind. Then put some Corroseal to convert the rust. Apply primer then Krylon Gloss Red. Hit areas like the bolt-on plastic mower chute location and such. This process works for me. Never any returning rust.

slomo

timc1018 said:

Got it running today and cut the yard. Very quiet/smooth engine as expected. Installed the Oregon 121 Blade, excellent cut, and only had to make one pass. With the Briggs and Ninja blade I was making two passes each time to get a good cut. The Briggs was old and getting to the point where it wanted to choke on the grass, even with new blades (Both Snapper) where as the Honda just powered right thru. I should be good to go for another 20yrs years, looks like the mower will out last me this time....I am back to enjoying cutting the grass again.

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Great job on getting the old girl back up and running again.

What do you think about the Oregon 99-121? I love it, on dry grass.

slomo

slomo said:

Great job on getting the old girl back up and running again.

What do you think about the Oregon 99-121? I love it, on dry grass.

slomo

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I made two changes, engine and blade. Now, only takes one pass for a clean cut. The Briggs was choking on some of the grass, and the Honda did not, but the Briggs was 20yrs old. I'll make a few more cuts to get a better feel, then put the Ninja blade back on. This should give me a better idea if it is blade/engine or combination. But I will say with the Honda and 121 blade, I am very happy. Thanks for the recommendation.

As you noticed about the blade, there is not much of a rear lip/lift say for bagging. I think Snapper called this blade recycler. This might be their mulcher prior to the Ninja?? It works great for me on two push mowers, in dry grass.

slomo