I am planning on replacing my engine on my tiller that was a Tecumseh H60 but I have to buy another brand since they went out of business.all I can find with the same shaft is a Briggs & Stratton 1150 Series Horizontal OHV Engine 250cc, 3/4in. x 2 5/16in. Shaft, Model# 15T212-0223-F8 but the problem is I don't care for B&S and have never had good luck with any of there engines so I stopped buying their brand years ago. I found a Honda engine but the shaft is 3/4in. x 2 7/16in. Shaft and I guess my question is can I grind the Honda shaft down too 5/16in the same as my old one I am replacing and expect for it to run correctly .
You can shorten the shaft if you need to. Just remember that you may have to drill and top the inside of the shaft to make up for the shorter length if it takes a certain length of bolt. You may be able to put washers on the shaft to shim it instead of cutting off the shaft. Just make sure the shaft lines up with the old on when installed on the tiller before shortening. the Honda engine may have a slightly different mounting location which could change the position of the shaft.