you could use a animal cam and head anf a billed flywheel and rev that thing if you want a formula rod and piston = 11+ hp
Briggs and Stratton 5 hp Outboard Opinions??
- Thread starter Mucho_MPG
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Point of Order:
Most outboard engines are 'underrated'.
By that I mean the major outboard makers may rate their engines at 5 HP, but hey are usually getting 6 HP out of them.
Most outboard engines are 'underrated'.
By that I mean the major outboard makers may rate their engines at 5 HP, but hey are usually getting 6 HP out of them.
I would buy a used 5hp engine of any make before the Briggs, and I live about 20 blocks from Briggs headquarters. It would cost the same and be better in every way, except if air cooling would be an advantage to you (it would be a disadvantage to me).
Most 5hp engines will have liquid cooling, larger range of speeds, have two cylinders for smoother operation, variable ignition timing, underwater exhaust..... Since the early 80's their HP is rated at the prop, not the crank, and any 5hp outboard will certainly outperform the B&S lawnmower engine.
That's not to say it's a bad product. If you're unwilling to buy used, it's probably a good option especially if it gets used seldomly.
As to the idea that the B&S is more reliable than a comparable outboard... are you kidding?
Most 5hp engines will have liquid cooling, larger range of speeds, have two cylinders for smoother operation, variable ignition timing, underwater exhaust..... Since the early 80's their HP is rated at the prop, not the crank, and any 5hp outboard will certainly outperform the B&S lawnmower engine.
That's not to say it's a bad product. If you're unwilling to buy used, it's probably a good option especially if it gets used seldomly.
As to the idea that the B&S is more reliable than a comparable outboard... are you kidding?
Has anybody considered that most noise coming from a lawnmower is coming from the blade, not the engine. Anybody who has had a mini bike (old school), or most any other B&S powered equipment can tell you they are not that loud.
JTK
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They've all got their gives and takes. For something in this size range, I see this lightweight and simple Briggs outboard as being an advantage. Anyone who has owned outboard engines and/or out-drives will understand the issues associated with rubber impeller cooling pumps. They're an absolute nightmare for your occasional use engine. You don't need that type of aggravation for an engine you can toss in the back of your car. Briggs makes fine OHV OPE engines. I bet these little babies would run forever on a 5w40 HDEO or the likes. Another viable option I noticed the other day are these Harbor Freight Tools babies: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=66992
Joel
Joel
A modern impeller needs to be replaced every 10~15 years. I've never had anything from HF last anywhere near that.
Guess it depends on how much you need it, and your willingness to buy on quality versus price.
Guess it depends on how much you need it, and your willingness to buy on quality versus price.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Originally Posted By: bepperb
A modern impeller needs to be replaced every 10~15 years. I've never had anything from HF last anywhere near that.
I didn't realize this thread was so old, but again we're talking a ~5hp OB here, not a main power source for a large craft. I couldn't imagine spending more than $700 for even a 'quality' 5hp. We've had various outboards, 9.9 to ~80hp and several larger OMC I/Os. Never has an impeller lasted even close to that long with our usage. Water pump components are probably the #1 failure source. Ignition coils were always issues for our (old late 1950's early 60's) 9.9 and 18hp Johnson/Evinrudes, but newer ones are a ton more reliable for sure.
Joel
A modern impeller needs to be replaced every 10~15 years. I've never had anything from HF last anywhere near that.
I didn't realize this thread was so old, but again we're talking a ~5hp OB here, not a main power source for a large craft. I couldn't imagine spending more than $700 for even a 'quality' 5hp. We've had various outboards, 9.9 to ~80hp and several larger OMC I/Os. Never has an impeller lasted even close to that long with our usage. Water pump components are probably the #1 failure source. Ignition coils were always issues for our (old late 1950's early 60's) 9.9 and 18hp Johnson/Evinrudes, but newer ones are a ton more reliable for sure.
Joel
WOW! The HF Greyhound has a 4 blade prop. I wonder if it's a dog as it's name suggests. I buy a fair amount of stuff from Harbor Freight, but I wouldn't buy an outboard motor there or most of their electric power tools. Most of their stuff is worse than homeowner quality. Some stuff, it just doesn't matter, like prybars, gloves, etc.
If it's rated at 5 hp, it will likely perform about even with other 5 hp outboards. Rememeber that the major manufacterers tend to underrate their engines.
Reliability is another matter.
This is a Chinese product and relatively new to our markets; this company makes the Chinese engines on cheap lawnmowers.
Reliability is another matter.
This is a Chinese product and relatively new to our markets; this company makes the Chinese engines on cheap lawnmowers.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Which ever factory builds these little Chinese made 4-strokes probably did a fine job copying a Tohatsu. I wouldn't think through-hub exhaust would be common on a 5hp.
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JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
I couldn't locate more of a close-up image of the 5hp Tohatsu shown above, but top to bottom it looks strikingly like the HFT Greyhound outboard in almost every detail. Imagine that!
Joel
Joel
they all look pretty much alike.
Chinese can copy almost anything.
Chinese can copy almost anything.
....except the quality, usually.
Originally Posted By: bepperb
A modern impeller needs to be replaced every 10~15 years. I've never had anything from HF last anywhere near that.
Guess it depends on how much you need it, and your willingness to buy on quality versus price.
Sorry, but that's just not true. They need replacement every few years or in some cases every year according to the manual...
A modern impeller needs to be replaced every 10~15 years. I've never had anything from HF last anywhere near that.
Guess it depends on how much you need it, and your willingness to buy on quality versus price.
Sorry, but that's just not true. They need replacement every few years or in some cases every year according to the manual...
With 11.5 cubic inches of displacement it will be a strong five horse. Couple that with a two year warranty along with the reduced price and it sounds like a winner to me. Being a one lunger there will be more vibration than a twin but it turns 4000RPM maximum so no big deal. Buy a spare prop along with any hardware needed at the time you buy the (any) outboard.
I've got one on a little 14ft boat I use for duck hunting. In a marsh environment, it's awesome! Had a 9.9 Merc on the boat before, and yes it was faster, but the simplicity, low maintenance, and virtually zero fuel consumption are tough to beat!! It does shake some at idle, but at higher RPM it's fine. Fewer fumes than the 2-stroke Merc, and the B&S is louder, but not too bad.
I'm on my 4th year with mine on a 14' aluminum. They are what they are.... kinda loud, cluncky shifting, not good for trolling motors. BUT they are indestructable, use a tiny amount of fuel, and are cheap. I'll be replacing mine this year with a 10hp. but it did what I needed it to do. Got me out on the water (with California regulations) and ran me around local lakes from sea level to 9,000ft up in the Sierra. Not bad for under 800 bucks.
I don't think the Briggs is for saltwater use. If that matters?
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