Tecumseh HS50 twin shaft engine

[Kestas]

I have a 40 year old Ariens 5HP snowthrower where the engine threw a rod through the crankcase and cannot be repaired. This engine has the twin counterrotating shafts where the crankshaft drives the aguer/impeller, and the camshaft drives the wheels. I've been looking at my options for engines on the internet and find that I'm pretty much out of luck unless I can find a decent used engine, which are far and few nowadays.

The engine I'm replacing is a Tecumseh HS50. The modern Tecumseh HS50 engines have only a single shaft. But otherwise, the coverplates look the same for both engines. My thought is that maybe I could buy a new engine, machine a hole in the coverplate, and use the old camshaft. This would only work if the coverplate has the proper boss on the inside, and if the camshafts are similar enough internally to the engine.

Would this work? This would take someone with intimate knowledge of both engines to comment. Researching this would be difficult.

 

[JTK]

It's definitely an interesting thought. Without having these engines opened up side by side it's a tough call. I know these engines haven't changed all that much, but would be very surprised if the cams (and layout) are identical in every way, aside from the external shaft portion.

Joel

 

[kcfx4]

small engine warehouse 1-800-321-6725 i think theyre located in indianapolis, they have quite a stock of "new old stock", i highly doubt youll find a direct replacement for that exact engine, but their very knowledeable of findind a "will fit". they have numerours repower engines for non current engines. smallenginewarehouse.com

 

[Hootbro]

I am all for keep the old stuff working, but the cost to benefit ratio on that would be exceeded and I would just get another new blower.

 

[Kestas]

I'm considering that option as well. I've also been getting good help on smokestak.com, a forum of antique and small engine enthusiasts.

Smallenginewarehouse doesn't have a replacement engine for me, though they did say on one page that a certain Tecumseh LH195 engine would work if I transfer the camshaft and cover.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: Kestas
Smallenginewarehouse doesn't have a replacement engine for me...

It is a tough one indeed. As far as Tecumseh dual shafters go, all I can find is the 10hp and they are not cheap.

Joel