Which Engine to rebuild?

[apex944]

I have a 1000 and a 1650. The 1000 recently broke a rod (previous owner ran it w/o oil) and the 1650 smokes really bad (looks like rings)
Anyway this got me thinking... which is the best "quietline" engine in everyone's opinion? I know the 1650 vibrated like an SOB... the 1000 I've had were smoother. So where do these engines go from smooth to rough? What is the sweet spot?

I'm only going to rebuild (or replace) one of them and I'm open to any of the engines.

Thanks

[ol'George]

Originally Posted by apex944

I have a 1000 and a 1650. The 1000 recently broke a rod (previous owner ran it w/o oil) and the 1650 smokes really bad (looks like rings)
Anyway this got me thinking... which is the best "quietline" engine in everyone's opinion? I know the 1650 vibrated like an SOB... the 1000 I've had were smoother. So where do these engines go from smooth to rough? What is the sweet spot?

I'm only going to rebuild (or replace) one of them and I'm open to any of the engines.

Thanks

The 1650 gets smoother @ wide open throttle.
It vibrates because it is a big single.
If you want a smooth engine at any rpm, get an opposed twin.

[apex944]

get an opposed twin.

LOL well that wont fit easily in my Cubs.

My 1650 was never smooth. Even at WOT. I've read this is a common problem with them. Myth? Truth?

[ol'George]

1650 has a bore size of an early small block chevy.
It vibrates like a rigid frame Harley.
Going to a spread frame 82 series opposed twin, compares to a gold wing.
No big bore single is going to be without serious vibrations.
I have one, it vibrates, that is why I keep it only as a back up mower or loaner.
The 782 with power steering does mowing chores,--- about 100 hrs a year

[apex944]

OK so where is the sweet spot? If the 1000 is (relatively) smooth and the 1650 is a thumper... do I stick with the 1000 or can I go to a 1200 and be happy?

What I'm getting at is that I have the option of putting any engine in the tractor I keep. I want more power if I can get it without massive vibrations.

[ol'George]

Originally Posted by apex944

OK so where is the sweet spot? If the 1000 is (relatively) smooth and the 1650 is a thumper... do I stick with the 1000 or can I go to a 1200 and be happy?

What I'm getting at is that I have the option of putting any engine in the tractor I keep. I want more power if I can get it without massive vibrations.

it depends on what your power requirements are, seriously.
throwing snow you want mucho power.
A 50" deck can use the bigger engine but a 12 hp is absolute minimum.
But there are fellows that go slower or mow often, or have a smaller deck.
sort of common sense here.
Some fellows don't have a problem with shake rattle & roll.
some rigid mount them and swear they are better, others, no way and rubber mount them.
I have my 1650 on rubber mounts and it is manageable but to say it is even remotely smooth is just not true.
The best system of mounting the big kohler singles is what Deere does.
They set it on rubber mounts @ the crankshaft center line and set it with the crankshaft left/right not front/back like cub.
they still vibrate, but more like a small bore engine.

[twoton]

My 1650 runs as smooth as my 1450. One of my 1200's shakes more than his big brothers.

[finsruskw]

Maybe consider Dave Kirk's balance plate for the 1650 engine.

I did the 341 for my 1650 last year and it runs pretty smooth.
Hung the tiller on it for this year gardens and works good.

[dodge trucker]

hafta remember that.

[twoton]

Originally Posted by finsruskw

Maybe consider Dave Kirk's balance plate for the 1650 engine.

I did the 341 for my 1650 last year and it runs pretty smooth.
Hung the tiller on it for this year gardens and works good.

Have you used Kirk's balance plates?