Harbor Freight V-Twin

[garnold]

That's pretty cool 😎👍

[Roy Najecki]

As I wrote in April 2015 I was tempted to repower my 782 with the HF V-Twin but after reading about all the modifications needed, and that the electrical output wouldn't be enough for the electric PTO I decided to go with the SEW Vanguard. Yes, it cost $1400 vs $600 but installation was easy, didn't require modifications or any fabrication.

This was the first time I've pulled an engine on a Cub Cadet. When I pulled the Magnum M-18 I couldn't get the front engine mounting bolts out of the CC frame as the front axle was in the way, and I didn't want to take that apart. In hindsight I should have used an angle grinder and cut them away. The SEW conversion kit , which is no longer sold separately, has a U-shaped engine mounting plate which raises the Vanguard engine about 1 inch to match the height of the Magnum crankshaft. Fortunately the mounting plate elevation also cleared the old front engine mounting bolts. I wish the mounting plate was an inch longer because the front mounting slots barely reached to the mounting bolts.

The bronze PTO crankshaft bushing and spacer/washers were fine, and they sent more washers than I think anyone would need. I used my old PTO clutch, which I had replaced in June 2007. In the process of removing the old clutch I may have bent some sheet metal on the armature/pulley which is causing an intermittent rubbing sound. Perhaps someday I'll have to replace it with a $230 Xtreme clutch.

Though I wired it correctly the engine wouldn't start - no spark. It took me awhile to figure out that when I replaced the ignition switch in 2007 I also had to install an ignition relay. That relay was keeping the new engine from starting. Once I bypassed the old relay the Vanguard fired right up.

I've put about ten hours on the Vanguard and I've noticed that it's quieter and more fuel efficient than the Magnum. The Vanguard top RPM is about 3000 under load and no load vs the Magnum 3350/3600 RPM. The Vanguard at idle is 1700 RPM vs Magnum at 1200 RPM.

The same weekend I installed the Vanguard my neighbors 682 KT-17S engine blew up. He found a guy an hour away near Hartford CT who had used but running Magnum engines for a few hundred dollars. Well before I got my CC running he had a Magnum installed and was out mowing the field. My 682's engine is acting up and I just may do like my neighbor and pick up a used Magnum.

[Sam Mac]

Originally Posted by Roy Najecki

As I wrote in April 2015 I was tempted to repower my 782 with the HF V-Twin but after reading about all the modifications needed, and that the electrical output wouldn't be enough for the electric PTO I decided to go with the SEW Vanguard. Yes, it cost $1400 vs $600 but installation was easy, didn't require modifications or any fabrication.

This was the first time I've pulled an engine on a Cub Cadet. When I pulled the Magnum M-18 I couldn't get the front engine mounting bolts out of the CC frame as the front axle was in the way, and I didn't want to take that apart. In hindsight I should have used an angle grinder and cut them away. The SEW conversion kit , which is no longer sold separately, has a U-shaped engine mounting plate which raises the Vanguard engine about 1 inch to match the height of the Magnum crankshaft. Fortunately the mounting plate elevation also cleared the old front engine mounting bolts. I wish the mounting plate was an inch longer because the front mounting slots barely reached to the mounting bolts.

The bronze PTO crankshaft bushing and spacer/washers were fine, and they sent more washers than I think anyone would need. I used my old PTO clutch, which I had replaced in June 2007. In the process of removing the old clutch I may have bent some sheet metal on the armature/pulley which is causing an intermittent rubbing sound. Perhaps someday I'll have to replace it with a $230 Xtreme clutch.

Though I wired it correctly the engine wouldn't start - no spark. It took me awhile to figure out that when I replaced the ignition switch in 2007 I also had to install an ignition relay. That relay was keeping the new engine from starting. Once I bypassed the old relay the Vanguard fired right up.

I've put about ten hours on the Vanguard and I've noticed that it's quieter and more fuel efficient than the Magnum. The Vanguard top RPM is about 3000 under load and no load vs the Magnum 3350/3600 RPM. The Vanguard at idle is 1700 RPM vs Magnum at 1200 RPM.

The same weekend I installed the Vanguard my neighbors 682 KT-17S engine blew up. He found a guy an hour away near Hartford CT who had used but running Magnum engines for a few hundred dollars. Well before I got my CC running he had a Magnum installed and was out mowing the field. My 682's engine is acting up and I just may do like my neighbor and pick up a used Magnum.

3/4" gear ratchet wrench fits up over the axle. Easy as can be to get them out.