Sears ST/16 with a Predator (now Kohler)engine

My issue is the engine pulley (crank centerline) is a lot higher
Yup. I ran into this on my tiller that I wanna swap engines on. Just as you aren't going to be using your 1st choice of engine on this machine, I found an alternate "plan B" engine to put into mine so that I wouldn't have to re engineer any belt lengths or clutch/idler pulley. This tractor came to you with no engine at all, right? I don't have either a cast iron Tecumseh nor a cast iron Briggs here to compare, but roper did use both in that chassis over the years, I have worked on both versions over the years but at the time no engine swapping was needed. I wonder what the difference in crank height between the tec and the Briggs like would have been used on that series would have been? Or the difference in pulley setups between those? I used to know that but for the dam CRS thing
As I remember, a Kohler crank centerline is lower than the cast iron Briggs was. Even with the taller 2 qt sump. Don't remember the relationship in crank height between tecumseh and Kohler.. I think they all came with the same 4 bolt holes and same bolt pattern between them among the brands on the back of the block to bolt a clutch or whatever mount brackets may have been necessary for about anything.
 
Went to remove the drive belt this morning to go get a longer one. Since I had the tire off, I stuck it in gear and spun the hub. Pulley made no effort to move! I have a Craftsman III out back, no sure about that trans. If it's bad, I'm SOL!
 
If all goes well today, I'll be getting a 2" longer belt and some 30w to change the rear end oil! I have a lot of wiring to change around/make up to get it running. Need a choke cable too! Hoping the existing throttle will work, but need a clamp for it.
 
TSC did not have a 5/8" X 83 belt. Got home and the internet was on the fritz. Was bored, so I wired the engine. Shot a short shot of carb cleaner in the carb and it barked to life! Been sitting for over 3 years. Has a 'new' carb and fuel pump. Hooked up a temporary tank and it starts easily and runs well. Idles real low. Knew it was a good engine! Belt is now on order.
 
I should have a belt today. I need to check the switch as it is not shutting the engine off, probably corroded some.
 
TSC did not have a 5/8" X 83 belt. Got home and the internet was on the fritz. Was bored, so I wired the engine. Shot a short shot of carb cleaner in the carb and it barked to life! Been sitting for over 3 years. Has a 'new' carb and fuel pump. Hooked up a temporary tank and it starts easily and runs well. Idles real low. Knew it was a good engine! Belt is now on order.
Kenny ,curious how you measured to get the length belt you wanted. ?Especially since you changed so much .
 
Kenny ,curious how you measured to get the length belt you wanted. ?Especially since you changed so much .
Just a guess! The original belt was shy a bit, so I figured if I went 2" longer, it may work. I'll see when the belt arrives. And, if all else fails, I have an original triple pulley off an SS/16 that should arrive today and I may be able to possibly use the original belt. We shall see!

Edit: Just checked the tracking on the pulley and it's going to arrive later.
 
Just a guess! The original belt was shy a bit, so I figured if I went 2" longer, it may work. I'll see when the belt arrives. And, if all else fails, I have an original triple pulley off an SS/16 that should arrive today and I may be able to possibly use the original belt. We shall see!

Edit: Just checked the tracking on the pulley and it's going to arrive later.
Yea measuring a belt that you have or that's off is one thing. I've never had luck wrapping a tape measure around the pulleys and getting a good measurement. Always felt like a monkey doing a football..
 
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