Which engine is better

[cmkh3]

Which engine is better for hard use in a John deere 318 and why?
Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 23 hp
or
Onan P218

[jltrent]

I like the B & S engines better.

[Iplayfarmer]

Onan parts are always more expensive. The Briggs engines are good engines.

[brain55]

I would always pick the Briggs over an Onan, for parts prices and availability.

Brian

[K7LN]

I would always pick the Briggs over an Onan, for parts prices and availability.

Ditto

[oldnslo]

If Honda offers a retrofit kit I would use it before the B & S or Onan. In colder weather I.e snow removal, the Onans had a problem with lube to the cam shaft bearings. When these bearings spun it usually ruined the block. I have helped friends replace three of them in the last few years most had around 600 - 700 hours on them.

Roy

[brain55]

If Honda offers a retrofit kit I would use it before the B & S or Onan. In colder weather I.e snow removal, the Onans had a problem with lube to the cam shaft bearings. When these bearings spun it usually ruined the block. I have helped friends replace three of them in the last few years most had around 600 - 700 hours on them.

Roy

Well yeah, I would pick Honda and then Kohler over Briggs, and Onan would be near the bottom of the list. I already have 1500 hrs. on my Honda EU6500is generator that is about 15 months old. There is no doubt in my mind that Honda is the superior engine. But that wasn't the question.

Brian

[eepete]

oldnslo, you got me worried since I'm over 700 hours on my Onan engine. For 19 years I ran straight 30 weight, and have now changed over to a 15-30. Any gut feel on if that multigrade oil will help with the problem you talked about, or is it just a matter of how many hours it's been run in the cold? Here in NC, it gets out in the cold an average of once a winter.

Pete

[CHDinCT]

Wow, no good opinions on the Onans. I've had mine for 17 years and 640 hours with out a hitch (knock on wood). Used it to plow snow for years and it gets pretty cold here in CT. I have heard the parts are expensive but I've also heard they usually run 1,000 - 1,500 hours without a problem if maintained. I'd be interested in learning more about the lube issue. Just switched to synthetic 30W from dino.

[K7LN]

Wow, no good opinions on the Onans.

I don't think it's really a case of any bad opinions, it's just the parts issue. I had a 318 with the P218 at around 900 hours and it performed very well summer and winter.