Engine guys - chime in!

[nvr-enuf]

I am using a Kawasaki FH680D (23 hp engine) to drive a hyd pump then inturn drive my 60" blower on the front of a Kubota B21 TLB.

It seems that the kawie does not have enough torque.

I am checking to see what is different between my 23hp and the 25 hp kawie which has the same bore and stroke.

Any suggestions on how to get more torque out of the engine? Maybe shave the heads from 8 to 1 compression to 9+ to 1 compression?

Does anyone know if there is aftermarket cams for a Kawie?

 

[Tig]

Just an amateur engine guy here but as I recall, true torque potential begins with engine geometry (bore, stroke, rod length, angle) and that's expensive to change. Any chance a PTO pump would be strong enough?
Also search the forums for other threads. I think some guys and have had success with what you are trying to do.

 

[Dmace]

Easiest way to add Torque is to change the gearing.
Can you add a gear set in between the engine crankshaft and the hydraulic motor?

If you just want to change the HP of the engine then look into a larger carb and modify/open-up the intake/exhaust ports.

 

[kjung17]

You could step it down with a pulley or sprocket set up a lot cheaper than a gearbox. You would trade off volume, though.

 

[tcartwri]

Wasn't Kawasaki sued for over rating their small engines?

 

[RickB]

You need about 50% more HP if you want to move 60" of snow with any real depth. I have a 72" shaft drive blower on a 42 PTO HP gear drive tractor, and 12" of wet snow will put it on its knees.

 

[Jerry/MT]

I am using a Kawasaki FH680D (23 hp engine) to drive a hyd pump then inturn drive my 60" blower on the front of a Kubota B21 TLB.

It seems that the kawie does not have enough torque.

I am checking to see what is different between my 23hp and the 25 hp kawie which has the same bore and stroke.

Any suggestions on how to get more torque out of the engine? Maybe shave the heads from 8 to 1 compression to 9+ to 1 compression?

Does anyone know if there is aftermarket cams for a Kawie?

Increasing the airflow will do it. More displacement, less intake and exhaust restriction, more valve lift and duration. More compression will add some but then you have to increase the octane rating of the fuel.

The most cost effective way is to get a tractor with a bigger engine.

 

[Ford tractor]

If you are "handy" with a die grinder and have a real good understanding of airflow dynamics, you can port the head (that's OHV, right?). That will get a couple more ft-lb if done right, but can lose 5x that if done wrong!

Shaving the block or head for higher compression will also help, but may require premium fuel. It may also require custom valve train parts if the geometry is buggered up. Larger valves could also help a lot.

Getting a smaller pump and running at a higher engine rpm to give the same flow may also put it into a more favorable operating region. That could be done by diddling with the gov. Just be sure you don't lunch the engine from over rev.

 

[JoelD]

Just an amateur engine guy here but as I recall, true torque potential begins with engine geometry (bore, stroke, rod length, angle) and that's expensive to change. Any chance a PTO pump would be strong enough?
Also search the forums for other threads. I think some guys and have had success with what you are trying to do.

PTO pump sounds like a great way to get a bunch more torque. The plumbing should be straight forward enough.

Big hydro blowers take big power.

I've been thinking about just mounting a couple of standard snow blower chasis up to by loader somehow and use the blowers motors and belt pulley drives to drive them.

Would be pretty cool and cheap (used blowers) if I could sort it out.

Joel

 

[nvr-enuf]

Thanks guys - Most of you hit it on the head, I found out late tonight that the only difference between the 25 hp and my 23 hp is an oil cooler (big deal) and the throttle plate opening. Yeah - the sticker to get 2 extra hp is based on the position of the carb's throttle plate, amazing. The kawie guy also said I can spin it higher than 3600 rpm.

I think in spring I will shave the heads with the goal to 9+ to 1 compression and do some porting as well.

Thanks again

Scott