What would you do with this engine?

[lostcause]

I've had this since the Ice Storm of 98. I bought it from my uncle to power a 4KW belt driven generator head. it worked ok in a pinch back then - we were out of power for 2 weeks - but it's a little overkill, and as-is, the pulley sizes were mis-matched so that it had to run full bore to keep speed, so the governor couldn't recover from a big load being put on it. I've since replaced it with a smaller, more matched motor, and this engine has just sat around taking up space.

I've kept it for all these years telling myself that I would build some sort of project around it, but I can't come up with any good uses. I had originally planned on pairing it with a larger (8KW+) generator head, but if I ever need larger than the homemade 4KW and Honda 5KW I currently have, I'll probably either get a standby generator or engine driven welder. So much for that project.

It's a Wisconsin Robin EY21W(?) 16HP opposed 2-cylinder motor with electric start. the thing is a brute compared to today's lawnmower engines. I physically can't pick it up off the floor - it's gotta weigh around 150LB. I've started it a couple times over the years, but not much more than that. I poured a little gas into it and hooked up a battery, and with very little cranking, it took off. Granted, it could use a tune up and a little TLC, but it works.

I'm not a farmer, so my possible uses are pretty limited. Any suggestions out there? If not, how much do you think someone would pay for something like this? I did a quick look and it seems that the cheapest new engines in this size range are in the ballpark of $1000. This thing is old, but it will probably outlast a lot of new ones. If I can't find some sort of project that catches my eye, I've got a suspicion that it will end up on craigslist. Floor space is becoming an endangered species in my shop.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Trade it for a new tractor implement? Have kids that need a Go-kart? If you are like me I always have things that I want to get around to but never do. So I have learned to let things go a little easier.

 

[payton]

build an awesome log splitter...
https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=9-7850&catname=hydraulic
https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=9-4897&catname=hydraulic

quick calculations came up with ~7 seconds out and back, and 24T max force @2500psi.

Payton

 

[studor]

Compressor, chipper, snowblower,trail mower etc. -- You can buy chinese knockoff 15 hp engines these days for $500 or less -- 20 hp twins are more expensive -- not sure you will get a lot of money out of selling it.

 

[captaincrab55]

Can one still get parts for that engine at a reasonable price???

 

[/pine]

It about perfect for an industrial pressure washer...

 

[s78wingrider]

First, can't find how far away you are? Wv here. I need a bigger engine for my bandsaw mill. Know what rpm this engine runs? Thanks Aaron

 

[Scotty370]

Ditto to S78!! Bandsaw Powerplant!!!

Doggone, I wish newer members would fill out at least a little of their profile! Like what country your in! The other info; Bank PIN, Mothers maiden name, Best childhood friend, favorite pet, SSN,.............we can handle all that with a PM! ~Scotty

 

[lostcause]

sadly, i'm a long ways from wv... i'm in maine.

the exact model number is missing due to some sort of dent peeling that part of the decal off. the remaining specification number (800018) leads me directly to a page listing it as an ey21w model. the date listed on teh specification sheet was 1982. i don't know whether this is the beginning date of the model, end date, or just a random date when the sheet was typed up.

if you do a search online for the specification number, you will find several small engine dealers publishing this information. apparently it's the contents of a cd supplied to them by robin. it shows very good parts breakdowns for the ey21w and a service manual for the ey21 (same family engine). sadly, they don't have the whole cd contents posted, which would include more detailed specs & applications. maybe someone can find them?

there are several variants of the ey21 family. i believe this came form some sort of industrial/commercial sprayer on a small golf course. i don't know anything about parts availability. in fact, i remember calling around back when i got it, and the closest robin service center was over an hour away from me then. since there were several variants, i would think that maybe there are some parts available still. i did find a coil for this on ebay currently, so there must be some out there.

this thing can use some tlc for sure. the muffler system is not exactly the greatest (retrofitted honda atc muffler). if i end up using it, i'll probably tear it down as far as can be easily done and replace/repair/fabricate gaskets where they leak.

bandsaw, huh??? tell me more... that's one thing that does interest me. got any links on building/buying the fancy parts? lol. basic steel fabrication is not a big deal for me, but machining parts is not in my area of expertise.

oh, i'll try to figure out where i post my location...

 

[lostcause]

oh yeah, as far as the speed, i was fairly sure it's a +/-1800 rpm one, but there are some variants of this that are +/-3600 rpm, so now i'm not sure. it currently has a 4" pulley, and i was driving a 4" pulley on a 3600rpm generator. i had to throttle the wisconsin as hard as i could to get it to get the generator in the range of correct power, but when the generator was put under a load, it fell off, as if i were already at or exceeding it's maximum output. also, the same generator now runs an 8hp tecumseh and that powers the generator perfectly when any sort of load hits it. this led me to believe that the wisconsin was meant to be an 1800 rpm model.

 

[boxygen]

Hi lostcause,
Bandsaw was my first thought also. There is at least one small company that sells kits and parts to build your own bandsaw if you have a welder and can buy a little angle iron, you could build one much cheaper than what they cost to buy. I dont remember the name of the company, but I think they were from the west coast. A little searching on google and Im sure you will find it.
edit: Linn Lumber Mills

Building one of these is on my list of dream projects.

 

[Reg]

NOT a band saw mill.
It isn't much of an engine and is 12 years old, too old and small of a HEART to put into a band mill.
I have a swing mill and that has a 24 HP Honda twin.

I know, I know, supposedly bands take less horse power, but I wouldn't build a mill around that engine.

Edger or planer ? Maybe, but if you don't have a mill you probably wouldn't want/need an edger (-:

How about a riding mower ?

 

[PILOON]

The biggish bulge at the pully end suggests a reduction gearing may be in place on your motor and that would suggest that the 1800 rpm is probably correct.
For that matter the reduced rpm motors are pricier that straight shaft ones.

The lower RPM would make a great bandsaw powerplant as they don't wont the blade to go all that fast and normally need to gear down via pullies.

I'd have to guess that that motor is at least in the 18 hp range.

Now while not cheap, and because they always drive some sort of industrial equipment, wisconsin parts are always available and being maintained and or rebuilt all the time.
But then you won't find them serviced by your usual lawnmower/chainsaw type dealer but rather the industriel eguipment guys, ie paving contractors and the like.

 

[lostcause]

Hi lostcause,
Bandsaw was my first thought also. There is at least one small company that sells kits and parts to build your own bandsaw if you have a welder and can buy a little angle iron, you could build one much cheaper than what they cost to buy. I dont remember the name of the company, but I think they were from the west coast. A little searching on google and Im sure you will find it.
edit: Linn Lumber Mills

Building one of these is on my list of dream projects.

oh, wow... i have often thought about building one of these, but never looked/found bare components until now. time to do a little more research. course, i'd have to reinforce things a little. what i did find on that engine series lists weighs of 179-197lb. then add a battery and fluids - you're well over 200lb now.

 

[bobodu]

I'd get it off it's side first!!
Got a Magnum 20 out there that has been on several thing from a splitter to a tractor. Probably gonna sell it now.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

You could make one heck of an AIR COMPRESSOR.

Or you could go a step up from a go-cart... YouTube - Homemade FT17 / M1917 3/4 Scaled Paintball Tank PT 2

That engine is a little big for it, but you could do a towable backhoe. The weight of the engine would come in handy as ballast to counter the digging force.

 

[s78wingrider]

If your looking for a bandsaw mill, check the adds, I bought my lumbermate barely used for $1200. Original owner bought it to cut some cross ties with the smallest engine, 9HP, lol. For some of the stuff I cut, I need more power. Someone said, could use engine to power edger, durn, I forgot! I have one covered up out here somewhere? lol, Aaron

 

[lostcause]

for compressors, i don't really have a use for a large portable. i've got a 60gal single stage in my shop with air lines plumbed all over the shop. covers all of my needs so far.

i've got a woods 7500 on my jd770, so no need for a portable backhoe.

i think a 200lb+ engine might be a little much for a go-cart, though the thought of a utility vehicle did cross my mind. i have nearly dismissed it due to the rest of the complex machined pieces needed - suspension, transmission, steering, etc. maybe if some old lawn mowers and/or golf carts landed in the yard i would attempt that.

i still think the function of a bandsaw, and the small amount of complex components needed is putting that plan in the lead, even if this engine won't work. the ones i've seen all utilize a belt drive and place the engine above the saw carriage. i have a feeling that by the time you get it all situated up there with a battery, oil, and gas, you're going to be looking at around 250lb. i bet that's a little on the heavy side. can you do any alternative drive/automated carriage systems? maybe hydraulic drive for everything? that engine would probably turn a pretty stout pump.

 

[bobodu]

Soil conditioner or a killer tiller.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I saw an old decrepit cement mixer in a yard on my way to work today, and I thought that's another use for your engine. Do you have much use for cement?