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.