Small Engine 6.5 Tilting 5

[paskee]

Hi Guys.. I need advice.

I have purchase a Briggs and Stratton Vanguard 6.5HP Horizontal Engine (w/ splash lubrication system / motorsports rod dipper design).. I want to tilt it to power a small boat's propeller... the manufacturer does not recommend it ( but I've seen similar small engines being tilted in operation...

what angle from horizontal do you think I can get away with w/o causing engine failure/long term maintenance issues?


It will be operated daily, 10-12 hrs

 

[patprimmer]

So far the best suggestions are a vertical shaft engine cobbled to an outboard leg like BrianGar did, however few have Brians talent, skill and resources to pull such a project off.

Regards
Pat
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[BrianGar]

I also like the option of throwing the whole lot in the lake if it goes on fire. That, and the fact that my nets dont wind around a 4ft driveshaft while at the same time getting burnt eyes from exhaust smoke,

Brian,

 

[paskee]

Got this just now:

All of our engines are safe to operate at no more than a 15 degree angle of operation.
Mike, Briggs & Stratton Answer Center

Last week, person I talked to at Briggs, just said "we do not recommend it" . I pursued and wrote to their technical support center, knowing that the Asian do it (tilt their engines).. I received the above reply , and I like to share it with you guys.

BUT .... I'll test the engine I bought with a universal joint to get to my desired 22 degrees tilt. As some of you suggested , I will place a thrust bearing between the engine and propeller ... I think this is safe, inexpensive and prudent. If everything test well (in a month or two)... I will start producing about 100+ units (that is why the economics !) .. its for our farm operations ... we raise fish on a 200 acre farm.

Thank you to those who contributed... I like these forums, their great! I wish I can return the favor.. I will if anybody likes to consult on "water engineering" in particular, agriculture in general.

Again, thanks..

 

[paskee]

Mike,

The link you sent.. "the Hog Mud" ... was great... it gave me the solution on how to "structuraly implement / put together" the inclined pump I am designing... I saw that they included a universal joint --- it will solve 2 probles: gives me the extra 7 deg (15 vs 22) I want and facilitate ease of alignment in fabrication and field repair !!!

Thanks, P

 

[Tmoose]

I did not see a thrust bearing identified in the mud hog image. Maybe one of the bronzed bushing has thrust flange(s), but my hunch is a greased flange bearing is not going to like 3600 rpm, which is likely where the engine's rated HP is. If there is no T-brg on the main shaft The U-joint would pass the thrust to the engine, just as when the axles are used in many Corvette rear suspension as the upper link.

http://www.everythingmuscle.com/1972_Corvette_Photos/72_Corvette_23.JPG