[dbeiter]

I am looking at a 4016 with a Briggs on it, the tractor seems to be well cared for, It has just over 1000 hrs on it... how much life is left? I know this is going to raise a stink but how does it compare to the Onan??

 

[Snotrocket]

I don't have any first hand knowledge but from what I've read the Vanguard series of engines are just as good as the Onans as long as they've been maintained.

You could get 3000 hours out of a well maintained engine.

 

[Stewart]

I would think that very few if any would make 3000 hrs. Possible 2500 more likely 2000

Have been wrong before :sidelaugh:

Stewart

 

[Bart]

The Vanguard should have a comparable life with comparable maintenance. The biggest differences are that the Onans have more usable torque relative to HP--this basically means that a 23 hp Vanguard will perform about like a 20 hp Onan. The Vanguard is more fuel efficient and parts are more commonly available. Both brands can be rebuilt when the time comes but the Vanguard will be cheaper to rebuild--I believe.

 

[Stewart]

Group

I would take the other Cameron's point of view. :thumbsup:

Thank's Bart

Stewart

 

[wrench644]

Group

I would take the other Cameron's point of view. :thumbsup:

Thank's Bart

Stewart

Which one....Kirk or Candace? Just ribbing you Stewart, couldn't resist buddy. :grin: :trink:

 

[dbeiter]

Which comment is Cameron??

 

[dbeiter]

Oh, I forgot, he has been running synthetic oil in it as well, I have never ran synthetic in anything... should I stick with the synthetic?? or just go back to the good old Valvoline conventional that I run in everything else??

 

[Stewart]

Which comment is Cameron??

I've seen that Bart guy use it on occasion :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh:

Stewart

 

[Snotrocket]

Bart and Stewart both have the last name Cameron. :thumbsup:

Just to clear things up... :mrgreen:

 

[Stewart]

Oh, I forgot, he has been running synthetic oil in it as well, I have never ran synthetic in anything... should I stick with the synthetic?? or just go back to the good old Valvoline conventional that I run in everything else??

My opinion is to save your money and use the Valvoline and make sure you change your oil as recommended in your owners manual. If the tractor comes without one I would order one from a dealer. If you wait around long enough there maybe a copy of one in the now empty files section . :thumbsup:

It's a personal view subject like some others

Synthic vs Conventional

craftsman vs Case

Dual Stage vs Single Stage

Big Wheel vs Small Wheel

Onan vs Kohler

Ford vs Chev

Chev vs GMC

My preferences are all on the right side.

Stewart

 

[dbeiter]

Got it

Thanks guys....I am a Kohler guy so these twins are foreign to me :sidelaugh: I have owned only one Onan in my life... my dad has 3 of them and loves those torquey little motors... If I end up buying the 4016 it I will have a nice 82 444 for sale..

 

[Hydriv]

Oh, I forgot, he has been running synthetic oil in it as well, I have never ran synthetic in anything... should I stick with the synthetic?? or just go back to the good old Valvoline conventional that I run in everything else??

You can run either with no worries. The Vanguard site has recommendations concerning which grade of oil is best for certain ambient air temps. Just because he was running synthetic does not require you to continue with synthetic. Those days are gone, if they ever were truly here.

The biggest issue with any engine is timely oil and filter changes plus keeping the oil level at the line on the dipstick.

 

[dbeiter]

Thanks guys, you confirmed what I thought.........

 

[duomaticolsen]

one could argue this forever, and some no doubt will, but, the Onan is a 1940's technology simply put, large displacement L head engine with a very heavy flywheel and tons of torque. Valve train located entirely in the block, no help from the force of gravity in oil scavenging. Hard on fuel and a very dirty exhaust. I've seen a well maintained 18 hp. Vangaurd on a golf course greens mower excede 3,000 hours, but, it was very well maintained and obviously was never run in dusty or dirty conditions. Wheter we like it or not, the Onans will slowly fade away, as it stands now, a lot of parts, as the stock is depleted are not being manufactured. What I tell my customers, some of whom are looking for used tractors is this: if you have an Onan and it runs good, take care of it and use it, they have their advantages, not the least of which is absolutely brutal pulling power, but, I'd not go out of my way to acquire a tractor with one, if a Vangaurd powered unit was available. Once a person becomes accustomed to working on the Vangaurd v-twin, there's very little to like about doing service work on an Onan. Tom H.

 

[mikebramel]

Youll like em both. They dont have the torque the onans do but the parts are cheaper. You can get about 1500-2000hrs on a mower.

 

[DougA]

My experience,cutting the same lawn,with one of each is,the Onan is definitely considerabley thirstier!

 

[Hydriv]

My experience,cutting the same lawn,with one of each is,the Onan is definitely considerabley thirstier!

I don't think that there is anyone who would dispute your finding.

However, I did hear about this guy who invented a carb that would allow you to mow 100 acres with just one quart of gas in an Onan powered GT. :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh:

 

[Bob MacGregor]

I'm with Tom H on this and if the previous owner used synthetic oil then continue to use the same.
Chevy-Ford
Onan-Vanguard
Kohler-Vanguard
Green-Red/Orange
Fosil-Synthetic
Small wheel-Big wheel
Single stage-Two stage (With a stone driveway I would prefer a two stage)
Car travel-Airplane travel
Navy-Army (But I've been in both) :usa:
I'm on the right also!!
Mad Mackie in CT :usa: :usa: :usa: :sidelaugh: :446:

 

[bhildret]

My 2 cents worth. I like synthetic oils in modern, air cooled engines. They are well designed, but air blockage and other issues can lead to even localized hot spots around the cylinders and heads.

For a few extra dollars per oil change, I use synthetic on my own machines only for their high temperature capability. One more layer of protection if something starts to go wrong.

Petroleum oils also work perfectly on engines that are operating properly.

Brian