Installing a Harbor Freight (69731) Predator 173cc Vertical Shaft Motor on an 2011 MTD Lawn Mower

Video installing a Harbor Freight Predator 173cc vertical shaft gas motor on an MTD lawn mower that came with a Briggs & Stratton 6.75. The total cost was around $130.

Links to parts used:

#smallenginerepair #lawnmower #harborfreight #predatormotors

[SupraWes]

At the end of the video I accidentally install the blade upside down. I later caught this error and fixed it, but didn't take any video. If you are doing this job yourself be aware of this error.

[thtdgf]

Big thanks! I just completed this project and wanted to say your video is the best one on YouTube explaining the steps in such detail. I watched all of the Predator 173cc engine swap to mower videos.

[kevinsands]

Of course that Briggs Quantum was down on power. You were cutting with the dull side of the blade.

[BIGPAPPADICKBA]

I've had my MTD 190 cc Push mower since 2011 and 0 issues. I run VP racing 4 cycle fuel and for oil I use Briggs and Stratton full synthetic or Mobile 1 full synthetic 10w30. I change the oil every 2 summers and the oil is never dirty, in fact it's almost looks the same color are the new oil. MY weed eater and Leaf blower I run VP Racing 50:1 and I never have issues starting and of my yard equipment.

[dixielandfarm]

I did a bunch of small engine repair this weekend, from a chainsaw to a trimmer to a generator. I hate it. I have replaced an engine on my riding lawnmower from a drop shipment - four bolts and a few other bits and bobs it was done - all from oil starvation due to an oil diverter pipe that slowly loosened over time that ended up just leaking out all my oil. First thing I did was get rid of that on the new engine. Good job, Wes.

[Lapdogst]

Awesome video, just did the swap myself, it sucks the motor has gone up to 230, plus another 20 for the throttle kit and mower mount. I saved myself maybe 50 dollars from buying a new one. Not sure if it was worth the hassle.

I had the Troy-bilt 21" push mower TB160 that is powered by Honda. I ended up not having a throttle cable on my mower so I purchased a kit on amazon. It was fairly easy, just cut the wire down, bent it, and zipped tied it on. Luckily I had a bolt in my shed that matched the throttle control that was extra from a TV mount.

[driftracing]

I have a lawnmower with a briggs and stratton engine from 2008 and I got it from my aunt and I use 5w30 full synthetic and it starts on one pull everytime and all it needs is some wheels and its all good

[jalton]

Thanks, Wes. I'll be picking one up.

[marshmower]

Talked me into keeping possible yard sale mowers simply for the 25mm shaft. Some of the mowers that sit high off the ground are good donors. They are for most newer self propelled models. Old Sears mowers sat a little low and your blade might be sitting below the housing making a great pebble launching machine

[russellc]

Thanks for the video. This helped me plan my project.

[norge]

That's a briggs and stratton quantum engine. VERY reliable motor. Not sure what your issue was. Great video none the less. FYI, your blade was installed upside down. Sharp side is suppose to be closest to the grass.

[scootertuningfl]

very professional video that motor will not overheat easy those are very powerful

[WorknDirt]

Nice work man! very thorough, much appreciated!

[dfields]

Good vid, things get a bit more challenging with a self propelled mower deck .

[danielt]

This is cool i have a 2017 craftsman and the engine was hard to start last time i used it so once i get the money i will buy this engine and some other stuff

[heatedheavy]

Nice video but I’m sure cleaning the carburetor on the old engine would have fixed it

[fredrickvoncold]

great job . I would like to get one for backup on my tb 130, it looks like same engine almost. It would be better than spending, probably 400 for a new mower, . that engine you got sounds nice

[marshmower]

That old Briggs quantum probably had a clogged jet. They pretty much stayed full of gum after the ethanol mandate started. Even some supposedly ethanol free gas does some of the same crap. I think the tanker dude just dumps what's left in the non ethanol tank. It depends

[rayd.]

Great video buddy in all phases, I have one question in didn’t see you tighten the blade adapter when you slid it on? Thanks Wes

[derrick_builds]

Just put a new carb on it. $30 fix and not a $200 fix. Thanks for making the video.