Repowering = removing an old worn out engine and replacing it with a new one. This presents some challenges especially at it is not an exact apples for apples exchange, since there are differences in the motor size, electrical hookups, location of exhaust, etc.

Thankfully I found a source for repower kits online that provided almost everything needed. Biggest hiccup was that the new motor was longer than the old one, so the back door would not close... making it necessary to remove the door, weld on a 3" extension, and weld the door hinges back on... along with longer supply and suction hoses.

Here are a few pics of the process.

 

What model/year is that?

Yea I know, 25 characters!

 

Its a Gehl HL3000... not sure exactly of the year but im pretty sure its 1976-79. The old engine was an Onan NHCV/MS.

Its very similar in design to the IH4130 which was produced in 1978-9. One of the main features was a reverse flow air design where the engine shroud would exhaust air from the flywheel out the back door through a 90 degree exhaust hood and draw it in the front through air cooler vents by your feet. With a different engine, that flow is reversed, thus the need for an auxiliary fan to pressurize the compartment and blow air out. (Still need to block off that rear door opening.)

 

Nice job on the extension! I love when people make a modification so well that it looks factory. I hope that machine gives many more years of service.

 

I converted a John Deere Gator from Briggs to Honda. For something that superficially appeared like an easy swap I ended up fabricating and modifying so much. Then the Honda's ignition system operated reverse of the Brigg's system so even the wiring had to be redone as well.

 

Yeah... so much modifying. My skid loader is now almost worth what I've stuck into it. lol

 

A few more photos... found a paint color in a satin sheen that matched the faded Gehl red pretty closely. Replaced 4 hydraulic hoses for the lift arms, and made a grille for the back end to cover up the opening where the old muffler used to be.

 

Nice job with the modification - fit and finish.

 

Thanks Pete! I'm glad spring is almost here and I can go out and work in the garage again!

 

You need to figure out an economical way to heat your garage. I heat my barn/shop with a wood stove along with kerosene heater supplement. Makes it nice out there on a cold dreary day.

I really like how you modified your skid loader!

 

Thanks Mark! Yeah, there is an old gas heater out there from the previous owner but it doesn't kick on. Haven't looked into that yet. That's a project for another day. I'm also worried that it would cost a fortune to use it.

 

How does the new engine compare power wise with the original one? I put a 630 in my Gator replacing a 16 hp Briggs so I got a noticeable increase in horsepower.

 

The specs are pretty much identical, which is ideal on this type of machine. (Top speed is 6.2 mph) 22.5 hp @ 3400 rpm (old) vs 22.1 hp @ 3600 rpm (new). I don't notice any drop in performance... in fact it probably has more power since the old engine was pretty worn out. And this one actually starts right up when you want it to!

 

These are the kind of projects that got me addicted to watching YT. Nice job!

 

And now on to painting...

 

Looks nice. Now you need a summer project or big snowstorm to take it outside and show it off.