Heymow - Lawnmower Racing Forum

Engine Help => Honda and Clone Engines => Topic started by: Skeeter on October 17, 2013, 02:53:07 pm

Title: Harbor Freight Predator 420
Post by: Skeeter on October 17, 2013, 02:53:07 pm
OK did some searching and need to ask. Harbor Freight has two different part #'s (60340 & 60349) both appear to be the 13hp clone motor everybody is talking about. The only difference in the description that I can find is that one has a EPA rating and the other has a EPA III rating. If one was going to purchase a Predator motor from Harbor Freight which one would should be purchased and why?

Thank you.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Predator 420
Post by: BIG AL 202 on October 17, 2013, 04:17:23 pm
One of those is California emissions legal and the other is not. Which one, I am not sure. Read the box, it should say.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Predator 420
Post by: rebelchild16 on October 18, 2013, 07:09:45 am
Only differance is the jetting of the carb and the muffler.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Predator 420
Post by: BIG AL 202 on October 18, 2013, 09:25:00 am
Only differance is the jetting of the carb and the muffler.
WHY?
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Predator 420
Post by: Skeeter on October 18, 2013, 09:35:10 am
OK thank you. I am going to change both carb and exhaust anyway so I am guessing that internally they are the same engine.

What is the right ARC rod number and piston part number combo to use in this type motor. Flat top or Dome? Also I might need a cam. Is a 320 lift / 260 duration the right cam or does it need a bigger one? I have read that there is some clearance issues. Would also like to know what the ARC part number is for the flywheel and replacement starter ring. I guess that the RPM limit is around 8 grand from what I have read. I don't think I will wind mine up that high but I also don't want to pop it either if it gets between 6 & 7 grand.

Come on George chime in. I know you have done this and I am sure that there are others.

I have started gathering parts for a FXS.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Predator 420
Post by: George Herrin on October 18, 2013, 10:05:22 am
Havnt used any harbor fright motors. Mine are all straight up clones stuff. Well Jakes stroker motor is a predator I am told as the cam bosses are different sizes on both ends, a regular honda or clone cam wont fit the predator block. we are running 500 lift at the valves cam is a precision cam tell him I sent ya thats all I am goving up on our cam!! We run the ARc flywheel on both our motors. Tilly HR carbs and stainless valves. Want more details Mike at precision is the one to call. As he sponsors my son and built both his motors. We are just now after a full season finally figuring the sweetspot out on the big motor. And its stupid fast!!!
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Predator 420
Post by: Skeeter on October 18, 2013, 01:08:59 pm
OK now I am learning. So a Predator motor is not a "clone" motor. What is a "Clone" motor and where do I get one. I have looked on the EC web site and found empty blocks with no crank or any other internal components. I have a "was" built Predator motor on the way, you probably know from where, and it should have a (good enough for me) head, ARC flywheel, carb and clutch. So I will need a block, rod, piston, (and maybe) a crank and cam to put together a FXS motor using the parts I have. This will be a winter build both chassis and motor.
Basically looking for a short block that my parts will fit on. I race with the Texas group and none of us have tried a FXS yet but we have a several members that are interested in building some and giving it a try.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Predator 420
Post by: Darkviper on October 18, 2013, 02:35:48 pm
420 is the biggest anymore. Its decent engine though. I tell you what from what iv seen any of big block clones or Hondas are stupid fast once built.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Predator 420
Post by: Skeeter on October 18, 2013, 04:42:11 pm
Did some more searching and found this Lifan Model # LF190F-BDQ. Is this a "clone" or just a copy of the Predator that Harbor Freight sells?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/LIFAN-1-in-15-HP-420-cc-OHV-Electric-Start-Horizontal-Keyway-Shaft-Engine-LF190F-BDQ/203277129#.UmGaMfmkpic

Back to searching.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Predator 420
Post by: George Herrin on October 18, 2013, 05:33:22 pm
EC has the clones we have 390 and 420 engines electric start or not. Call em Monday ask for Carroll
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Predator 420
Post by: Skeeter on October 18, 2013, 05:45:38 pm
OK will do. Thank you.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Predator 420
Post by: rotten ron on October 19, 2013, 06:16:26 pm
If the cam lobe is too large it hits the counterweight on the crankshaft but a bit on grinding will fix it,don't think it does much to the balance,grinding is very little,these things can make enough power to blow the cylinder off the block,there is also a larger engine 439CC,have not seen one yet