HRB217 is the code for the lawnmower model, not the engine. That code cross references to a Honda GCV190 engine. In other words a vertical shaft GC190 which is about 6.2hp. I have a GC190 on my DB30 and love it. I raised the governed rpm to 4000 rpm no load and it pulls great. I didn't want to run it no governor cause I've heard the timing belts fail. Mine and your's it appears came with the nice Honda aluminum flywheels so there's not much worry of them coming apart.
Back in my earlier go kart racing days a lot of 2 cycle vert's were converted to Hort'z and they worked quite well.
I'm considering ordering the bottom crankcase for a GC190. I found it for $30 on one site. Then I can use the dipstick too.
Is that a good idea? Or is it not worth it?
Changing the orienation of the engine is not the difficult part, supplying oil the the areas that will be above the crankcase is...
This is just me (& I've put some thought into this) but, if I was to convert an engine from vert to horz I would rotate the engine 90° on the bore so, you would end up with the muffler on the underside of the engine...
I see another problem. Vert. lawn mower engines with a alum flywheel use the blade as a counter balance. when trying to start without the blade, it will rip the cord and handle right out of your hand and it may put a hurting on you. If you are going to do the conversion get a steel flywheel.
Good thinking, but...
The intake is directly opposite the muffler, so that would be very hard to do, considering the carb has a fuel chamber that has to sit downwards, which would require some major modifications. Ones that I'm not experienced enough to do. Also like I mentioned before, the crankshaft comes with a built-in fuel dipper, the same one as the GC190. I should not need to do anything to flick the oil around if I position the engine the same as the GC190, with the piston being pushed downwards for the power stroke and the oil pan directly underneath. That's why I say it might be a good idea to get the GC190 crankcase, because that's the position I want it to be in. It would also be easier to mount on the kart verses mounting it from the side. It's thirty bucks, but that's a $250 engine just by itself.
No, I get that &, yes, it will help a lot but, I'm not sure it will completely solve the issue; I just don't want you to go to all the trouble only to destroy the engine over a minor detail; for instance, how does oil get to the rockers in a horz engine? Do some research![]()
I been in the small engine business going on 60yrs ...
Sure you don't have a walker instead of a go kart?
How old are you? Nevermind, I see that you are retired. Sure you don't have a walker instead of a go kart? Sorry, I don't buy that it was due to a blade not being installed. Maybe timing, too low idle rpms, valve lash out of spec, or worn compression release on cam, but not because the blade wasn't installed. You realize that NR racing sells the same flywheel from a GXV Honda pushmower engine for guys to install on their GX engines? Let alone ARC makes a ultralight flywheels for Hondas and clones.
http://www.nrracing.com/product-p/31110-z1v-810.htm
http://www.arcracing.com/6602-arc-clone-gx200-ultra-light-flywheel/
As far as age, I will be 71 in a few days. No walker. No need to feel sorry, everybody is entitle to their own opinion. I doubt that the NR flywheels are factory GXV. Arc is a good flywheel, as I have a couple for my Hondas.


Old fart...... I hope I'm as young as you, when I'm as old as you.......![]()
Now that is a good one and I hope you succeed.