Harbor Freight new 224 engine?

[Denny]

Has anybody heard that Harbor freight is replacing the 212 with a 224 version? I read it on another site. So I went to the HF site and looked it up and found nothing. They say it was in the sales paper only at this time. I know the 420 generator engine grew a few cc’s. Anybody out there know anything about this? Rumor has it, it will also come with an optional electric start.

 

[jmaack]

Saw 223 predators on some pressure washers a few weeks back. Haven't heard or seen 224s. Be a nice upgrade on their part for sure

 

[jmaack]

interesting.

 

[Denny]

Well kids seems we’re going to have a new toy to play with. With an additional .6 hp to boot. Wonder if you can feel it in the seat of the pants? I read on another site also it’s got a stronger block and side plate comparable to the tollotson (sp). The head is supposed to have larger valves and better ports. All just rumor. I don’t know if anyone has laid hands on one yet and performed an autopsy.

 

[madprofessor]

Doubt you'd feel it in the pants, it's actually only 0.1 hp. added over the 212. Nice color change, the red looks good. Non-hemi pictured, and it's the CARB/EPA version. That makes it legal in all 50 states, right? Wonder if any 212 upgrade parts would fit it.

 

[Denny]

I was actually kidding about feeling it in the seat of the pants.

 

[jmaack]

They are in stock at one harbor freight near me. and back in stock soon at the other. I am getting one right when they come back at store closest to me.

 

[karl]

They had none out on the floor, then I look a peek in the back warehouse and seen two.
Looked around, ,coast was clear. Strolled on back, threw it in the cart, no questions asked.
Now I shall see what this "max preformance" is all about

 

[txluke]

From what I have seen online they are Ducar engines with a 58mm stroker crank.

 

[jmaack]

I might go check. what did you pay if you don't mind asking. seeing online they are 189.

 

[karl]

Sure $189. I think some stores might be waiting to clear out the 212's before releasing the 224's.

Anyway noticed right on the box it say's equiped with a forged crankshaft , nice plus over the 212. Once I get
home tonight ill do some dissection.

 

[karl]

Only 6 bolt side cover, looks the same. Block has some reinforcement goin on.
I see the exhaust stud spacing is 1/4in wider, cooling fins more squared off.
Has honda style valve retainers, so no split keepers.

 

[karl]

Alright, it does have the standard gx200/ non-hemi flywheel taper and cam journals.
Plus takes the same rod, good for hop up parts!
Kinda disappointed that the cam gear is plastic, but that's getting replaced.
No oversize valves, just standard 27mm/ 25mm. Ports are nothing special.
Carb has a bigger bore.

Also it is confirmed, cast inside the block is Ducar

 

[redflash]

what is that black box beneath the head, next to the oil fill ?

Da Flash

 

[Denny]

Oil level sensor? Is that what your asking about. Was there lash caps on the valves Karl? What about pistons and pin heights.

 

[madprofessor]

The black box is for the EPA/CARB version. Has a tube connecting it to the intake box, something about capturing gas fumes. Think it has charcoal inside it, can't remember.

 

[karl]

Yeah just emissions junk that's supposed to be environmentally friendly, but just ends up in a landfill.

Denny, Just like honda and true clones, it only has one lash cap on the exhaust valve.
Same 70mm bore as the 212, same 23mm from the wrist pin to the top. So I would assume the deck height is taller.

 

[Kartorbust]

This new engine has some pretty big shoes to fill, since the 212 had been the standard for quite a while. Still have a non-hemi in box in the garage that needs to go on something. One thing I had heard reading other forums is, Ducar engines are not the greatest, but no one ever elaborated on the subject.

 

[txluke]

According to EC Carburetors, Ducar and tillotson are the same engine.

Tillotson 212E & Ducar 212 Hemi Engines & Kits - EC Carburetor

www.eccarburetors.com

 

[Kartorbust]

I'm guessing it'll be a few weeks or a month until they are listed online. At the moment only the 79, 212, 301, 420, and 670 are listed.