Ironton 420cc?

[ironbutt]

So, I have a Predator 212cc in my Motovox and I'm very happy with it.

But, I have another project that needs a bigger engine...an old 1982 Honda Sabre roller. The engine has been pulled and it is ready for a donor engine. I'm thinking that a 390/420 is as small as I can go for a motorcycle frame and street riding.

I'm tight on cash right now, and who isn't this time of year, you know?

So, I'm looking at the Ironton 420cc which is available for $229. Even though this doesn't have an electric start option like the HF it should still be much the same as far as capability but for much cheaper. The $125 difference in cost can go into the clutch and chain purchase.

What do you guys think about the Ironton motors? Is it worth getting into for this application?

Thanks!

 

[mckutzy]

I think your going to want a cvt not a clutch for that 420... Being a 1" shaft that'll be expensive...
As for the motor... I can't say...

 

[Hellion]

Ehh, it's another inexpensive small engine from China. Ironton is the name of the line of engines sold by Northern Tool & Equipment, for all interested.

I'm with you ironbutt. I think the electric starter on the Predator 420cc can be ignored in favor of this Ironton engine--these all have compression releases so the starter is basically overkill.

Kind of neat to see them being competitive with HF.

 

[Jfive]

Powerland might still have some 390cc for 159.00 shipped. If you haven't looked.

 

[itsid]

Ehh, it's another inexpensive small engine from China. Ironton is the name of the line of engines sold by Northern Tool & Equipment, for all interested.

I'm with you ironbutt. I think the electric starter on the Predator 420cc can be ignored in favor of this Ironton engine--these all have compression releases so the starter is basically overkill.

Kind of neat to see them being competitive with HF.

frankly.. seeing this..
I'd bet this is also a RATO engine and thus the exact same quasi-clone the predator is

So if any of you can, please take a pic of the label on the shroud to see what it actually is

'sid

 

[Kartorbust]

The little bit I know about Ironton engines is that they are only rated for about 500 hours of use. Northern's PowerHorse engines were a good engine a while back when you could hook the throttle remotely on the 420 and 208 engines, but they changed them.

Long as your fine with an engine that has a life of 500 hours go for it.

 

[Hellion]

The little bit I know about Ironton engines is that they are only rated for about 500 hours of use...

That's all fine and dandy but you didn't make a rated hours claim for any in the Predator line vis-à-vis the Ironton line so I'm not forming some kind of personal disdain for the Ironton. It seems like a better deal... as long as one can do without the electric starter. Also, the weight savings is definitely a plus for go-kart concerns (i.e., speed, agility).

The Ironton engines appear to have the same technical specs as the exalted Predator engines in regards to cast iron cylinder liners and the crankshaft supported by ball bearings on both ends.

You know, I am not apprised with any known rated hours for any of the engines I own. Who's going to educate and edify us with this knowledge?

 

[Kartorbust]

That's all fine and dandy but you didn't make a rated hours claim for any in the Predator line vis-à-vis the Ironton line so I'm not forming some kind of personal disdain for the Ironton. It seems like a better deal... as long as one can do without the electric starter. Also, the weight savings is definitely a plus for go-kart concerns (i.e., speed, agility).

The Ironton engines appear to have the same technical specs as the exalted Predator engines in regards to cast iron cylinder liners and the crankshaft supported by ball bearings on both ends.

You know, I am not apprised with any known rated hours for any of the engines I own. Who's going to educate and edify us with this knowledge?

Straight from the horses mouth; This Ironton® OHV Horizontal Engine is an easy-to-install solution for small engine needs. With 420cc and 18 ft.-lbs. Gross Torque, this 500-hour engine provides enough power to run a wide range of equipment, including log splitters and pressure washers. Its design incorporates a cast iron cylinder sleeve and dual ball bearing crankshafts. Low oil shutdown turns the engine off if it runs low on oil, preventing serious damage or failure. The recoil start has a compression release that helps you get running on the first pull. Not for sale in CA.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200638585_200638585

 

[ironbutt]

The little bit I know about Ironton engines is that they are only rated for about 500 hours of use. Northern's PowerHorse engines were a good engine a while back when you could hook the throttle remotely on the 420 and 208 engines, but they changed them.

Long as your fine with an engine that has a life of 500 hours go for it.

Well I'm pretty sure they last longer than 500 hours. That is the minimum use before major maintenance not the lifetime of the engine.

If you used the engine for two hours per day you would go for over eight months before pulling it to do a comprehensive overhaul.

 

[Denny]

That engine looks nothing like my 420 Predator!

Denny

 

[itsid]

That engine looks nothing like my 420 Predator!

Denny

that's because your looking at the shroud more than anything else..
judging by shroud the original RATO does look nothing like a predator..
but your predator is just that a RATO.

but true.. that shroud is cut like the original Hondas are, which indeed suggest Lifan or alike..
but really.. shrouds.. stamped sheet metal... it's the cast part that makes the difference (or equality )

'sid

 

[Kartorbust]

Well I'm pretty sure they last longer than 500 hours. That is the minimum use before major maintenance not the lifetime of the engine.

If you used the engine for two hours per day you would go for over eight months before pulling it to do a comprehensive overhaul.

Outside of replacement carbs and some gaskets they don't have much for parts, unless other 420 parts fit (no idea).

 

[Denny]

Believe it or not Sid I was looking at the gas tank shape, air filter, carb controls and yes the fan shroud and pull starter. All different.


Denny

 

[itsid]

Believe it or not Sid I was looking at the gas tank shape, air filter, carb controls and yes the fan shroud and pull starter. All different.


Denny

I totally believe that..
NONE of that relevant to the question!

Only the cast parts are important (crank case, piston, conrod, flywheel, cylinder head)

ONLY they need to run off the same belt in the same factory to make two engines siblings

you wouldn't tell the predator is a rato if you place them next to each other...
they're different in nearly every visual aspect.
but it's still the same engine (a predator is a rato end of story...)

and this is what a 420 rato (under it's original brand) looks like:


see? it looks NOTHING like a predator.

'sid

 

[Denny]

Yes the Rato looks closer to a Predator than the Ironton.