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Seen a Nice shiny Honda 15HP and thought that'll do just nice? Well perhaps you should just sit back a moment and consider the following:
Power: The Older model is measured at the engine, the Newer model is measured at the prop, so the new engine is actually more powerful.
Weight: Not a lot in it, but the newer engine is heavier.
Portability: This is a biggie, The new Honda 15 Is terribly awkward to transport and generally manouvre around. The carrying handles are poor and badly located. The size of the thing is a problem too, much bigger than the old engine. The old engine on the other hand is very easy to transport, it's just about manageable for one person, but has solid handle and plenty of purchase under the casing. If it's a Remote model new 15, you can't lock the steering straight, making it damn near impossible to carry.
Ease of fitting/Removal: Old one wins here too I'm afraid. Not much in it on a tiller model, but on a remote theres no beating the simolicty of the old 15. On the new model the side panels must be removed to access cable ends, no need on th old one as they're outside the hood except for the throttle, and thats only a simple screw! The weight and portability issues also come into this here too.
Ease and Cost of servicing: Hondas are reliable, but only when serviced properly and regularly. New Hondas have an oil filter that is replaceable, and use Iridium plugs - both an added expense to the service bill. If paying by the hour expect a bigger bill for the newer model again, as the side panels have to come off (It's just possible to change the plugs without taking off the casing, but the oil filter can only be got at with it off). Frequently you'll find the side panels impossible to remove if they have crosshead screws, as they are far too tight. The Allen headed ones are better. Old model has standard plugs, no replaceable oil filter and no awkward panels to remove. The only thing I can think of that's actually easier on the new model is the starter motor - On the new model it can be removed without removal of the flywheel, on the old model expect to have to remove that too.
I hope that has given you something to consider when hunting for your next engine!
Power: The Older model is measured at the engine, the Newer model is measured at the prop, so the new engine is actually more powerful.
Weight: Not a lot in it, but the newer engine is heavier.
Portability: This is a biggie, The new Honda 15 Is terribly awkward to transport and generally manouvre around. The carrying handles are poor and badly located. The size of the thing is a problem too, much bigger than the old engine. The old engine on the other hand is very easy to transport, it's just about manageable for one person, but has solid handle and plenty of purchase under the casing. If it's a Remote model new 15, you can't lock the steering straight, making it damn near impossible to carry.
Ease of fitting/Removal: Old one wins here too I'm afraid. Not much in it on a tiller model, but on a remote theres no beating the simolicty of the old 15. On the new model the side panels must be removed to access cable ends, no need on th old one as they're outside the hood except for the throttle, and thats only a simple screw! The weight and portability issues also come into this here too.
Ease and Cost of servicing: Hondas are reliable, but only when serviced properly and regularly. New Hondas have an oil filter that is replaceable, and use Iridium plugs - both an added expense to the service bill. If paying by the hour expect a bigger bill for the newer model again, as the side panels have to come off (It's just possible to change the plugs without taking off the casing, but the oil filter can only be got at with it off). Frequently you'll find the side panels impossible to remove if they have crosshead screws, as they are far too tight. The Allen headed ones are better. Old model has standard plugs, no replaceable oil filter and no awkward panels to remove. The only thing I can think of that's actually easier on the new model is the starter motor - On the new model it can be removed without removal of the flywheel, on the old model expect to have to remove that too.
I hope that has given you something to consider when hunting for your next engine!
Guide created: 04/04/08 (updated 13/08/08)
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