Well,i am here to tell you it can be done--and not that much difficulty. Here are the steps.
First,the stock 8 horsepower engine has a 1" shaft and the replacement has a 7/8th shaft. I first ripped a single cut in a 3/4 '' copper pipe lengthwise about 2'' long and then cut it off. By spreading the pipe a bit to fit over the shaft,it fit perfectly as a bushing and left room for the keyway.
Next was the key---I milled down half of the key to fit the skinny keyway in the new engine and left the other side factory to fit the original drive belt pulley /drive plate assembly.I lucked out and carefully used a small cutting wheel as a grinder,although there are certainly safer and slower ways to do it. I think that there are even half and half keys available
Then I mounted the engine with the muffler to the rear. You have to make a cardboard template and drill two new holes and use one original hole to accomplish the mounting.
There is Certainly enough power to make a runabout. The jury is still out as to whether the engine will have enough grunt to run a 30" mower deck, but who knows?? We used to have a little 7 horsepower Cub Cadet--Kohler that ran a 38" dual blade and a the tractor.
Just wanted to post here that it could be done in less than a day... the engine sold for 109.00 less a 20% off coupon--so about a 90 dollar repower. If I do not like the results,this engine could certainly be used to power a push mower with plenty of power.
Have fun!
