Wisconsin V4HD rebuild or repower?

Tigerhaze said:

Is part of the problem of finding parts is that you are calling it a V4HD instead of VH4D? I'm not picking on your spelling but that would definitely make it hard to find it on parts websites.
You should be able to find most of the VH4D parts from Wisconsin engine part suppliers in your local area- you may have trouble with carb parts and such with EPA emissions crackdowns but the basic engine parts (pistons, etc.) should be available. Here is their website for regional parts suppliers:
http://www.wisconsinmotors.com/distributors/
The problem I see with repowers is that they are not always a "direct bolt in" replacement; my understanding from talking to and reading other's posts is that some reconfiguration of motor mounts and other components are sometimes needed to fit in the engine compartment. Also while the repower engine may have a similar horsepower, it doesn't mean the torque curve is similar. This may or may not be an issue on running a hydrostatic system but wanted to point that out.

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Bobcat 720 said:

Oddly enough, I've found it written both ways. I do now see that VH4D is correct, thanks. I got lucky and found a good parts engine. I believe with both engines, some machining and a few new parts I'll have a good rebuilt engine soon. The more I looked at repowering, it seemed like way too much work. Maybe I'll post some pictures of the rebuilding process if anyone is interested. Thanks, Bobcat 720

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Bobcat 720 said:

Oddly enough, I've found it written both ways. I do now see that VH4D is correct, thanks. I got lucky and found a good parts engine. I believe with both engines, some machining and a few new parts I'll have a good rebuilt engine soon. The more I looked at repowering, it seemed like way too much work. Maybe I'll post some pictures of the rebuilding process if anyone is interested. Thanks, Bobcat 720

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6brnorma said:

720……word of warning. If your parts engine is not out of another 720, use caution with many of the gears. Again, I am not familiar with the 720 but all the gears in the 600 series Wisconsin VH4D engines are hardened whereas most standard VH4D engines (balers, concrete saws, etc.) are not. Idler gear has a different bearing set up but either will fit. This may or may not be the case for your 720…..I'd hate to see you put all that money and time into a rebuild and lose it due to something this simple. Also…..if your parts engine was a military application…..there will be even more differences, valve guides, lifters, all hardened gears….I forget what all. Military will be identified as VH4DM or VH4D-M

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Bobcat 720 said:

I was not aware of that. The seller of the parts engine said it came out of a New Holland Skidsteer. I'm guessing then it would have hardened gears? The tag on the fan shroud just only has VH4D on it - no M or anything like that. If it warms up a bit, I'll try to get both engine torn down and figure out which parts to go with. I appreciate the advice. I've rebuilt a number of automobile and tractor engines, but never a Wisconsin. It looks pretty straight forward. Bobcat 720

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Bobcat 720 said:

Ok, I got both engines torn down and inspected. I'm probably going to need to have sleeves installed in my best set of cylinders. I'll post more once I talk to the machine shop. Bobcat 720

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6brnorma said:

Have all four sets of jugs been bored .30 over already?

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thynes said:

Hi, I rebuilt my VH4D last year. I bought most of my parts from Don Bossart at Northern Power. Hi number is 800-284-6247 x1215. This guy really knows these engines. If you speak to him, mention the two detonated cylinders. You need to know what made them destruct, or you may have the same problem again. My cylinder overheated, a mouse nest blocked the cooling fins, and detonated to the point it burned a hole in the piston. It was easy for me to see the cause, yours might not be so obvious. Anyways, all the best, and yes the parts are expensive. Tim in Mass

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Mikefromcny said:

Rebuild is the way to go. Many people don't consider weight of the wisconsin when doing a repower, only to find out that the replacement motor is much lighter, and machine is more tippy.

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Beekeeper said:

Update. I am in the same situation with my 610, trying to re-power or rebuild the VH4D. Re-power option is limited, some engine suppliers are touting the Briggs Vanguard 35 hp as a made for that application solution. The Briggs does not have a built on hydraulic pump attachment and requires adding a pulley system that will run a hydraulic pump. I have decided to find parts and have the VH4D rebuilt.

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