I was wondering if it is possible to run a tecumseh vantage 35 mower engine on it's side, and if not - what would the problems be, and would it be possible to overcome them at all? For example, if the fuel tank was liable to leak that way, would it be possible to take it off its original mountings, and keep it level, while the rest of the engine was put on its side? Would it affect the way the carburettor works at all? What other problems could occur?
I essentially want to have the shaft horizontal instead of vertical.
Thanks

Chris, June 2007

No - sorry not possible. This engine has an oil pump which takes oil from the bottom of the engine, pumps it up through a drilling in the crank, and through an internal passage to the top camshaft bearing. From there it sprays out and lubricates the rest of the engine by splash. If you turn it sideways, the sump will be on it's side and the pump will suck air. The horizontal crank versions are lubed entirely by splash and have a different internal arrangement. If you really MUST use this engine (although second hand hozizontal crank engines are ten a penny at the local tip) I suggest a pulley and belt arrangement to turn the drive through 90 degrees.

Phil Saunders, November 2007

WOULD'NT TRY IT-BUY A FLYMO!

MIKE GILLESPIE, July 2007

The oil in the engine wouldn`t circulate like it ought to and proably would leak into carb ect.......gas in float bowl would be inop also because of float .........

bg, June 2007