Options for pony motors 98 GMC Topkick bucket truck

[the grinder]

My Kubota Pony motor lost spark. I replaced coil plugs wires cap and rotor button and can't even get spark out of the coil wire. I am about 99% sure its the Distributor. At about 400 bucks that's a lot to spend on a motor that will proubly need a rebuild soon.

So I was thinking of throwing a Vanguard 23hp on there. the hp and torque figures are almost identical. I know a place were I can get them at a really good price. Has anybody heard of someone doing this? I know it would take some fabricating to get the output shaft to hook up to the hydraulic pump. Just don't know how much till I pulled it off. Any advice or opinions on the matter would be greatly appreciated. Also does it sound like the distributor is the problem with that Kubota I have in the truck now.

Thanks

Joe

 

[homemade]

I would recommend the engine replacement. If your to the point that the distributor it going to **** then what's next?


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[firebrick43]

Is the truck gas or diesel? If it's diesel have you thought about a diesel kubota as it will be nearly a bolt in and share the same fuel.

For some reason the kubota gas engines while durable are gas hogs, absolutely terrible. But their diesels are not bad.

The vanguard is the best air cooled horizontal out there in my opinion, made by dihatsu, fuel efficient, and durable but while less efficient the kubota gasser is quieter, smoother, and more durable but should be as its liquid cooled 3 cylinder. Fuel cost and maintenance cost may make the vanguard come out ahead.

Conversion would not be a problem for me as I am a machinist and have the tools but if your paying someone it could cost significantly.