engine conversion

[turborabbit]

Anybody know anything about engine adaptors? I am mulling over attempting to swap a 1.6na diesel for the 34hp 4cyl gas Ford in my Bobcat. Can machine shops build adaptors for this purpose? Any experiences out there-thanks-warren

[maxfax]

I've seen anything from having an adapter made to using a partial bell housing trans input shaft and a coupler...

How does the Ford engine connect to the rest of the drive???   Pics are a plus!

[Vincent Waldon]

Kennedy Engineering are the kings of engine adapters... they used to do "send us tracings of the bell housing and we'll make you an adapter" work... dunno if they still do.

[jtanguay]

if you have a drill press, grinder steel, and lots of time, why not do it yourself? most people use cardboard or bristle board to get the bolt pattern and transfer it to a steel plate. the most crucial part is getting the transmission shaft lined up properly. a micrometer is a very good idea to be as precise as possible. this site gives a good idea of whats involved, but they use CAD software to make a very precise plate (good idea, but $$$).  doing it by hand, i'd say measure about 100 times, and drill once. a misaligned hole can ruin the whole plate.

[turborabbit]

Thanks, guys, all good suggestions. I haven't pulled the Ford, yet, in fact, I just checked compression, today, 95-155-120-120, so I haven't given up on the gasser, yet. I much prefer diesel/wvo and size wise the 1.6 seems to fit, maybe a little too much power, though. Does VW make any smaller (hp) engines? Thanks again-warren

[burnt_servo]

Thanks, guys, all good suggestions. I haven't pulled the Ford, yet, in fact, I just checked compression, today, 95-155-120-120, so I haven't given up on the gasser, yet. I much prefer diesel/wvo and size wise the 1.6 seems to fit, maybe a little too much power, though. Does VW make any smaller (hp) engines? Thanks again-warren

if the engine fits ok size wise , i wouldn't worry about having too much hp ,  you can turn the pump down so it makes less power overall .

[Wayland]

I could be wrong, but I thought I heard somewhere that some Bobcats came with Vw diesels. Might be worth looking in to.

[Turbinepowered]

I could be wrong, but I thought I heard somewhere that some Bobcats came with Vw diesels. Might be worth looking in to.

If I'm not mistaken ours has a three cylinder Kubota in it.