Steve,
Funny that I would run across this article. About 6 years ago I bought this 216 from the mid '80s. Single cylinder, old tech but I love the "variactor" Variable speed drive in any gear. This is right after I bought it before any cleaning or maintenance. Since then, new tires and rear wheels, several belts and fluid changes. It does the job very nicely.
I'm told by the tractor-pull guys that the Kohler 16hp is the favorite engine for that hobby.
Verne