Swapping Robin out with Kohler today

[Marks481]

Another snag today. Went to put the battery back in the tub, it's not fitting. The new Kohler engine has a bigger oil filter that really sticks out. I need a half inch.

How about a smaller battery?

My PT422 has the standard garden tractor sized battery on the floor of the tub on the right forward of the engine.

Since you have the mid-mount engine, that won't work for you. What about the right rear of the tub? Or is that where your battery was already located (like in Moss' pictures)?

 

[Frank Sorbello]

Yes, It is in the right rear of the tub. Do you think I can get another battery rated with the same cold cranking amps in a smaller package?

It was a tight fit with the Robin. You had to tilt it sideways to get it in and then maneuver it around to fit just right.

 

[MossRoad]

Is your engine a CH25?

If so, here's a link to the service manual for that engine.
http://www.kohlerengines.com/onlinecatalog/pdf/24_690_30_EN.pdf

The wiring diagram is on page 36 and the key is on page 37. The green wire appears to be the oil sentry circuit. It should go to an oil pressure sensor and light if you have one (I don't). You'll see it clearly on the diagram, again, if that's the same engine model you have.

The fan on the hood goes to the temp sensor switch on the hydraulics. When the hydraulics heat up, it closes the temp sensor switch and provides 12v to the fan, I believe. I don't have my diagrams with me tonight.

 

[MossRoad]

To get the battery in and out of my 2001 model PT425, I have to remove the muffler from the engine, then its a tight fit at some weird angles, but it goes in.

 

[MossRoad]

Here's the battery that I use in mine. I'm on my second one. Factory battery lasted about 6 years. This one lasted about 6 years. I'm 3-4 years into this one.

Duralast 51-DLG
Sold at Autozone.
2001 PT425 with the Kohler command engine, Kohler muffler in the rear. Hydraulic PTO pumps in rear, tram pump in front of the engine.
500CCA

Duralast Gold/Battery 51-DLG- ReadReviews onDuralast Gold #51-DLG

GOOD GRAVY THEY ARE EXPENSIVE NOW!!!

There's a 20% off coupon on orders over $100, so you could get it for a bit over $100, but YIKES!!!!

Anyhow, take your battery that won't fit down to autozone along with a tape measure and see if they have anything that's a bit smaller with the highest cranking amps you can find. Don't purchase until you know it will fit.

 

[Frank Sorbello]

Yes My Kohler is the CH 730-3208 was a 25hp now rated 23.5hp. Moss I looked at your Duralast it is pretty much the same dimensions as the Interstate MT-51 500 CCA. It is 9 1/4 " in length. I measured with a square it will never fit with the way the oil filter sticks out. I need an inch.

 

[MossRoad]

Do you have the long oil filter or the short oil filter?

Bridgekeeper: What... is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?
King Arthur: What do you mean? An African or European swallow?
Bridgekeeper: Huh? I... I don't know that.
AAAAAAaaaaaaaa!!!!!

 

[MossRoad]

In all seriousness, there's a long filter and a short filter. I don't know if it will make a difference for you or not, but its worth looking into.

 

[MossRoad]

Kohler Oil Filters - Oil Filters

 

[woodlandfarms]

I was about to say, there are shorter filters.

And truly a great scene, one of many. It is after all, just a rabbit.

 

[Frank Sorbello]

I bought another Interstate battery. This one is eight inches in length by six inches wide and has 525 CCAs. I believe I have the long filter. Short or long wouldn't matter. The side of filter was the part in question.

Moss, Can you check on this for me, the 2 wires that come from the fan, a blue one and a black one. My old harness was different, Terry says they are pretty much the same. I have one, I believe the blue one has a in line fuse and goes to one side of the oiler cooler sensor. The black line goes to the gas tank frame as a ground. On the old harness there is a white wire in a clear tube that goes to the other side of the oil cooler sensor.

The new harness I got from PT, has a blue wire that I believe goes to the oil cooler sensor. I am a bit confused. The schematic for the old robin I have is a little different from the new wire harness. And the colors are different.

 

[MossRoad]

Frank,
I won't be home until tomorrow. I'll try to give it a look then.

 

[MossRoad]

Sorry, Frank. I didn't make it to my tractor today. I'll try again tomorrow.

 

[MossRoad]

Didn't make it to my tractor again today. Grrr....

 

[Frank Sorbello]

I just put in new hydraulic oil in the reservoir. How long do you normally have to crank the engine to remove all the air out of the case?
It is pumping oil but not sure if all the air is out. I cranked the engine for about 30 seconds or so. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[MossRoad]

Have you put the bleed hose on the bleed port and back into the tank?

 

[Frank Sorbello]

Yes, I went back out. And cranked the engine for another minute. I had straight oil flowing from the hose. I don't think there is any air in there now,
Thanks

 

[Frank Sorbello]

I went to start it up. Has it was turning over, I noticed the front of the tractor creeping. I still had the back end on blocks. I also felt a vibration in the front. Not sure, could it have something to do with the hydroback. It did start for a second. Shut it down, did not want to mess something up.

 

[Frank Sorbello]

How do I know if my lovejoy coupler is misaligned? Would that cause the vibration? I hope I didn't mess things up.

 

[MossRoad]

I'd put the whole thing up on blocks until you get the treadle/hydroback adjusted for no wheel creep. I personally don't know how to make that adjustment. I think there's a post on it somewhere many years ago. Otherwise, that might be a call to Terry for advice.

Don't know about misaligned lovejoy either, as I've never had the one between the engine and pump separated. I've taken the one out of my brush hog numerous times, but I'd guess that the huge swinging blades kind of balance the thing out itself VS the one between the pump and motor.

Someone will chime in about the lovejoy. If not, maybe start a separate thread with something like "how to align lovejoy connector" and someone will chime in.