2001 PT425 Kohler CH25 Oil Leak - Pull The Engine

[MossRoad]

Had many things going on in evenings, plus plenty tired from work.

Waiting for hydraulic cap and plug set to arrive around 21st of November. I put up some LED lights in the garage and hung one under the canopy to make it nice and bright when work commences. Just cleaning up the gumbo in the engine compartment as time permits.

Once engine tub compartment is cleaned out, I'll use some cardboard to make a template of the engine mount bolt holes in the tub bottom. Then use that to measure up a plate and some square tubing to cut and weld into an engine stand. Then mount it up and figure out how to fire it up. Gonna find an ignition key, wiring socket, etc. to match what's in the machine, and a little battery stand to make it easier. I have several small engines I'd like to work on over the winter.

 

[2manyrocks]

20 something years of use isn't a bad run for a small air cooled gas engine. As much as you use your PT425, a new engine would give you many more years of trouble free service.

 

[MossRoad]

Yeah, I've been very pleased with the machine.

I've often wondered how long a similar machine with an automobile 4 cylinder liquid cooled gas engine would last? Probably indefinitely, given the hours.

Perhaps a Chevy 153 from a 60's Chevy II.

 

[ponytug]

I think many of the small car engines from that period would be interesting, but most would have way more HP, a bigger size, and fuel consumption. Perhaps Honda's CVCC civic engine would be small enough? Of course, finding the engine might be an interesting search...

All the best,

Peter

 

[2manyrocks]

VW Beetle engines used to get adapted to a lot of uses. Interestingly, these guys evidently build new ones. Classic Black — Darryl's Air-cooled Engines for Vintage Volkswagen

Mustie1 has a VW engine tractor repair video on his YT channel.

 

[MossRoad]

I think many of the small car engines from that period would be interesting, but most would have way more HP, a bigger size, and fuel consumption. Perhaps Honda's CVCC civic engine would be small enough? Of course, finding the engine might be an interesting search...

All the best,

Peter

Apparently it evolved into the Vortec 3000. 181 cubic inches and 140HP. Just maaaaaaybe a bit too much power.

 

[ponytug]

I was thinking original, scrapyard engines...

 

[MossRoad]

I was thinking original, scrapyard engines...

Yeah, me too. I started looking. Then I got sucked down the rabbit hole....

Forklifts, marine applications, etc.

 

[2manyrocks]

The HF engine has been mentioned on TBN before as a possible replacement, but I'm not sure anyone has yet mentioned that the instruction manual for the Harbor Freight predator 22 hp 670 cc engine says not to use it on a surface tilted 15 degrees or more. https://manuals.harborfreight.com/manuals/61000-61999/61614-193175469304.pdf (page 4 item #4)

 

[ponytug]

The HF engine has been mentioned on TBN before as a possible replacement, but I'm not sure anyone has yet mentioned that the instruction manual for the Harbor Freight predator 22 hp 670 cc engine says not to use it on a surface tilted 15 degrees or more. https://manuals.harborfreight.com/manuals/61000-61999/61614-193175469304.pdf (page 4 item #4)

Yes, good catch, that is a general problem for replacement engines in Power-tracs. Some engines can be ordered with deep sumps that extend the allowable tilt angle, and if you really want to go for it, there is always installing a dry sump system used by some racing and aircraft engines.

Or just buy an engine with a tilt rating that matches your intended usage...not everyone using a PT uses it on slopes steeper than 15 degrees, though I definitely do.

All the best,

Peter