Blown engine; rebuild or replace with new

[apctjb]

Thanks for the responses;

grsthegreat; I will give Equipatron a call and see if I get a different story about there being no direct replacement available.

KubotainNH: I may have no choice but to tear into it but it will be my first time; not even sure where to start. Any good Youtubes you know for dis-assembly of a Kohler single cylinder?

 

[apctjb]

Thanks for the responses;

grsthegreat; I will give Equipatron a call and see if I get a different story about there being no direct replacement available.

KubotainNH: I may have no choice but to tear into it but it will be my first time; not even sure where to start. Any good Youtubes you know for dis-assembly of a Kohler single cylinder?

 

[KubotainNH]

I've never worked on a Kohler but would think it's similar to any other engine. Assuming vertical shaft here.... Remove the pulleys, pull the engine, clean up that end of the crankshaft so it's smooth and then remove the base. It will look kinda like this video inside but this is a 2 cylinder.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbsrOdJ7BkM

 

[RandyT]

Kohler has all their service manuals available online free of charge, all you have to do is download them.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

Your machine came standard with 3 different engines so I imagine the mounting is pretty standard.
Specifications

Seems to be several choices around $500:
17.5 HP BRIGGS & STRATTON VERTICAL ENGINE
20 HP BRIGGS & STRATTON 1 CYLINDER VERTICAL ENGINE

This one includes a muffler, slightly less hp, less $ 14.5 HP BRIGGS & STRATTON POWERBUILT ENGINE

At NT: Briggs & Stratton Powerbuilt OHV Vertical Engine — 500cc, 1in. x 3 5/32in. Shaft, Electric Start, Model# 31R907-0007-G1 | 391cc - 600cc Briggs & Stratton Vertical Engines| Northern Tool + Equipment
Briggs & Stratton Intek Vertical OHV Engine with Electric Start — 540cc, 1in. x 3 5/32in. Shaft, Model# 33R877-0003-G1 | 391cc - 600cc Briggs & Stratton Vertical Engines| Northern Tool + Equipment

My 1-cyl Courage has given me no trouble on my Toro z-5000 over the last 5 years or so although they get pretty mixed reviews. Here is a 2-banger. http://www.surpluscenter.com/Engine...HP-KOHLER-COURAGE-VERTICAL-ENGINE-28-1884.axd

 

[apctjb]

Wow; great input. Thx.

RandyT; great tip on downloading the manuals. That will help if I end up rebuilding.

Brad Blazer; Thanks so much for the suggestions on alternative engines that might fit.


For those interested here a a couple of photos of the engine.

 

[buickanddeere]

TractorData.com John Deere LX255 tractor information

The machine is worth saving as it's equipped with a semi robust K62 instead of the flimsy K46 transmission. The nearest Deere replacement would be the X310 with the K58 or higher. Below they have the k46 transaxle.

1252218 15-16HP Command Shortblock, Vertical 1" x 3/532" Shaft Kohler Shortblock
Manufacturer:
Kohler
Price:$755.00


SV540-0220 18hp Courage Vertical 1" x 3 5/32" Shaft, OHV, ES, Oil Filter, 15 Amp Alternator Kohler Engine
Manufacturer:
Kohler
Price:$840.00
In Stock: 2


SV540-0222
SV540-0222 18hp Courage Vertical 1" x 3 5/32" Shaft, OHV, ES, Oil Filter, 15 Amp Alternator, Fuel Pump Kohler Engine
Manufacturer:
Kohler
Price:$599.00
In Stock: 33


SV590-3210
SV590-3210 19hp Courage Vertical 1" x 3 5/32" Shaft, OHV, ES, Oil Filter, Fuel Pump, 15 Amp Alternator, Kohler Engine
Manufacturer:
Kohler
Price:$675.00
In Stock: 93


SV590-3229
SV590-3229 19hp Courage, Vertical 1" x 3 5/32" Shaft, OHV, Fuel Pump, Electric Start, 15 Amp, Oil Filter, Kohler Engine
Manufacturer:
Kohler
Price:$615.00
In Stock: 130


SV601-3207
SV601-3207 20hp Courage Vertical 1" x 3 5/32" Shaft, Oil Filter, OHV, Electric Start, 15 Amp Alt, Fuel Pump Kohler Engine
Manufacturer:
Kohler
Price:$729.00
In Stock: 95


SV620-3210
SV620-3210 22hp Courage Vertical 1" x 3 5/32" Shaft, Electric Start, 15 Amp, Oil Filter, OHV, CIS,ﾂ Kohler Engine
Manufacturer:
Kohler
Price:$675.00
In Stock: 94


SV620-3222
SV620-3222 22hp Courage Vertical 1" x 3 5/32" Shaft, Electric Start, 15 Amp, Oil Filter, OHV, CIS,ﾂ Kohler Engine
Manufacturer:
Kohler
Price:$650.00
In Stock: 62
LEARN MORE
Compare

 

[apctjb]

BuickandDeere; Thanks for the extensive list of options! Also good to know that the LX255 is worth investing the time and $$$ in. What engine supplier did you pull the data and prices from? Of the choice you mention do you see one as requiring the least modification or are all going to be pretty much the same?

If all things are pretty much equal would you go to the larger HP or does that just lead to other problems.

Thanks

 

[oldpilgrim]

just for haha's since you'll be taking the old engine out to put in a new one anyway, take it off and pull the 'pan' to see what's going on in there. Could be a simple rod cap bolt let go and might be a simple/cheap fix.

Since it's coming off anyway you've got nothing to lose but an hour of time to look at it before you order a new engine.

 

[apctjb]

oldpilgram; Thanks; to look inside would you go from the top down or bottom up. The engine is off the tractor so can approach it whichever way is simpler...