Engine replacement on PT 425

[FFC_Fencing]

On one of our 425's the engine was smoking like a insect fogger and had no power. Our operations guy saw gas in the oil and came to the conclusion that the pistons were scored and cylinders were bad. Since we use our PT's everyday, and needed this one back in operation very quickly, we ordered a new Kohler 25 hp engine ($1800.00 +) and dropped it in. Back in operation in 4 days! (It took a couple of days to get the engine)

The next question was what to do with the old engine. We thought it might not be worth rebuilding the whole thing, but took it to a local implement dealer with a good small engine guy. He called a couple of days later and said that every thing looked good except the head gaskets were blown! After a $325.00 going over by him, the engine has a clean bill of health. That was an expensive lesson, but at least we didn't lose many days of work. Now we have an extra engine sitting in the shop.

Any suggestions as to what to do with this engine? What is the best way to store it so that it will not deteriorate while waiting to be used?

 

[MossRoad]

In my opinion, its good to have a spare in a commercial operation. At home, the honey-do list can wait. Not so much if you depend on the machine for your income. So, don't look at it as an expensive lesson for too long. Look at it as an insurance policy.

As for storing the engine, there's some good info on storage in the Kohler manual. I don't have it handy, or I'd type what it says.

What I've always done when storing a 4 stroke engine is:
NO fuel in carb.
YES oil in crankcase
Pull spark plugs and put some oil in the cylinders and put plugs back in finger tight. Once or twice a year pull the plugs, turn the engine over by hand a few revolutions, put in another squirt of oil and close it up again.
Should last for decades.

 

[FFC_Fencing]

Thanks MossRoad! I'll look into the manual. I've been away from the forum for some time. Great to see you're still keeping up the Indiana PT connection.

 

[MossRoad]

How's business over there?

 

[FFC_Fencing]

It's been a very good year to this point. Constant backlog of work. Power Tracs have been earning their way...

 

[MossRoad]

Good for you! I see our local landscaper that has some Power Tracs working a lot all over the area. Hope it remains busy for all. :thumbsup:

 

[woodlandfarms]

Build a cool go kart.

 

[KMA]

When I pulled my 422's engine for replacement, I considered repairing it and making a generator with something like this:

Generator Head - 10,000 Watts Max, Belt Driven

I never got around to fixing the old engine...

 

[ct62]

How many hours of `normal` use can a 25 HP. Briggs go before replacement? 4225. Ct.

 

[MossRoad]

How many hours of `normal` use can a 25 HP. Briggs go before replacement? 4225. Ct.

It all depends on how its used, maintained, etc... I had a Briggs in my first lawnmower that my father in law gave us in 1985. I NEVER changed the oil (just topped it off once a year), NEVER changed the air filter (just tapped it out once a year), NEVER winterized the fuel system (just left gas in the tank all winter) and I think ONCE sharpened the blade. That stupid thing started FIRST PULL every spring for 25+ years until two summers ago, when the DECK CRACKED IN HALF and I had to trash it. I actually kept the motor.

I think as long as you run it at the full 3600 RPM, keep good oil in it, keep dirt from getting into it, CLEAN the air fins so it cools itself efficiently and just do basic maintenance it should run for years and years based on average homeowner use. Commercial use and abnormal abuse will, of course, lessen its life.