John Deere Repower question

rihancoc · Oct 25, 2013

I recently bought an L130 with a blown Kohler CV23 Vtwin engine. I bought a Kohler CV26 Vtwin for it. As I'm looking at the two, the 26hp has a 1 1/8" crank shaft and the 23hp has a 1" crank shaft the rest looks identical. My question is this: Is there a drive pulley out there for the 1 1/8" shaft that will work with the rest of my mower (all else is stock)? I was thinking maybe one of the larger L series tractors would have one but I dont know where to look. Also would I need a different belt for the trans etc. Any help out there would be great.

Kernopelli · Oct 26, 2013

I have found several non OEM replacement pulleys for my Deere ZTR online and at local Ag supply stores. Would have to have more specifics ( dimensions) to see if a 1 1/8 replacement can be found. I have also done a couple of Kohler swaps. Kohler is great in how standardized everything is in each engine family, same wiring, heads, blocks, etc. The 2 main thing you have to look for are crank diameter.....as you learned and crank length ( to line up pulleys/ drive components) . I know you say everything else looks identical but I didn't know if that was in reference to the crank or just general engine characteristics ( because as mentioned...they are very standardized and ARE VERY "identical" in many ways) Do you know for sure that your CV26 crank length is the same as the 23? Too long and you MAY be able to shim the mounts....too short and you are probably looking at a much bigger issue.

As a side note, often times on Kohler swaps the crank is not even a consideration. On the horizontals, a lot of Deeres and other equipment use Kohlers bolt on PTO shaft that attaches to the "front" or flywheel end of the engine.