Just stumbled across this -- PT-1425

[KentT]

Continuing the "debate" about reversed wheels and such, I just stumbled across this article on PT's site showing a PT-1425 slope mower with the 25HP Kohler AND dual wheels. Does anyone know if these used the same White wheel motors used on the other, older model PT-425s?

Article: A "Trac" of All Trades

 

[Barryh]

Pretty cool article, describes the Power Trac concept to a T.
I was just thinking yesterday, I'd feel a lot better if my Robin, had the pressure lube system like the Kohler. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[BobRip]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I was just thinking yesterday, I'd feel a lot better if my Robin, had the pressure lube system like the Kohler. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif )</font>

What is the difference? Both are pressurized with oil filters. Or is your confused a joke?

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Bob Rip

 

[Gravy]

I think the Robin engine has been getting an undeserved bad rap. PT changed to the Robin engine and the PT-built "muffler"at the same time. There has been quite a bit of discussion about vapor lock problems on these models. As the owner of one of them, I'm pretty firmly convinced that the problem is mostly due to the location of PT exhaust system (right next to the fuel pump), NOT anything inherent in the Robin engine design. The models with the Kohler engine use a completely different exhaust system that isn't close to the pump.

Actually, the overall reputation of Robin engines is extremely good. When I was researching before buying my PT the evidence indicated that reliability and durability of Robin engines may exceed that of Honda engines. I didn't find any evidence to indicate any major quality issues.

I also consider JackRobin's participation in this forum to be a sign of Subaru/Robin's commitment to customer satisfaction.

To sum it up, I believe that both Kohler and Robin make extremely good engines with expected lifespans measured in the thousands of hours. Very few of us are likely to ever wear either one out. I haven't yet heard of any of us blowing one up. Let's stop worrying about which engine is "better" and go get some work done!

Gravy

 

[Barryh]

I think the Robin is a good engine, but nothing wrong with having Full-pressure lubrication that ensures even oil distribution throughout the engine no matter what type of terrain I am traveling on, extending engine life.

With Splash lubrication there is an oil slinger. It only dips into the oil sump and slings oil. At too steep an angle, the slinger may be whipping up fumes and no oil. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[KentT]

Barry, IMO you shouldn't be overly concerned about a splash lubrication system. Here's an original 1969-model splash-lubricated engine that's never been rebuilt and it mowed my lawn yesterday... hillsides and all.

Simplicity 3112V

 

[tracdoc]

Barry,

I believe that the PT-180 is equipped with the Robin EH-63/64/65 series engine. Rest assured, this is a full pressure unit with a trochoid pump, not a splash lube engine. Take a look at the service manual. Go {HERE} and then click on "service manuals" in left hand column. Download service manual and read the section about the full pressure lube.

Gravy,

I concur with your impression 110%. I think the Robin engine is a superior product with excellent service support. It's the da** cobbled exhaust manifold and muffler, and their location relative to the fuel pump that is the root cause of the problems. As I reported prior, a good insulation system and better grade fuel line/filter have completely eliminated the problem in my unit.

 

[BobRip]

I agree with Tracdoc, the Robin has an oil filter, oil pump and even an oil pressure switch (not connected except on mine) and is fully pressurized. I have look at the service manual for the pump and changed the oil filter 8 times. ( I surely know it's there.)

Bob Rip

 

[KentT]

I want to preface this with I have zero - zip - nada - experience with a Robin engine, but just because an engine has an oil filter and an oil cooler doesn't mean the main bearings or rod bearings are pressurized lubrication. They could still be splash lubrication. Kohler built engines that way for quite a while... though the Command is a full-pressurized lube system.

Again, I have no experience with the Robin engine, and do not know what it uses. But, the existence of an oil filter doesn't mean it has pressurized crankshaft lube...

 

[BobRip]

KentT, a good point you made, which I was not aware of. I figured if it's got a pump it's pressure lubed. However, looking at the specifications of the EH65 engine in the "Robin Subaru Service Manual" it states "Lubrication - Full presure type with Trochoid Pump". Also looking at the drawing of the lubricating system on page 46 Figure 7-1 of the same manaul it shows oil paths to and through the crankshaft and to the cam shaft. It also states on the same page "The large-size trochoid type oil pump is driven directly by the crankshaft, and delivers pressurized engine oil to the journal and pin portions of crankshaft, camshaft, etc.?"

Another sentence "The splashed engine oil is provided to the cylinder, piston, cylinder head valve system". So there is some splash system.

Is this a full pressured system per your understanding? I am not an expert here by any means, just asking. I learn everyday here.

Bob Rip