Kohler 23hp lifter noise

[KJO]

I have that same 23 HP Command engine in my 3100 and it is extremely smooth with no lifter noise even at the slowest idle setting, so whatever problem you are having doesn't show up on all engines of this type.
I have changed the break in oil at about 6 hours and your description of the old oil is about right. I think you will probably find that the motor will quiet down after it gets some hours on it.
After putting 11 hours on my CC, I think I made a good decision buying it rather than the JD....which would have cost me at least $2000 more to get about the same thing. I have got old green tractors also and like them, but the prices on the new ones are out of line!

 

[KJO]

I have that same 23 HP Command engine in my 3100 and it is extremely smooth with no lifter noise even at the slowest idle setting, so whatever problem you are having doesn't show up on all engines of this type.
I have changed the break in oil at about 6 hours and your description of the old oil is about right. I think you will probably find that the motor will quiet down after it gets some hours on it.
After putting 11 hours on my CC, I think I made a good decision buying it rather than the JD....which would have cost me at least $2000 more to get about the same thing. I have got old green tractors also and like them, but the prices on the new ones are out of line!

 

[turbojerk]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I have that same 23 HP Command engine in my 3100 and it is extremely smooth with no lifter noise even at the slowest idle setting, so whatever problem you are having doesn't show up on all engines of this type.
I have changed the break in oil at about 6 hours and your description of the old oil is about right. I think you will probably find that the motor will quiet down after it gets some hours on it.
After putting 11 hours on my CC, I think I made a good decision buying it rather than the JD....which would have cost me at least $2000 more to get about the same thing. I have got old green tractors also and like them, but the prices on the new ones are out of line! )</font>

Well I filled the crankcase with the new Kohler oil and fired it up last night. Unfortunately it still rapped, but I guess that I’ll give it a few hours of mowing before I call the dealer back about getting it fixed. It’s certainly not what I expected to hear out of a BRAND NEW motor. To me it sounds like a 200k beat up Chevy farm truck with that lifter rapping over the sound of the exhaust. Ironically, the Kohler service Tech that I spoke to about it said that they actually a modified Chevy small block lifter…..I guess that would be the problem considering that I’m a die hard Mopar guy…lol

 

[turbojerk]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I have that same 23 HP Command engine in my 3100 and it is extremely smooth with no lifter noise even at the slowest idle setting, so whatever problem you are having doesn't show up on all engines of this type.
I have changed the break in oil at about 6 hours and your description of the old oil is about right. I think you will probably find that the motor will quiet down after it gets some hours on it.
After putting 11 hours on my CC, I think I made a good decision buying it rather than the JD....which would have cost me at least $2000 more to get about the same thing. I have got old green tractors also and like them, but the prices on the new ones are out of line! )</font>

Well I filled the crankcase with the new Kohler oil and fired it up last night. Unfortunately it still rapped, but I guess that I’ll give it a few hours of mowing before I call the dealer back about getting it fixed. It’s certainly not what I expected to hear out of a BRAND NEW motor. To me it sounds like a 200k beat up Chevy farm truck with that lifter rapping over the sound of the exhaust. Ironically, the Kohler service Tech that I spoke to about it said that they actually a modified Chevy small block lifter…..I guess that would be the problem considering that I’m a die hard Mopar guy…lol

 

[Fordlords]

I'm not sure what is up with that engine lifter noise, but if it doesn't go away after 10 hours of use or so I would definitely get something done about it. The hydraulic lifters should maintain zero valve lash under ALL operating conditions. There is absolutely no lifter noise in my new Honda engine at any speed, and the Kohler Command is basically the same design using the same type of hydraulic lifters so there is no excuse for it to be noisey, you didn't pay for that.

-Fordlords-

 

[Fordlords]

I'm not sure what is up with that engine lifter noise, but if it doesn't go away after 10 hours of use or so I would definitely get something done about it. The hydraulic lifters should maintain zero valve lash under ALL operating conditions. There is absolutely no lifter noise in my new Honda engine at any speed, and the Kohler Command is basically the same design using the same type of hydraulic lifters so there is no excuse for it to be noisey, you didn't pay for that.

-Fordlords-

 

[turbojerk]

You're right, I didn't pay for that....

I will give it 10hrs or so and if things don't quiet down in that amount of time I guess I'll have to start bitchin about it.... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I really like the tractor otherwise and even thought its got the lifter noise, the 23hp seems to have plenty of balls for mowing.... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

T

 

[turbojerk]

You're right, I didn't pay for that....

I will give it 10hrs or so and if things don't quiet down in that amount of time I guess I'll have to start bitchin about it.... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I really like the tractor otherwise and even thought its got the lifter noise, the 23hp seems to have plenty of balls for mowing.... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

T

 

[KJO]

Well, I am an old Mopar guy also...still driving them actually, and I remember back in the 70s when I had a 318 that had lifter bleed down and made lots of expensive knocking sounds. The cure back then was to dump in some Marvel Mystery Oil, put on a few miles then dump the oil. It always seemed to work for me.
It is entirely possible that you simply got a stuck lifter in there. I agree with Fordlords...if it doesn't clear up in a few hours...take it back. That motor is a good one. Really like mine and it just purrs at low speed or high. No rapping sounds what so ever. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[KJO]

Well, I am an old Mopar guy also...still driving them actually, and I remember back in the 70s when I had a 318 that had lifter bleed down and made lots of expensive knocking sounds. The cure back then was to dump in some Marvel Mystery Oil, put on a few miles then dump the oil. It always seemed to work for me.
It is entirely possible that you simply got a stuck lifter in there. I agree with Fordlords...if it doesn't clear up in a few hours...take it back. That motor is a good one. Really like mine and it just purrs at low speed or high. No rapping sounds what so ever. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif