Potential lawn tractor engine replacement project

[LittleBlueTractor]

Having recently discovered how difficult it can be to do "precision" mowing around some obstacles with a 5' cutter, I've decided to go with a lawn tractor for that kind of thing in the future. I've looked around I really don't have the money to even buy a decent used one. My dad gave me a really beat up (non-running) JD 214 that he thinks has a blown head gasket. It is also missing some engine parts like the coil, etc.... I don't really care about "restoring" the 214, I just want a working mower -- and I don't care if it works really well -- good enough is more than OK.

Anyway, I saw a 13 hp Chinese "Honda clone" engine on sale at Harbor Freight for about $350. (which will be even cheaper after the 20% off coupon.) I don't have any experience with lawn tractors or their repair, but I'm pretty good with a wrench when I need to be. The question is whether to try to fix all unknown problems with the 14 hp Kohler or replace it with 13 hp Honda knock-off. I'm leaning toward the clone, but I'm worried about all the little unknowns. For instance, I checked and the Kohler's shaft is about an inch longer and 1.5" in diameter while the clone's is 1" in d. Would that just be a matter finding the right pulley for the clone? Any advice one way or the other on any of this would be appreciated.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I think you can probably find an old beat up mower with a running engine for less than that Honda Clone. By the time you get the right pulley and make any other adaptations necessary to make the thing work, you'll be into it for the cost of a good, used riding mower.

In my area you can pick up a used mower in good, useable condition for under $500 on Craig's List any week of the summer... less if you keep an eye out. Often there are mowers with missing or damaged decks, and they go for under $100.

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

I think you can probably find an old beat up mower with a running engine for less than that Honda Clone. By the time you get the right pulley and make any other adaptations necessary to make the thing work, you'll be into it for the cost of a good, used riding mower.

In my area you can pick up a used mower in good, useable condition for under $500 on Craig's List any week of the summer... less if you keep an eye out. Often there are mowers with missing or damaged decks, and they go for under $100.

Yeah, you might be right. I haven't had much luck with Craig's List in the past though. I've definitely run into quite a few "shifty" people on it. Been watching for riding mowers at garage sales and such. I'll hit Craig's again and see what's out there anyway. Thanks!

 

[studor]

Look at the repower websites and give one of those vendors a call -- some of those Kohlers are pretty hard to replace with anything reasonable. I think the 218 had some funny mounting too. If the engine is not seized and it truly is a blown headgasket it is a pretty cheap and easy repair -- just depends on what else is missing. Maybe you can sell the 218 short block and parts to pay for another mower! Decisions, decisions

 

[Iplayfarmer]

The other option is to keep your eyes open whenever you are driving. Often there are mowers out behind someone's garage with grass growing up around them. The cheapest mowers are the ones that are not for sale.

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

Look at the repower websites and give one of those vendors a call -- some of those Kohlers are pretty hard to replace with anything reasonable. I think the 218 had some funny mounting too. If the engine is not seized and it truly is a blown headgasket it is a pretty cheap and easy repair -- just depends on what else is missing. Maybe you can sell the 218 short block and parts to pay for another mower! Decisions, decisions

Looking at the repower websites did a pretty good job of convincing me that the simple clone engine swap is not an option. Maybe this project will turn into selling the JD 214. When my dad originally took it into the dealer for repair he was told it wasn't worth fixing, but the guy didn't make him an offer on buying it for parts either. Ended up selling him a new one though -- a LA 115 I think. I'll probably just keep my eyes open for a used one.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Looking at the repower websites did a pretty good job of convincing me that the simple clone engine swap is not an option. Maybe this project will turn into selling the JD 214. When my dad originally took it into the dealer for repair he was told it wasn't worth fixing, but the guy didn't make him an offer on buying it for parts either. Ended up selling him a new one though -- a LA 115 I think. I'll probably just keep my eyes open for a used one.

Take your time. Remember: when you want something real bad, you get something real bad. The worse you want it, the worse you get it.

 

[IslandTractor]

I second the idea of looking for a used riding mower. I know everyone loves JD but they are pricey even used. I have a Craftsman with B+S engine that simply will not die and has been cutting faithfully for years. They are pretty cheap on Craigslist and you can assess them pretty well just by starting and engaging the blade.

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

Take your time. Remember: when you want something real bad, you get something real bad. The worse you want it, the worse you get it.

That really busted me up -- I'd never heard that, but (speaking from experience) I KNOW it's true!

 

[greasemonkeyok]

As said above, a quick call to the repower places, like Tulsa Engines, can tell you what it will take to drop in a replacement engine. In my experience they are pretty straight with you, as I have an old Murray with B&S and an odd sized shaft that is not manufactured anymore.

So I bought a 20 horse B&S Craftsman hydro rider for less that the cost of a Chinese knock-off engine. Parts are easy and total cost starting out is less than $300.

 

[IslandTractor]

So I bought a 20 horse B&S Craftsman hydro rider for less that the cost of a Chinese knock-off engine. Parts are easy and total cost starting out is less than $300.

Score!

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

As said above, a quick call to the repower places, like Tulsa Engines, can tell you what it will take to drop in a replacement engine. In my experience they are pretty straight with you, as I have an old Murray with B&S and an odd sized shaft that is not manufactured anymore.

So I bought a 20 horse B&S Craftsman hydro rider for less that the cost of a Chinese knock-off engine. Parts are easy and total cost starting out is less than $300.

Nice! Maybe I can find a deal like that too. I didn't call Tulsa Engines, but did do an on-line chat with their sales people. They said they didn't have anything for a JD 214, but gave me another place to try (small engine warehouse). The cheapest solution there was $1,330.

Now I'm thinking about the most I'm willing to do at this point with it is pull the head and have a look around.

Thanks to all for the advice.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

If you do decide to re-build, e-bay is sometimes a good source for stuff like coils and starters. The head gaskets and internal stuff are likely better to get from the dealer.

 

[handirifle]

stay away from the tractors with the later Kohler Vtwin engines. Read the net there are TONS of complaints about them. Seems to be an oil feeding issue, causing excessive cyl wear, like in 50hrs or less. I'm talking about the 20+hp engines. Have not read bad about the under 20hp.

Good luck. I think the used running mower is the best idea too. If you KNEW the clone would bolt up it MIGHT be worth it, but you have no idea what else is screwed up on it.

 

[saltbranch]

While looking at used riders, I'd stay away from the newer Cub Cadets. Well let me rephrase, if your mower will be used in a rough cut situation, hitting limbs/debre etc. The blades are timed and I am having to retime the blades for the 4th time in 30 hrs from new. Its a strong mower, easy to drive.Check the belt on the deck, if its notched like a timing belt, pass it up and keep looking IMHO. I have put new belts and blades on my old Sears 13hp rider to use in rough cuts situations.