Replacement engine for YTH20K46

SpotsyMatt · Aug 28, 2015

So, my mower engine shook itself apart and punched a hole through the crankcase.
Not the best of days.

Obligatory picture:

It's a Kohler Courage 20 SV600-3229.

Replacement on these is around $800 or so.

Northern Tool has a 19HP Briggs Intek model 33R877-0003 that is in the $580 range.

The shafts are the same size (unless I missed something) so I *think* it would be possible to swap them out

Anyone have experience swapping out one of these Kohler's for a different brand or different model?

Thanks,
Matt

Kyle_in_Tex · Aug 28, 2015

No experience with changing out here, but I'd sure be tempted to change out.

Any idea what caused it?

SpotsyMatt · Aug 28, 2015

Not sure. It had plenty of oil and was running like a champ the previous week.
Then 5 to 10 seconds of horrific noise and there was oil running out the bottom.
Had headphones on so it took me a couple of seconds to realize that it was making so much noise. Perhaps if I'd realized it sooner, damage would have been less.

I've read online about these Kohler Courage engines failing in the 400 hour range, but I don't know if that is just a bias. Folks who have no problems tend not to say anything.

That said, I run this mower from April until November weekly for about 3 hours a week. So that's... 8 months x 4 weeks/month x 3 hours... 96 hours a year... it is four years old. So, that is, at least, a data point that lines up with what I've read.

I think the thing I'm most wondering about is the wiring. And based on the spec sheet, the Briggs charging system amps is 9 while the old Kohler is 15 amps. I guess that just means that it doesn't charge the battery as quickly but that's just a guess.

I also considered putting in a V-twin engine instead. I've heard better things about those.

cdaigle430 · Sep 18, 2015

Almost at 400 hours on my Briggs and Startton 24HP-makes me a little nervous but she only burns a half quart a season so far. the 9 AM vs the 15 amp just means you can put on a bigger load to the battery and the charger will keep up better.