[frozenoceanfish]

Hello All! I have a 1991 model 1541 with a Kohler M18S (Spec No 24647) that over revved and broke a connecting rod. I haven't yet determined what caused the RPM to increase but I am certain that was the cause of the failure. Kohler has discontinued the M18S and I haven't had any success locating a used engine on the internet or in my area (Central NY).

Can anybody recommend an engine source or a different engine that will work in my lawn tractor?

Thank you for any help you can offer.

 

[murphycc]

http://www.jimsrepairjimstractors.com/

Contact Jim about a Vanguard. Shipped to you for a 23hp will be $2300 with kit. This will well exceed the value of your tractor. I will repower my 982 in the near future but the options on mine make it a little more palatable.

You will find a repleacement if you look hard enough, I spend about 2 hours per day scouring the internet.

The govenor broke causing the over-rev, your motor is trashed. You can buy a rebuilt for $1100.

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/KUSTOM-LAWN-AND-GARDEN-CLARK-RACING__W0QQ_armrsZ1

Scott

 

[frozenoceanfish]

http://www.jimsrepairjimstractors.com/

Contact Jim about a Vanguard. Shipped to you for a 23hp will be $2300 with kit. This will well exceed the value of your tractor. I will repower my 982 in the near future but the options on mine make it a little more palatable.

You will find a repleacement if you look hard enough, I spend about 2 hours per day scouring the internet.

The govenor broke causing the over-rev, your motor is trashed. You can buy a rebuilt for $1100.

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/KUSTOM-LAWN-AND-GARDEN-CLARK-RACING__W0QQ_armrsZ1

Scott

Thanks for the good news... LOL!

I really appreciate the help on this Scott. Do you think the engine could be rebuilt or does the over revving wreck the block as well?

Thanks,
Eric

 

[JMoe]

That's what bites. A replacement engine far exceeds the machine's resale value. If it's your hobby and you want to tinker.. well.. that's another thing. As long as you can get something to mate up with the driveshaft and still keep the PTO in the proper spot, you're good to go. Check the driveshaft adapter on the flywheel end of this Tecumseh: http://cgi.ebay.com/11hp-Tecumseh-Engine-ES-Cub-Cadet-102-103-104-105-106_W0QQitemZ200345160679QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2ea5808be7&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A16|66%3A2|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50
Joel

 

[murphycc]

Thanks for the good news... LOL!

I really appreciate the help on this Scott. Do you think the engine could be rebuilt or does the over revving wreck the block as well?

Thanks,
Eric

There is a good chance the rod broke and took out one of your jugs. By the time you find another jug, turn down your crank, new govenor, new rods, pistons, valve job, gasket set, etc... you could just buy a rebuilt. If at the hobby level and you want to have fun go for it, if you need it running then look to replace.

I always suggest you find a runner for about $350-450 and then swap the motor and sell off the parts of the runner to reduce the cost of the motor, you might replace that way for about $200 but most guys dismiss my wisdom.

Scott

 

[murphycc]

That's what bites. A replacement engine far exceeds the machine's resale value. If it's your hobby and you want to tinker.. well.. that's another thing. As long as you can get something to mate up with the driveshaft and still keep the PTO in the proper spot, you're good to go. Check the driveshaft adapter on the flywheel end of this Tecumseh: http://cgi.ebay.com/11hp-Tecumseh-Engine-ES-Cub-Cadet-102-103-104-105-106_W0QQitemZ200345160679QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2ea5808be7&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A16|66%3A2|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50
Joel

Moe

This will destroy any resale value as no one will buy without a correct motor. Also may interfere with side panel clearance.

Scott

 

[frozenoceanfish]

Thanks for the advice here. I'm not into it for a hobby... My wife insists i resist the natures advances and mow the lawn! Personally, I would be happy to get a tall glass of lemonade and see what kind of critters come visit my mini savanah... LOL!

If anyone knows of a used M18 please drop me a PM.

Thank you guys and have a good day!

Eric

 

[JMoe]

I always suggest you find a runner for about $350-450 and then swap the motor and sell off the parts of the runner to reduce the cost of the motor, you might replace that way for about $200 but most guys dismiss my wisdom.

Scott

That is excellent wisdom. Yep you're right about side panel fitment with some custom engine fits. That would be a biggy. As long as all the panels fit, I'd sure as heck take anything over an M18 Kohler! Jim's definitely has the best plug-n-play repowers, but $2300 for a Vanguard twin is insane. Heck.. you can buy a Kubota diesel for less than that. Check small engine prices here. Single cyl diesels for $599 even. https://www.surpluscenter.com/engines.asp?UID=2009061711132685&catname=engines

Joel