Kohler SV600S Time bomb?

[Mek-a-nik]

SV600-0018 Serial 3607217213 build date 3-31-06
On a Toro 13AX60RH744
Unit only has 32 hours on it. I may help this customer sell it to another customer. Anyone know if this is one of the Kohlers that had a problem with the block cracking around the base of the cylinder?

[Mek-a-nik]

This is the problem I'm talking about: http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/husqvarna ... 20-hp.html
I'm wondering if I re-torque the bolts will it be okay, or should I suggest to the customer that she stay away.
The machine is in perfect condition. The seller's husband died right after he bought it and it's been sitting in a shed.

[KE4AVB]

SV600-0018 Serial 3607217213 build date 3-31-06
On a Toro 13AX60RH744
Unit only has 32 hours on it. I may help this customer sell it to another customer. Anyone know if this is one of the Kohlers that had a problem with the block cracking around the base of the cylinder?

Sorry can't be of much help here. Don't know much about these bucket engines only seen a couple in the shop. Personally I haven't heard of this but kinda thought something might happen from that design just from what I had seen of the engine. Really would like to get a look inside one these engines.

I did some research online and found several reports on the Courage engines failing this way. From the tractorforum.com forum it seems that first engines were weak around the cylinder area and was later reinforced to prevent this sometime around 2010. This not definite as it might have done earlier and is only posted by one dealer that attended an annual Kohler dealer meeting.

What was suggest was to make sure the oil pan to cylinder block bolts are properly torque as they appear to be loosening over time and was allowing the cylinder block to flex leading to the failures.

Here is a link to the Tractor Forum thread> http://www.tractorforum.com/f181/kohler-courage-18hp-ticking-time-bomb-22580/

[Mek-a-nik]

I've only seen one the other, a few years ago. The cylinder and head actually went in and out with the piston.
This is a beautiful machine overall, but that engine it could ruin the whole deal. I'd hate to recommend that a customer buy it and then have that happen.

[KE4AVB]

I've only seen one the other, a few years ago. The cylinder and head actually went in and out with the piston.
This is a beautiful machine overall, but that engine it could ruin the whole deal. I'd hate to recommend that a customer buy it and then have that happen.

I now that is the hard part. It is same here as if I think the piece of won't hold up just tell the customer my opinion and express that is only my opinion and let them make their own mind up. Most usually takes but few a have not.

That is one hazard of buying used equipment. One customer did buy a JD somewhere and want me to fix it. After I ran the engines test I found he had an engine that was worn out and that parts to rebuild it weren't even available. It appears that he has abandon it as he has not attempt to pay for the estimate and pick it back up. He spent $150 learning that lesson plus the $60 if he picks it up.

The worst thing is to even take the head off to look inside would require puling the engine. This is because of the tins that cover the head requires the muffler to be removed and it is bolt under the head and there is no access the mounting bolts.

[HondaG100]

Depending on the model of Deere it is then a rebuild or repower is well worth it. I happily paid 750 for a smoking 317 with a hydraulic plow this spring.

[Deere2me]

I'd hate to recommend that a customer buy it and then have that happen.

Then don't. Problem solved!

[Mek-a-nik]

Pretty much it, Deere. Besides the engine issue, the woman selling it mentioned a price around $1400. Like new or not, it's still 6-7 years old.

[bgsengine]

Pretty much it, Deere. Besides the engine issue, the woman selling it mentioned a price around $1400. Like new or not, it's still 6-7 years old.

Yeah.. people see "Deere" and "Stihl" and think it's worth twice as much as the usual pile of junk "the other guy" has.

[Mek-a-nik]

And this thing is actually an MTD Troy Bilt. (This thread got a bit convoluted!) The customer who is selling it lives on a busy road, so she's going to put it out for sale. I think she'll find then that she's asking too much. But by then the customer who wanted to buy it will have already bought a machine. Oh we'll.
Here's one for you, I voice texted the reply to dere2me. My wife wanted to know who I was calling dear! LOL