Export thread

The engine just quit. Has gas, oil and battery is good. Starter engages and torques the engine, but the engine does not even get a partial stroke. It torques hard and starter is trying to turn it over but the engine will not rotate. If I turn the crankshaft by hand it goes about a 32nd of an inch and stops. This is on a John Deere z-track with a commercial 5 foot wide mowing deck, so not something I can load on a trailer and take to the dealer. I replaced the engine 6 years ago and can do it again if need be, but would like some trouble shooting advice before going to that extreme as the engine was operating fine up to the point where it just stopped - didn't make any unusual noise, no smoke, just stopped and now won't turn over. Tried calling Kohler but they don't have over the phone trouble shooting assistance.

Remove the electric clutch, spark plugs, and possibly the blower housing to make sure nothing is obstructing the flywheel or the clutch is seized. If you still can't turn the engine over by hand then you have a more major issue that may require engine replacement.

ILENGINE said:

Remove the electric clutch, spark plugs, and possibly the blower housing to make sure nothing is obstructing the flywheel or the clutch is seized. If you still can't turn the engine over by hand then you have a more major issue that may require engine replacement.

Click to expand...

Removed belt from PTO to Hydraulic steering pumps, PTO clutch is disengaged and clutch is free. Pulled spark plugs and still can't turn engine by hand. Engine really jerks when starter engages but will not turn at all - just a really loud clunk as it lurches slightly up and to the left, like there is a lot of torque in that direction.

That clunk is not good. Sounds like something broke, like a rod or something similar inside the engine.

My next step would be to pull the heads. That engine tens to have valve seats come out when it over heats.