Kawasaki or Kohler

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LoafingLenny

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Want new Husqvarna (dealer & service center nearby) but most have Kawasaki engines. I know of problems with those in distant past, but how are the newer models holding up? Anyone having problems with later model Kawasaki engines?
 
Kawasaki engines are very good or at least that is why experience with on Hustler and JD mowers. Now of course all engines have their problem just the nature of the beasts.

Now I have been only servicing these engines since 2009.
 
Hands down, I recommend going with the Kawasaki over a newer Kohler.

They (Kohler) change their name to Rehlko, to divide their brand recognition away from other Kohler products. Not sure if their production or quality has changed.

I like the older Kohler V-twin engines, but the single cylinder engines would not last very long due to poor cylinder head designs.

Regardless, good maintenance is the key to longevity of any air-cooled engine.
 
I have only owned one Kawasaki, a FR691v V-Twin in a Husqvarna GT54LS, and numerous Kohler V-Twins, 7000 series (I own 2 currently) and Courage series engines. In my short time having a Kawasaki V-Twin, I instantly grew to like it more than any of the other brands that I had experienced (Briggs and Kohler). If I were to rank the "Big 3", and keep in mind that this is strictly based on my experience with the V-Twins, it would go like this:
#1 - Kawasaki (FR691v)
#2 - Briggs (any 44ci, 724cc engine)
#3 - Kohler (7000 Series)
#4 - Kohler (Courage Series)
 
LoafingLenny said:
Want new Husqvarna (dealer & service center nearby) but most have Kawasaki engines. I know of problems with those in distant past, but how are the newer models holding up? Anyone having problems with later model Kawasaki engines?
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It is hard to beat Kawasaki. Other than Kohler Courage and specifically single cylinder Courage, Kohler makes a good solid engine.
 
The main problem with the Courage engine was there initial design flaw which Kohler have mostly fixed. That was the Cylinder to Crankcase at the closure plate was not reinforced and it was breaking off but Kohler has reinforced that area quite a bit. Still some flexing which is why the closure plate screws has to be checked and small of Loctite added to screws that had worked loose. Another design problem was the use of cork for the rocker cover. That one is easily solved by replacing the gasket with RTV.

But I reckon once you get a bad rep there is no living down. Kohler did the right thing on the initial and that was to warranty cover the engine failure even some that were out of warranty. Let see another company stand behind their as well; I haven't unless it was a forced recall.

Personally I never seen a Courage with a broken cylinder but I do check every engine anyway just for the loose screws. And I have replaced a lot of the cork gaskets. I remember years ago (back in 70's) where vehicles had cork rocker cover gasket that had the same problems then the industry started changing to rubber gaskets. That stopped the multiple times a year that rocker cover had to inspect for oil leaks.

We got to remember that all things will have there own set of common problems it is just a normal thing. Even we humans have our own operating, some more than others. We got to that we few that can't even figure had to get out of a wet paper bag with both ends open.
 
hlw49 said:
Kohler Command is one of the best engines ever built. The Command single is the best single cylinder engine ever made. Too bad they quit making them. I understand why too costly to build and compete in the market today.
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Kohler/Rehlko's biggest mistake was trying to play in the consumer market. Should of just stayed with their commercial use engines.
 
I have had Kohler fix the courage single engine with a short block five years down the road. Also fixed several within the warranty time. It was not a bad engine once they got the problem fixed. Just had someone give me a Husqvarna with a busted block but have a good block to fix it with, I hope.
 
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