New guy, old problem..... ;-)

[Fogducker]

Good morning all, probably something you hear on the site every day, I have a broken mower and need some help. :wink:

I purchased a very clean 2004 John Deere LTR 180 with the Kawasaki FH500V 17hp air cooled engine. The mower is in mint condition but we knew there were engine issues, I removed the engine and broke it down to find a broken connecting rod, block was full of metal fragments and block is cracked just below one of the cylinder holes..........funny thing was, engine still ran! Didn't sound healthy, but ran............

At this point I am not sure what to do, I have looked into replacing the complete FH500V motor but they seem to be VERY expensive and living where I do I am not sure how easy it would be to find one, another choice would be a different brand motor, but what will fit? I have looked online and not found much for choices for a straight swap motor.....I was told perhaps a B&S 16hp 303777 ?? Last choice, which I think would be the easiest and most cost effective, would be to find a replacement "rotating assembly" basically the block with crank and pistons etc that I can install all my old components on, everything is in excellent condition from the old motor...............any suggestions or input? Thank you. Jeremy

 

[Buckshot 1]

:smile: Sounds like your are trying to find a Kaw short block. Which would allow you to use your good componets from your dead engine. You might check with small engine warehouse and see if they have anything or maybe a replacement engine from a different manufacture.

 

[Fogducker]

Thanks for the reply, yes a short block is one of my options, most likely the easiest and cheapest, where is small engine warehouse? If I went to a different make of motor I still need to know which one would be a straight swap for the FH500V....?

 

[midnite rider]

Thanks for the reply, yes a short block is one of my options, most likely the easiest and cheapest, where is small engine warehouse? If I went to a different make of motor I still need to know which one would be a straight swap for the FH500V....?

Small engine warehouse

 

[Buckshot 1]

Small engine warehouse

:smile: They should be able to advise you on a direct replacement or a short block.

 

[Fogducker]

Spoke to a couple of engine places, Kawasaki short blocks are not available, there are a couple of motors that fit but are not straight swaps, linkage, exhaust, wiring etc have to be changed.........from what I have gathered, my cheapest and easiest route will be a B&S Vanguard twin motor.....thanks for the input.