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I would like to replace the engine in my older LazerZ Hp but Im having problems finding a replacement Kawasaki engine. It has an FH580V engine, and every site I visit says its out of stock. I would entertain a Kohler if I new exactly which engine would work with minimal modifications. The shaft size is 1" and 3 5/32.

Thanks!

Bicklebok said:

I would like to replace the engine in my older LazerZ Hp but Im having problems finding a replacement Kawasaki engine. It has an FH580V engine, and every site I visit says its out of stock. I would entertain a Kohler if I new exactly which engine would work with minimal modifications. The shaft size is 1" and 3 5/32.

Thanks!

Click to expand...

Check out my post on Kawa builds - and ask the sales team.
http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/small...a-fr541v-top-end-bobbins-rocker-assembly.html

Trust that helps some.


KK

Sounds like I need to find a Kohler engine that will fit. Thanks for the tips

Bicklebok said:

Sounds like I need to find a Kohler engine that will fit. Thanks for the tips

Click to expand...

I am doing Honda, likely a rebuild - my way.
I am not saying do not buy Kawa, I am saying know what you buy.

With the trend being one that clings to a price point any engine
can be modded to set a new lower standard for a chainstore
market. It's how this whole debate around "residential" and
"commercial" got airtime. My view the difference is a marketing
thing aimed at sucking extra bucks from small business, essentially
the selfemployed unemployed. "Commercial" buyers are being
duped, IMO.

I digress....

KK

If anyone is interested, I just upgraded the engine on a 60" 1997 Lazer Z to 25HP Kohler. New motor drive Shaft is 1 and 1/8th inch and requires a new clutch and new clutch spacer. A little trimming required on the hydraulic drive end to accommodate the oil cooler, but other than changing the oil drain it was a straight forward engine swap. If you have an older 22HP engine, the new clutch is slightly larger and requires a longer deck drive belt, although it is possible to make the existing drive belt fit.
Ed

Cool! What did you do about the muffler?

Bicklebok said:

I would like to replace the engine in my older LazerZ Hp but Im having problems finding a replacement Kawasaki engine. It has an FH580V engine, and every site I visit says its out of stock. I would entertain a Kohler if I new exactly which engine would work with minimal modifications. The shaft size is 1" and 3 5/32.

Thanks!

Click to expand...

Easiest thing to do is to go to some where like Small Engine Warehouse , Small Engine Services , Repower etc.
These peple specialise in supplying replacement engines for old mowers.

Mower engines are fairly well standardised and come in 3 basic sizes ( metric ignored ) from push mower to 10' fairway mowers.
Nearly all engines from 8 Hp to 28 Hp have a 1" x 3 & 5/32 crank then they go up to 1& 1/8 Diameter.

So the criteria is how much fiddleing with electrial connections & throttle controls you are happy doing.
Usually the same brand engine will drop strait in & plug right up but you can replace your Kwaka with a B & S , Honda , Kohler , Tecumseh or any cheap Chineese copy you like just so long as it has a governor

Thanks bert! I just rebuilt the engine in mine for now and Im trying to get it running right. Im trying to find an aftermarket muffler for it now. That seems to be a challenge.

Bicklebok said:

Thanks bert! I just rebuilt the engine in mine for now and Im trying to get it running right. Im trying to find an aftermarket muffler for it now. That seems to be a challenge.

Click to expand...

You most likely won't
In most cases the muffler is made specifically for the application so they end up being unique to that particular combination of engine & mower.
If you still have the old one, cut out the exhaust pipe ( note out not off ) then find a muffler that fits in the space & weld the old pipe onto it.
I have seen a lot of mowers fitted with a short universal motorcycle muffler for just this reason.
Might look real cool with an upright stack & top hat.

Thank you so much for the tip bert. I didnt think of the stack idea. I may do just that!!! Thanks again!

Bicklebok said:

Cool! What did you do about the muffler?

Click to expand...

Old muffler fitted just fine. Had to reface the flange on the left side, as previous engine was leaking from left
exhaust port.

Also needed to order a longer belt. Since the mod, the tension spring broke - have a new one on order.
Belt ordered was Stens 265-060 (Exmark 103-4014). Hoping that will work. Problem is the new clutch is a bit bigger than the old one. Thus the blades will turn faster.

So now I have a Frankenstein machine of sorts. Upgraded the fuel tanks... the left one was leaking - actually it was cracked.
(In the first place I bought the machine from a less than scrupulous mower shop near Bartow, FL. Jim the mower man - stay away. It appeared fine - I should have looked more carefully. The old motor wouldn't burn oil when it was really low on oil. Caveat Emptor...)
Found a good deal on Ebay for new fuel tank - but new style. But then the right tank looked weird so had to find another used unit on Ebay to match.

So now I have a 1997 unit 60" cut with ultra deck - 2006 style tanks and motor. Mower shop is of no use. Neither as other commenters have said is Exmark or Kohler. I used OPE engines.

Pics attached.

Re: Replacement engine for older Lazerz HP - Working out the bugs

Well ordering a belt from Amazon was too easy. So if anyone is following my footsteps, it turns out one needs 113" x 5/8 belt. I ended up getting a
Husquvarna part number 522999901 (In stock at my local tractor shop) but Stens makes belts for half the price. The belt I specified previously was 116 inches and turned out to be too long. Anyways after installing the new belt and a new tension spring, I was back in business.:smile: