My 17 hp Kohler command blew the head gasket, was very hard to start for months, i guess it was leaking compression,and finally blew out and wouldn't start, new gasket in and it starts great, but engine locks up in a coupla minutes, good clean full of oil?, never burned any oil? lots of hours by last owner., its on a toro zero turn. plus I cleaned out a mouse nest in the shroud, cooling should be better? Coincidence? or am I missing something?
Bet the mice caused it to overheat, warping the block and doing internal damage. Supposed to remove the top engine cover YEARLY to clean the engine cooling fins. Check your manual.
Bet the mice caused it to overheat, warping the block and doing internal damage. Supposed to remove the top engine cover YEARLY to clean the engine cooling fins. Check your manual.
I tore her down tonite, whew, top main bearing seized? don't get it,full of good clean oil, ran great ,but weak with head gasket leaking, of course it locks up after buying the new gasket. I bought a craftsman parts mower for the 24 hp Kohler engine, its going into the TORO.
Usually this can be repaired with a good clean of the crank and if necessary a real bush .
Crank will clean with HCl ( Muriatic acid ) from a pool shop .
Then see how much slop is there
Usually it siezes when you are driving across a long slope.
#12
StarTech
Just remember to neutralize the acid and don't get it on any good aluminum. Will need to be heavy oiled after neutralization or the metal will flash rust.
Note on safety: Use the acid only extremely well ventilated area with the air from your back so you don't breathe in the fumes as they are very dangerous. Can actually take your breathe away especially if you have already have lung problems like myself.
In fact, do it outside.
If you allow the acid fume inside your workshop it will atack everything it lands on, partcularly things with sharp edges like drill bits.
