LT15 Needs New Engine

[firefighter ontheside]

Well, my 15 horse Kohler bit the dust today.  At least I think it did.  Looked at the valves and they look fine.  Turning the saw manually wiht the spark plug out it turns and then catches, turns and then catches.  It still seems to have compression.  I'm not sure if its the rings or what.  I did restart it after it died.  It would run, but sounded like there were rocks in there.

I'm expecting to replace the engine.  Woodmizer has a new engine kit to go from 15 horse to 18 and parts needed to retrofit.  That is $2250.  I'm interested in ordering a new engine locally and mounting it.  I'm waiting to hear back from my local small engine shop to see what they find.  

[SawyerTed]

That's not good news but it does allow the chance to bump the hp a bit.  I'm a believer in going with a replacement engine manufacturer that you can get support, parts and repairs for locally.

FWIW, I tried one of those Chinese engines on a wood splitter once.  It ran and operated well for two years then it went to the recycling bin.  I couldn't get replacement parts.

The aggravation of uninstalling the old, getting a new one and reinstalling the new engine would have been worth the extra cost of going with a brand name. 

[btulloh]

Bummer. Engine failure is not usually something we wish for but it happens. The silver lining in that cloud is the opportunity to get more hp.  And a lighter wallet. 

I hear Santa is a good source for small engines.    Just send him an email and the new engine will be under your tree. (How wide is the flu in your chimney?). ;)

[firefighter ontheside]

I just talked to Santa(she goes by Cindy in this house) and she said thats too bad.  I guess you need to buy a new motor.  At least its tax deductible.  I am looking forward to more HP.  Just hope its not too difficult to mount a new motor.  Seems like the biggest concern is making sure the output shaft lines up with the drive pulley.  The other concern would be the throttle linkage, lining it up so that when I engage the blade it also engages the throttle.

[SawyerTed]

Yep, Santa goes by Emily here.  I don't know what I'd do if she weren't raised on this farm.  She understands equipment repair expenses.  

[Haleiwa]

When my Onan died, I bought the Kohler engine, the mounting adapters, and the new belts from Woodmizer for less than an engine alone was going to cost from the other suppliers that I checked.

[pineywoods]

Don't know about the lt15 but probably easy to do an engine swap. I went from an 18 hp briggs to a 25 hp liquid cooled kawasaki on my lt40, back sawing next day. Most important thing is weight. Too much and have to upgrade the head lift mechanism.

[firefighter ontheside]

Well, I just removed the engine and it was super easy.  4 bolts and 2 wires removed and its off.  Won't hear back about an engine til monday.

[Southside]

What about going to a diesel? 

[doc henderson]

so Bill, are you on the nice list... or the naughty with @Southside ?   :christmas: :snowfight1:

[firefighter ontheside]

What about going to a diesel?

I love me a diesel, but I think it would be too heavy.

[Walnut Beast]

I see they offer a 10hp and 17hp diesel for your mill . 

[Southside]

Doc - if it weren't for guys like me trying so hard to be on the naughty list - you wouldn't look so good.... :D

[firefighter ontheside]

They do offer diesel on new LT15s, but they don't offer them as a refit for my 15 year old mill.

[sawguy21]

Do you put enough hours on the mill to justify the extra cost of a diesel? Then there is added weight. Swapping in another Kohler would be easiest, also have a look at Honda and Briggs Vanguard. Stay away from the cheap off shore clones unless you are willing to sacrifice long service life to save a few bucks.

[mike_belben]

Why didnt you tear the motor down?  Its not like youd have made it any worse.

[Durf700]

are you able to go to the 25 HP Kohler that comes on the LT 35?  the newer LT 15s are 19 hp I think.  I would definitely ask what your options are.  what year is your mill?

[firefighter ontheside]

I did remove the valve cover and see that the valves look fine.  Looking in thru the exhaust port I can't see anything out of order.  Turning the drive pulley over by hand with the spark plug out it turns easily and then theres resistance.  Have to force past the resistance each time I turn it.  I have the engine off and may take to the shop on Tuesday.

My mill is an 04.  The replacement engine that WM offers is an 18 horse Kohler. I'm going to see what the small engine shop can offer me.  I don't think I will seriously consider a diesel.  I'm assuming any engine thats heavier will make it more difficult to raise the saw.  

[Resonator]

15 years is a good run for a small engine, maybe it just wore out. I was told the Kohler G18 and G19 are basically the same engine, and I have had good results with the G19 on my Lt28 for the last 3 years, adequate power for a manual mill. Only thing it did not come with an hour meter, would be good to have to keep track of maintenance.

[firefighter ontheside]

Yeah, that's why I'm a little skeptical about putting any money into repairing it.  I bet my engine shop that I take my other small engines to could fix it, but I'd rather put the money into a new/upgraded engine.  I have been a little confused by the 18 and 19 horse engines.  I was searching around and came across the engines on northern toolhttps://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=position"> Note:Please read the Forestry Forum's postion on this company site.  Nowhere in the description does it say how many horses they are.  They have what appear to be 2 identical engines about $250 difference, but can't really tell what the difference is physically.  Woodmizer uses the 19 horse on new mills, but offer the 18 as the upgrade.

[sawguy21]

Horsepower ratings are pretty loose, generally whatever the OEM wamts to see. The 18 and 19 horse engines are basically the same except for decals although one may have improved filtration and low oil shutdown.

[RichTired]

Resonator, I installed an inexpensive (less than $10) hour-meter on my LT15 I got from Amazon.

Link

[richhiway]

Just curious, do you know how many hours is on it? Take the cover off the flywheel it may have something wrong there, it may not be a internal engine part.
I would go with the Wood-Mizer up grade. Should be flawless. I would not expect a lot of difference, small engine horsepower ratings are suspect. 
While you can repair small engines they are not "rebuildable"like the engine in a tractor,etc. Don't spend much repairing it at 15 years old.
Good Luck!

[doc henderson]

if it sounds like gravel, but runs, could it be a connecting rod bearing?  i once thought the from crank bearing went out of my camero.  1974.  a bolt had came out of the and harmonic balancer?  anyway it threw all the belts, and would run, but looked like the fromt of the crank was wallowed out and not turning concentrically.  new rubber and bolts

[firefighter ontheside]

Doc, a guy who works for me here is a car engine guy and he said the same thing.  Might be a crank shaft bearing.  I think I'm gonna ask the place where I would have it repaired if they can diagnose it for no charge as long as I either pay them to repair it or buy new from them.  The motor has always ran great for me.  The only problem I ever have is that the automatic choke doesn't work so I have to reach up inside under the carburetor and move it by hand.  Annoying, but not a big deal.

[Resonator]

Thanks for the link RichTired.

[mike_belben]

Theyre all super simple.  You should split the thing.  Probably have it back together for $50.

[offrink]

I have the upgraded diesel in my lt-15 wide. Not to heavy at all. Was cutting 20" wide ash that was standing dead and then 5 months on blocks. Was plenty hard and I didn't slow down much!

[sawguy21]

If you are in a hurry replace the engine and set the old one aside to tear down when you are bored. There are no bearing shells, an aluminum rod runs on a steel crank pin. If the pin is coated with aluminum steel wool and muriatic acid may clean it up, if the pin is scored forget it. A rebuild will cost more than a new engine.

[Stephen1]

Bigger is always better. 
IF I am not in a big rush, I always like to try and repair. The worst that is going to happen is you can not fix it and you have to buy new or take it into the shop anyways. 

[kantuckid]

Resonator, I installed an inexpensive (less than $10) hour-meter on my LT15 I got from Amazon.

Link

I also installed a cheaper than Kohler price point Chinese hour meter and it never has worked. 
I just change my oil & oil/gas filters seasonally anyway. 
I like Honda engines, period, but there are others that are good. 
You say has compression, but how much matters a lot. 
I'd consider re-building it. not such a hard job and lots of parts out there too. My 15hp Kohler on my LT15 is about 20 years old and runs fine. Chinese carb, Chinese gas tank on/off and hour meter no worky but starts and runs great-knock on wood... ;D

[firefighter ontheside]

Well, I just bit the bullet and ordered the new engine kit from Woodmizer.  After my engine shop told it was not gonna be worth trying to fix, especially since the engine is discontinued, I decided to just get the engine and kit from WM.  Before I talked to the engine shop, a very helpful guy from WM talked to me all about the ramifications of going from 15hp to 19hp.  I need to go from a single drive belt system to a double.  The refit kit comes with a whole new drive side wheel, which is one of the reasons the kit is so expensive.  Who knows how long this will take to get.  I guess its gonna be quite a while before I'm sawing again.  

[kantuckid]

Any thoughts I've had herein were based on doing my own wrenching and also parts that cost lots less than from a dealer. 
 But of course some engines need to be tossed. 
 Not too complain about the thread at all, but with this senario we had far too little information to analyze the real problem of your engine. But oh to have money to spend. 8) 
My main issue with that same engine is that mice eat the foam air filters. 
I still like Honda's for small gas engines... ;D 

[doc henderson]

what was wrong with the old one?

[firefighter ontheside]

I didn't really want to spend this money right now, as I was finally getting to where my litlle side venture was making some money this year.  Oh well.  I'm sorry kantuckid, I wasn't really hoping someone here would solve the problem with the old motor.  I was hoping someone would have some experience with the issue of replacing the motor on an Lt15, especially an older one.  Thanks for all suggestions about fixing the motor.  I really did appreciate them.

I don't know what the problem is with the old motor.  I will set it aside and maybe crack it open someday when I have time.  I'm not sure when that will be.  I'm working OT today.  I'm working mandatory OT on Christmas eve and working my own shift on Christmas day.  I'm working mandatory OT on 12/28.  Too many guys sick with the virus right now to have time to work on an engine.  Anyway, I'm excited to have some extra HP once I get it all back together.  

[Walnut Beast]

I think it was a smart move. You don't have to worry about everything going together. It's all in a kit 👍

[kantuckid]

No problemo here. I am a very "greasy guy" (that loves wood even more!) who's taught Auto Mechanics on my certificate and trained in vehicle, heavy industry & military aviation mechanics too so again, I just was saying that we lacked info to decide what actually ailed the thing. Ebay has lots of small engine parts and the first step I'd have taken for small engine guts.   

[Stephen1]

I think it was a smart move. You don't have to worry about everything going together. It's all in a kit 👍

And the WM kits are ussually very informative with great graphics and well written instructions.

[firefighter ontheside]

Now that I'm upgrading the engine for more power, I'm thinking that I will eventually upgrade to power feed.  That's a ways off, but the cost is not as much as I thought it might be.

[firefighter ontheside]

I think it was a smart move. You don't have to worry about everything going together. It's all in a kit 👍

And the WM kits are ussually very informative with great graphics and well written instructions.

It's funny you say that, because this is what it says on WM site.

With no installation instructions, replacement engine kits are designed for those who are mechanically inclined. Before ordering and replacing your engine, follow these guidelines to make sure your engine is installed properly:

[farmfromkansas]

How much is the power feed?  You are teasing us.

[firefighter ontheside]

I'm sorry.  It's $1,195.

[WDH]

The power feed will definitely improve your productivity and efficiency. 

[firefighter ontheside]

Danny, I was just on the phone telling my dad the same thing.  

[Stephen1]

I think it was a smart move. You don't have to worry about everything going together. It's all in a kit 👍

And the WM kits are ussually very informative with great graphics and well written instructions.

It's funny you say that, because this is what it says on WM site.

With no installation instructions, replacement engine kits are designed for those who are mechanically inclined. Before ordering and replacing your engine, follow these guidelines to make sure your engine is installed properly:What!

What!
I owned a 93LT40HD and all my new parts came with great instructions. It was one of the reasons I thought that replacing the engine with a WM kit would be the way to go.

[Lostinmn]

Now that I'm upgrading the engine for more power, I'm thinking that I will eventually upgrade to power feed.  That's a ways off, but the cost is not as much as I thought it might be.

I added the power feed this fall and wish I would have sooner.  Not only a energy saver, it frees up moments of time to do a few other quick things as I'm often working alone.  
Really, really worth the cost I think.

[firefighter ontheside]

I'm not worried about the no instructions thing, though it would be nice if it had them.  I would have no instructions if I got my own engine either.  The very nice guys at WM both told me to call if I have any questions and they would help me thru the process.

I will wait a while after I have the new engine up and running and then I will likely order the power feed.  No doubt being able to do a few other quick things as the saw is cutting will free up a lot of time in the long run.  

[kantuckid]

Curiosity has me wondering what the shaft size is on the LT15 engines? De ja vue says mine will crap out next...

[firefighter ontheside]

What's strange is I'm fairly certain the old engine has a 1 1/8 shaft and the new, higher horse engine has a 1" shaft.  Doesn't make sense.

After some more research, it appears this motor is made specifically for Woodmizer.  It appears a standard CH620 Kohler has a 1" shaft, but the one for WM has 1 1/8".  In particular it is CH620-3088

[sawguy21]

I have never seen a single with a 1-1/8" shaft although Woodmozer could have ordered them that way, being low production they will be expensive. A pulley with a correctly sized tapered hub should be readily available.

[kantuckid]

Not as any sort of critical comment on firefighters move to buy the WM engine kit, that's a personal choice.
 But, given that my LT15 is ~ 20 years old I have been thinking engines since this thread opened.
Mine runs OK not great, since I went to a cheapo Chinese carb, never seems to find a happy place on idle, but does run always. 
 I saw several new engines of various brands on the web yesterday @~ $1,000. 
Is there anything peculiar about installing a different engine on these mills? As said the sheaves are generic stuff bought from a chart. The other factors is where my questions go? 
On that general subject-how many brands we think of as USA are now Chinese mfg. in small engines? 
 Merry Christmas!

[firefighter ontheside]

No offense taken @kantuckid .  I'm sure there are folks here, probably including yourself that would have no trouble buying an engine locally and making it work well.  Though I would look into the output shaft diameter issue.  The very nice guy from WM was very knowledgable about small engines and explained to me that I should be wary about choosing an engine off the shelf due to the side load that is put on these engines due to the tension required to drive the belt.  I suspect that is why they use 1 1/8" shafts.  Maybe not so much for strength of the shaft but for a better bearing.  

I had posed a question on a FB woodmizer group and someone replied with a very good write up on replacing his Kohler with Honda GX series motor.  He had to get a special side mount muffler so as not to hit the top of the mast as he raised it.  He had to fashion a mount for the fuel tank up high and off the front of the motor.  It looked incredibly inconvenient.  He had to have a shaft extension made so that he could mount the motor further back from the blade housing for clearance.  He had to separate blade engagement from throttle advance, which he said he really liked, but I think I'd rather keep the 2 connected as stock.  In the end he was very happy, but I would like to avoid most of those headaches.  Going up in HP it really seems the WM guy is correct in saying you need to upgrade the belt to handle the extra power or it will slip.  My kit from WM is going to include a whole new drive side wheel.

 @kantuckid you'd be welcome to head over to MO and pick up my old engine if you can use it.

[kantuckid]

Thanks. I was mostly trying to dig into the whole idea of LT15 engines. I don't see shaft stiffness between 1" & 1 1/8" making much difference. The peripherals as you mention were more toward my concern. 

[firefighter ontheside]

I just called WM to get an update on timing of my new engine.  Originally they said it may take 5 weeks, but today he said it will likely be mid January.  That's a lot better.  Very nice guy at WM told me to call next Monday and ask for him so he could check for me again.  I also asked him to check on some WM merchandise that my wife and kids ordered for me.  She ordered it 2 weeks ago and it appears to still be in the Indi post office.  He made a not for himself to check on it again in 2 days and said if it has not been delivered by then he will ship them out again.  I can't really ask for better than that.  

[kantuckid]

I was just now reading reviews on the HF Predator 22HP engines, winding down from having lots of company. 
 On HF reviews using the search term sawmill, there were several who'd used that one for a mill, one even went on a WM LT40 mill and said to work fine-whatever that means as far as the fit up. 
Wondering how a small, red plastic, outboard gas tank would do on the top of the LT15 frame? Getting it away from the exhaust would be the challenge.
For not much more than a HF engine there's lots of mainstream brands out there-one seller who is not too far from me in New Abany, IN- sells on ebay & web-Honda, B&S, Kohler, etc..
 1 1/8" is common shaft as are bushings for the sheaves.  Throttle connection is a question mark on a hot rod job like I'm talking. I'll not shut mine down yet but thinking ahead.   

[firefighter ontheside]

The guy from FB who put a Honda on his really liked not having throttle advance connected to the blade engage handle.  I can't see spending the money to have more HP which will improve productivity and then have to add a step every time I engage and disengage the blade.  

I guess it would be nice to go longer between fuel ups as long as it wasn't too difficult to either get up there to add fuel or take the tank down to add fuel.  I think the new ones have a gas tank up next to the lube jug.

[kantuckid]

That area of the lube platform would be an easy way to add platform space for a gas tank. It could even be plywood.
The Kohler tank and it's shutoff are enough of an issue that the Chinese knocked off the valve long ago.  
OE tank itself seems robust but also in the way of servicing the engine beyond everyday use, so I wouldn't miss it much. I've removed my CH15 gas tank a number of times to do repairs.  

The sometimes interference of the dual function crank handle and the power lever are already a pain.
I have also considered the newer LT15 manual push handle in place of me pushing on a battery box(mine has a wooden tool tray full of pencils, etc. on top)  to help advance the saw while cranking.  

[firefighter ontheside]

So your LT15 doesn't have a push bar?  Mine is from 2004 and it has one and the crank.  If I buy the power feed later this year, I will have to remove that bar.  If it works for you you can have it.

[kantuckid]

No pushbar has ever been on my saw, it's pre-pushbar- sort of like me-pre a lot of things... ;D 

[firefighter ontheside]

Interesting.  I didn't know it came like that on older models.  I always have my right hand on the crank and my left hand on the bar.

[kantuckid]

Is the OE battery box on my saw occupying the space where the bar would go?

 I picked up on the push bar in pictures of newer LT15 mills a long time ago but never researched any further. 

[firefighter ontheside]

I can take a picture and post it for you in a bit.  I just got home from mandatory OT yesterday.  I can see how if I didn't have the bar that i could put my hand on the battery instead.

[kantuckid]

The tool tray works but less than ideal as if you get too exuberant then the reality that the battery box top is holding on via the plastic tabs shows up. 
I just spread 2-3 tons of rock I had on hand in front of my mill and it sort of disappeared? Got more coming next day. Suns out so I'll find me a non-mud job this afternoon. 

[firefighter ontheside]

Heres what mine looks like.  The bar is on the same bolts that hold the crank arm.


 

 

[kantuckid]

My mill lacks the large sprocket wheel and doesn't have the black painted steel bar that has the crank on it for the orange feed rope-or whatever that is? Mine has the dual function crank- pushed in it engages the mast head and pulled out it ruins the capstan style rope that moves the saw through the cut. 
I suppose the two bar mount holes are not there on mine but holes are cheap and fast ;D as are threads. 
That push area appears to be about waist high?
My style cranks in one direction -same as your sprocket. I'll be down there to meet my rock guy after the frost burns off and check it out. 
That large sprocket has a chain behind it to raise the blade-same place as mine. What seems strange there's not a chain on the teeth of the larger diameter? 

[Lostinmn]

So your LT15 doesn't have a push bar?  Mine is from 2004 and it has one and the crank.  If I buy the power feed later this year, I will have to remove that bar.  If it works for you you can have it.

The push bar remounts with the power feed.  I put one on this fall, although I've only used it once or twice to help the power feed as the rope was loose. 

[firefighter ontheside]

The large sprocket is not really a sprocket.  It is the index for raising and lowering the blade.  Squeeze the handle to retract the catch and then turn the handle.  Each tooth on the sprocket is 1/16".  The handle turns the chain which raises the saw.  Once you reach the desired height you stop squeezing the handle and the little stop protrudes out and catches in the sprocket.  The sprocket doesn't actually turn.  Newer LT15 have a sprocket with far fewer notches.  That means the handle needs to be turned a lot more for each inch of travel up and down.  I suspect that means there is more mechanical advantage in the system and is therefore easier to raise and lower.

Well, I guess I'll be keeping the bar after all, if it goes back on with the power feed.

[mudfarmer]

Did not put the push bar back on with my power feed and haven't needed it, can still push the mill around when off and not milling. One annoying thing is that where the power feed mounts it makes it impossible to get a straight sight line anywhere near the 1" mark on my scale :-\ Poor design there for sure.

[booman]

Firefighter, the newer LT15 sawmills have a similar index wheel where each notch is 1/16" of movement up or down.  But the newer ones are twice as fast where one revolution raises or lowers the head 2 inches.  One revolution on your mill moves it 1".   I had one like that.   Also, you can get a new decal for the index wheel from Woodmizer.

[firefighter ontheside]

One revolution of my handle raises my saw 4".  I just went out and checked.  That must mean there are 64 notches on the wheel.

[booman]

Wow, what year is your sawmill?   I didn't realize they made one like that.

[firefighter ontheside]

My saw was made in 2004.

[booman]

According to Wood Mizer, the 4" up/down per revolution was made only in 2004.  So, you have a rare mill as far as that control goes.

[firefighter ontheside]

Rare.....that means its worth more. 

[booman]

Right.  So sell it.

[mudfarmer]

Put the push handle back on, it is only two bolts and maybe I will need it some day? Also have a tendency to lose stuff in a pile somewhere... You are really going to like the power feed, it is a game changer. But now that the game has changed am scheming up a pineywoods turner and clamp, yellowhammer linked back stops, trailer frame, the snowball is getting pretty big  ;D

 Teaching wife to run mill so I can be doing other things (cutting trees) but she does not have the benefit of having read and learned so much from all of you on here. The hydraulics would make it a lot easier for her for sure. Yes, I know, buy a hydraulic mill. Only if you are paying!

[firefighter ontheside]

Woodmizer called  me this morning.  My engine kit is supposed to ship out tomorrow.  Hopefully this time next week I'll be back in business.  I was gonna say, what should I choose for my first thing to mill with the new engine, but then I realized it will have to be the elm that is still sitting on the mill.

[GAB]

Woodmizer called  me this morning.  My engine kit is supposed to ship out tomorrow.  Hopefully this time next week I'll be back in business.  I was gonna say, what should I choose for my first thing to mill with the new engine, but then I realized it will have to be the elm that is still sitting on the mill.

In your haste to saw make sure the engine fluid levels are correct prior to starting.
GAB

[firefighter ontheside]

Good point.  I've known a few folks who brought home brand new lawn mowers from the store and started them up and cut about one stripe of grass before lock up.

[firefighter ontheside]

Tracking my engine as it makes its way here.  It looks like it left Cincinatti, 6 hours east of me, yesterday morning.  Now its in Columbia MO, 2 hours west of me.  I would be half tempted to drive there to get it today myself.  As it is, it looks like I will have it delivered to me on Wednesday next week.

[KenMac]

Tracking my engine as it makes its way here.  It looks like it left Cincinatti, 6 hours east of me, yesterday morning.  Now its in Columbia MO, 2 hours west of me.  I would be half tempted to drive there to get it today myself.  As it is, it looks like I will have it delivered to me on Wednesday next week.

I'd be in contact with the shipping company and pick it up there. ASAP

[doc henderson]

the driver prob. did a princess wave as he drove past your house!   :D :D 8) 8)

[firefighter ontheside]

You would think that would be easy enough.  I called the company about picking it up at their facility in St Louis, which is very close to my fire department where i'm working on monday.  I suggested that they just deliver it there.  The guy said he'd have to contact Woodmizer for them to ok changing the delivery location.  It sounds easy enough, but like everything else, I'm sure it would take too long.  I will call them on Monday and see about having it delivered to work.  

Yes, Doc, I think I saw him waving as he went right on past Stl.

[K-Guy]

Yes, Doc, I think I saw him waving as he went right on past Stl.

How many fingers did he have raised!! say_what

[firefighter ontheside]

After a ridiculous tour of the midwest, I should have my engine tomorrow.  I have to go pick it up at a shipper's location, otherwise I will not get it until Thursday.  I cannot wait til thursday.  I sure hope it goes in with very little trouble.

[Nebraska]

Well finally....it may have stories to tell of its travels.  Sorry  you have had such a mess getting a motor shipped to you. 

[firefighter ontheside]

I have an engine.  At first it looked ominous, but with a little help from @MartyParsons  and WM tech support, maybe its not.  I've got the motor in place and the holes line up.  I got the new drive side wheel on and the drive belt on.  I'm sure I need to adjust tension on the belt.  I know how the gas tank needs to be installed.  Gotta figure out the electrical connections, but that's just figuring out which is negative and positive.  I hope to get it running tomorrow, but I also have a 10 year old at home with me tomorrow and I have to be Mr Dad the teacher for the day too.

[Nebraska]

Good day for an outdoor shop class experience.    Hope you can manage both projects together.

[firefighter ontheside]

Engine is on and she cuts.  I just finished the cut I was making when the original engine went bad.  The biggest problem I ran into was that the brake bracket interfered with the drive belt.  I took it off and ground down one side of it.  I wish there was a little more clearance there.  I"m guessing the newer design is a little more slender and fits in between the blade and belt better.  I really like having a manual choke knob.  The gas tank being where it is now will take some getting used to.  My view of the blade tension spring is blocked from the front now, so I have to look down at it from the top.  Oddly the kit came with the lever that the newer saws have for tensioning the blade, but with none of the parts to change it over to that style.


 

[Peter Drouin]

 smiley_clapping

[doc henderson]

glad you are up and running, and with more power.  you will get used to it, or make mods that you like.  carry on! 8)

[firefighter ontheside]

Thanks.  At the very least, I can use the new gas tank platform to hold my pencils and chalk and such instead of the battery box.  My pencils always fall down inside the battery box.

[doc henderson]

my old mentor Kenny Skeels, always had his cap tipped up, and a pencil over his right ear.  He was invited to play baseball on a farm team, but his dad said no, as they needed him at home.  he was a twin, and in those days the doc told his mom to bed them down in a couple shoe boxes and they probably would not live.  He still tears up talking about having missed the opportunity to play baseball.

[kantuckid]

That long orange rectangular boxy thig toward the right is the gas tank? My shallow, ~ 4" deep, tool tray made of wood and screwed to the top of the battery box top is as basic as basic can be-pencils, tape, tools that uncover the mill bed frame where it clogs and few others, plus a note pad with my cut lists and work gloves.

My OE Kohler 15hp has a choke lever already (Chinese clone carb still hooked up to it OK) but I'm envious of more power, like any kid approaching his adult years... :D 

Being candidly  honest, if I'm running a decent blade my old engine cuts about as fast as my current body functions? ;D maybe I'll "get lucky too", and engine quits on me?

[firefighter ontheside]

Yes, the orange box on the right is the gas tank.  Its bolted to the idle side mast and cantilevers out.  Has a nice sized surface on top of smooth steel.  I can put some magnets on there to hold things down.  My wife has very strong little magnets that come with hearing aids.  I'll start off with a little container anchored down with magnets.  I don't want to add a bunch of weight to it though.

[kantuckid]

Magnets-on ebay there are cheap and very strong magnets. Nothing like the ones I played with from speakers as a kid. I bought some to use when setting up my 8" jointer blades and can attest that the niobium versions are very brittle-don't drop or peck on them.
 The tank might be great for money sawyers but does seem like overkill in cost or size for a piddler such as myself?
 I can saw most all day with my small Kohler integral tank and also important to keep ethanol gas fresh as possible.  
The lube tank is another story as one of my shoulders is wired & screwed together so even using a milk crate step up 6-7 gallons of juice is heavy and awkward. I mostly save it for when my helper is around to give a boost up. 
Have fun with yer new hot rod mill!

[firefighter ontheside]

The previous owner of my mill was a forum member before he passed.  He used a hole saw and drilled a big hole in the top of the  lube tank.  Then he made a bung to plug the hole.  Now you can just pull a garden hose over fill it up from the top.  I usually just use a watering can though to fill it up.  I don't use lube very often though since I rarely cut softwoods.