Hi all,
I thought I would pass on my education today.
ALWAYS CHECK YOUR OIL BEFORE RUNNING
I was running my mill and heard a disturbing knocking sound from the engine. I discovered why I got such a good deal on my Used kohler 25 Hp Command ($500). The fuel pump is in the valve cover and if the diaphragm gets cracked or damaged it pumps straight gas straight into the engines crankcase. When I checked the oil, it was about 2 inches above the full line. Anyway I drained the oil and put in fresh oil in then put on a new electric fuel pump. Lucky, I think I caught it in time. 8) I had this happen once before on a bush-hog goat powered by a Honda engine but then it was because the float just stuck and filled the crankcase with gas. It thinned the oil so much that the cam was ground down so far it wouldn't open the valves to get fuel and run....
My opinion is Kohlers are still Great Motors Reguardless of this.
Steve
I've had that happen on several different type engines. The older Massey-Ferguson tractors were bad about it. If you're watching the oil pressure guage regularly, you'll notice a drop in pressure before it can do any damage. If that was the only reason the fellow sold you that engine so cheap, you got a really good deal. ;)
Steve, those fuel pump parts are relatively inexpensive if you decide to fix the original.
Captain
I'd have to agree about being good engines, bought mine expecting to get around 2500 hours and its still running good after 5000 hours with almost no troubles, governer sticking is all I can think of. Changed oil every 40 hours. It still has the origanal fuel pump so they must last good. It get used often so it doesn't dry out. Steve
I've got the command 27 and yes I am pleased as well with the motor. At the current time I have the stock fuel pump bypassed running a electric fuel pump as well. I do have some trouble sometimes with fuel delivery and the motor starves out. My fuel pump inlet fitting cracked and allowed gas to syphon out towards the muffler which was why it got bypassed. I am going to go back to the stock setup, I just have to take the time to order the parts, ;)
Firebass
That disturbing knocking sound is not just due to the oil being thinned out by the fuel, the 25 hp. Kohler will also knock like that if the oil is overfilled. Don't ask me how I know ;D.
I cut about 500 bf today and it runs like new (Nice Clean Oil :D) so I guess I lucked out. I will put on a new pump when I get around to it. They quoted me $49.00. I wonder if you can just buy the diaphram? I just need to remember to check my oril.... I no better than to just count on the fact that it doesnt leak or burn any oil.
Steve
Not really sure if this is a good question for this thread but what is the typical amount of fuel you all use to cut a 1000 bf? Swinger VS Band
Steve
4 to 5 gals B20 Timberking sawing white oak. Steve
Keeping the gas tank lower than the engine helps also.
jim