TK 2000 getting the bugs out

[kgbond]

To response to GRweldon post.
First off, I like my TK 2000 very much, it was delivered 6 weeks ago. I am hopeful this story will help someone who is a novice like me. This mill has a new EPA venting system seen only on new mills. I am going to eliminate this system.  The mill worked fine for the first 8 hours then it stopped. It acted like it had no fuel. After trying to start it several times, I thought I did something wrong and went home for the day. Next day mill started no problems.But I did text the guy who just delivered the mill to ask his advise. He thought it might be the low oil shut off. But the oil level was fine. Mill did well until  the 18th hour, when it stopped. It would start with choke then stop. Called Timberking, they called their Kohler people and suggested I call local Kohler dealers.To fast forward, after looking at fuel tank vent system, ignition system, Kohler sent me a new fuel pump.Put the pump on.  Nothing worked. I was just on the other side of total depression. I forced fuel into the carb. Engine ran fine. Disconnected fuel line at fuel filter, fuel flow normal. Filter looked ok. Finally a friend who knows boats said its a bad quick disconnect at the tank. For some reason, when the fuel line was raised up to the filter, the fitting failed. So with a $3.00 fitting I am back in business.  What I did not know, and I should have, is that when you buy a mill, you are buying two separate warranties, one for the power source and one for the mill itself .  Timberking is unable to help with engine issues. This turned out not to be an issue with the power source but should have a contact number for the Kohler people in your area, just in case. Because the mill is  80 miles from where I live, If you don't have a tool, you have one long day. Have no regrets about buying this mill, but it was a long 4 weeks. 

kimball

[snowshoveler]

As a small engine mechanic myself...I will say Timberking is good equipment.
Kohler on the other hand used to make some of the best engines in the business.
As of late I see to many problems with them and fear they are in a slow spiral down.
I do hope I am wrong and they get their problems fixed and continue to be a quality engine builder.
Also could you let me know what model engine you have.
Regards Chris

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

Wow.....I have a KOHLER engine on my WM and my Kabota mower. I have had no problems so far. After reading what Chris had to say, I will keep my fingers crossed.

I think Kohler is a good engine though.....IMO.

[den]

Our zero-turn mower has a Kohler engine, they say to not idle the engine down to turn it off, but have it at 1/2 throttle.
It seems that the engine can kick back and bend I believe the push rods.
They also say to use their oil (it has a special additive to keep the lifters from pumping up).
I called to see if it I was able to use 15W-40 oil and they said that was OK but if you had problems with the lifters I need to use their oil with the additive.
American Engineering, fix a mechanical problem with an oil additive.

[snowshoveler]

Their special oil is 10w30. It was required in the command series of engines for just about ever.
The command is the hydraulic lifter engine. A year or 2 ago at a service school they told us that it was now okay to use the 30 weight oil. Its an emmision thing, it will use less of the heavier oil.
They had a lot of trouble with lifters. Once they got that right they messed with the spark advance module (sam) and that gave a lot of grief. Next was fuel injection and ...more grief.
Now they have these little upside down engines...courage and they are real trouble.
All the command and magnum engines are basiclly bullet proof but avoid the courage engine if at all possible.
Not a question of if but when it will have to come apart. The closure plate comes loose and it will leak oil like crazy.
I still like the Kohler but am very carefull which one I sell to my customers.
Regards Chris

[Ga Mtn Man]

Chris,

So, are you recommending the 10w30 or the straight 30w? And thanks for sharing your expertice smiley_clapping.

[clww]

kgbond,
Hmmm.....that's the TK mill I'm eyeballing right now as a purchase a few years down the road.

[ladylake]

 Kohler engines go on a lot of mills, the 27hp that came on my B20 was pretty trouble free .  Had to mess with the carb a couple times in 5000 hours and it was still running good when I put the Isuzu diesel on . If buying new and you plan on a lot of sawing a diesel make sence.   Steve

[snowshoveler]

Chris,

So, are you recommending the 10w30 or the straight 30w? And thanks for sharing your expertice smiley_clapping.

If it was my engine in your situation I would use the oil the dealer wanted me to use. If you need help when its in warranty
it will be good that they know you did the right thing.
I should also make a point of saying that my expierence runs mostly to lawn and garden engines.
I only get to work on a few sawmills and they have been pretty good except for parts availability sometimes.
One guy has a baker with the hydraulics and that thing is a monster and has sawn a lot of lumber.
Never been in the motor, couple mufflers and a starter. Must have 5000 hours on it now and its not had service like it should have.
Your mileage may vary.
Regards Chris