Kohler KT17 generator question.

[MWShaw]

While shopping for a replacement motor for my 782, I found this Kohler generator on CL.I was hoping it was a series II, and be a suitable replacement for my Cub. Does anyone know anything about these generators?





http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...0/Cub%20Cadet/

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

[maddog784]

That spec number belongs to a series II KT-17. Series II engines were put in cubs. Actually, they are preferred over series I by most. May want to request some pics of the flywheel end. I'm not sure if all of the flywheels were the same or not. Also not sure of what it would take to put a PTO on there. Nice find, though. Does the generator still work too? I see a custom fab generator if it does.

[R Bedell]

As Maddog stated, I would make sure that the crankshaft end would be suitable for the Elec PTO as found on Cub spec'd Kohlers.

[Matt G.]

The flywheel shroud is completely different on that engine, and it also appears the closure plate at the PTO end is different, as well. Generator cranks are tapered, so you won't be able to use a PTO clutch. I'd keep looking if I were you.

[ol'George]

To add to all the good previous posts,
if you have a series II in your 782, and only a series II (they came with a series 1) you could use some parts from your engine and this Gen engine, to make a good one.
You would have to use your crank, end cover, shrouding, possibly flywheel just off the top of my head, maybe more I forgot.
I'm thinking you don't want that type of project, unless you have experience doing this type of work?
it is definably not a "bolt in" as is

[MWShaw]

Originally Posted by Matt G.

The flywheel shroud is completely different on that engine, and it also appears the closure plate at the PTO end is different, as well. Generator cranks are tapered, so you won't be able to use a PTO clutch. I'd keep looking if I were you.

I should been more detailed in my original post. I did purchase this unit, the seller had it on CL for $100.00, I offered $85.00, he aggreed.

My hope was to use this as a "core" for my rebuild, as one of the cases on the KT17 in my 782 has a hole knocked out of it. So bare minimun I knew I needed a case.

I was hoping to remove all of the "generator" paraphinailia (sp?) strip it down to just the crankcase, cylinders and heads. Remove the heads and cylinders. Hone the cylinders, replace the rings, do a valve job, replace the base and head gaskets, and any crank seals.

Then use the intake, exhaust, shrouding, PTO and ignition from my 782, and reassemble the tractor.

I was hoping to avoid splitting the cases on this unit. So it is disappointing to hear that the crank is different.

Originally Posted by ol'George

To add to all the good previous posts,
if you have a series II in your 782, and only a series II (they came with a series 1) you could use some parts from your engine and this Gen engine, to make a good one.
You would have to use your crank, end cover, shrouding, possibly flywheel just off the top of my head, maybe more I forgot.
I'm thinking you don't want that type of project, unless you have experience doing this type of work?
it is definably not a "bolt in" as is

Yes, the KT17 in my 782 is a series II. Mine is a 1985 model. I got the tractor in 2009, at that time I did some research on it. I posted on another forum (before I found this one). RBedell asked for the serial number then, I supplied it, he responded that mine was a series II. About a week later I had the air cleaner off, wiped the grime off of the cover, and it has a decal on it, that states "series II. DUH!!!

It was my intention all along to use parts from both my old KT and this one, to build my replacement, Just NOT the crank.

I knew this was not a bolt in.

[ol'George]

Ok,
so yours holed the block, usually that means a rod is broken etc.etc.
Sometimes one is lucky and the crank is good, just needing polishing, other times the crank is beyond that and needs turned. or worse, beyond turning.
Since you own it, then you need to get inside yours and access the crank damage if any,
if you are planning to use the gen parts.
(FWIW: ) a crankcase is machined as a set with both halves together, I have seen sellers sell just ½ a crankcase, don’t go there.
does/will the Gen set work? Maybe sell it and recoup your $$

I understand where you are coming from as I rowed that boat, only with a smaller oar.
- went to the trouble of turning a vertical M-18 into a horizontal for my 782
Caution: some assembly/machining necessary to put it mildly Ha,LOL!

[MWShaw]

Originally Posted by ol'George

Ok,
so yours holed the block, usually that means a rod is broken etc.etc.
Sometimes one is lucky and the crank is good, just needing polishing, other times the crank is beyond that and needs turned. or worse, beyond turning.
Since you own it, then you need to get inside yours and access the crank damage if any,
if you are planning to use the gen parts.
(FWIW: ) a crankcase is machined as a set with both halves together, I have seen sellers sell just ½ a crankcase, don’t go there.
does/will the Gen set work? Maybe sell it and recoup your $$

I understand where you are coming from as I rowed that boat, only with a smaller oar.
- went to the trouble of turning a vertical M-18 into a horizontal for my 782
Caution: some assembly/machining necessary to put it mildly Ha,LOL!

Yeah, it looks as if I need to do some investigative disassembly.

[MWShaw]

Well, it if the crank and #2 cylinder from the motor in my cub are ok, then I think I can make a complete KT17 series II from all of this?

Upon dis assembly of this unit, it became a couple of things became apparent. The reason it had low compression is because the rings were stuck in the ring grooves on the pistons. That was because water had gotten into the motor. Each cylinder has some rust in it, #2 is pitted beyond honing. But other than that, it had very little wear showing on the piston skirts or cylinder walls.

The cranks is tapered, so I hope my old one is ok.

[MWShaw]

The service manual talks about a generator motor specific govenor assembly? Not sure if this will cause me problems or not.


One advantage could be using the carb assembly from the generator motor. It has an electric choke and an auto fuel shut off. My cub on (2) occasions, filled the crankcase with fuel, and hydro locks the motor. Forcing an instant oil change. This auto fuel shut off, may be a benefit.