[thenrie]

As for case halves, any decent machine shop can line-bore a case. That's not a real issue. My problem is just the decision whether to rebuild, or replace with a used engine. I hate like heck NOT to rebuild a motor, but it seems this one is poorly designed to begin with. So, if I replace with a used KT17, it would be a short-term solution at best. That's probably the cheapest solution if I were planning on just getting the 682 back together and selling it, which at this point I'm considering. It might get me through the summer. There's a KT17 Series 1 on ebay right now with no bidders at $100 within about 2.5 hours of me, but I can't get the seller to give me a compression check or even look to see that the case is not holed already. I can't see bidding on it and risk buying another blown motor.

Appears to me that I can buy a used Kohler Command or a B&S Vanguard for less than what it would cost to rebuild the KT17. Due to the unavailability of parts, I would have to spend a lot of time finding crossover parts and having them machined to fit, in order to do a decent rebuild (translation: expensive).

So, if I buy a Kohler Command motor, I understand my electric pto will bolt up, but that I need an adapter for the driveshaft. Does anybody make an adapter, or will I have to make one?

I checked out the site for the Vanguard engines already converted, but the price is out of my ballpark. I didn't see where they sell just the shaft adapter.

Which engine is easier to adapt to the 682, the Command or the Vanguard? Which engine is better?