Kohler Command in a 982 Details Needed

[Frank1541]

I have been looking at engine options for my 1541 re-power. I have found that there is little or no price difference between the Command engines of various HP ratings. I can get everything from 18HP up to 27HP for roughly the same price. I can even get a fuel injected ECH version for a couple of hundred more. All the critical dimensions are the same for the PTO, muffler and mounting. Is there any reason not to get the bigger motor? I don't do things that stress the drive train all that much, so I think I am OK.

[Matt G.]

Well, fuel consumption, and the fact that you'll never need 27 hp. I'd stick with 20-22 hp at the most. If you 'don't do things that stress the drivetrain' most likely you don't need a huge engine, either.

Are you sure the overall engine dimensions are the same? I was under the impression that the 18-22 hp Command engines are the same physical size, while the larger engines have a larger block. Mounting interfaces and crank size may be the same, but the larger engine may not physically fit in the engine compartment.

[Frank1541]

All the engines have the same stroke (except the ECH's and CH750). The bore only changes by 6mm. The same part number is listed for the closure plate on the back of the engine for models from the 18 up to the 27. The same goes for some of the crank shafts. So I am 99% sure that there will be no problem. I have a spare frame and the plastic hood and side panels, so I can play around with fitting the new engine in before I do the actual install in the 1541.

The difference in fuel usage is not that big a deal to me. From what I have read the commands use less fuel then the magnums by a large margin.

As of today I can get a new 27HP engine for $200 less then anything else. So I may go with it. Another option is to get a 19 or 21 HP fuel injected engine. It would be nice to not have to mess with a carb. The only problem with this option is getting the oxygen sensor in the exhaust system. The fuel usage is much lower with the EFI engines vs the regular commands.

[Matt G.]

I'd be a bit worried about the complexity and cost of replacement parts for the EFI system. It's pretty simple and cheap to rebuild a carb if it gets gunked up. Cleaning out a fuel-injection system doesn't sound like a lot of fun.

[BIGMOZEKE]

First thing.......sorry that I haven't posted much to the post that I started here, recovering from som surgery that was much tougher than I expected, needless to say can't work on getting the motor in my 982 any time soon.

I would have to agree with Matt on the fuel injection, I HATE complicated and adding fuel injection to the mix would just make it that much more to deal with when having an issue. After all, it is a tractor, mower and just by putting some fuel additive in once in a while and keeping the fuel clean, should not have any problems with a carburetor type of fuel system.
The motor that I am putting in is a CH22 and this should be plenty of power as the tractor only had a 20 in it to begin with. I am going to have to buy a new PTO for the thing and don't look forward to that. Have a friend that had the PTO on his tractor replaced with one that was a little larger and the tractor mows MUCH better than it did with the original. I am going to try and get over there and measure the pulley diam. on his before I buy one.

Joe

[Frank1541]

I see two sides to the fuel injection question. On one had it is a complicated system that will be a real pain if if fails. On the other hand we have millions of cars running around with old fuel injections systems that just keep running. The most recent Kohler EFI system has much lower parts prices then in the past. For instance, a new ECU used to cost around $500, now they are $150. A new carb is $250.

I do not see a reason to go above 22/23hp unless a higher hp motor is less expensive.

I would be careful going to a larger PTO pulley. The deck system is designed to run in the range of 3000 to 3600 rpm's. Going to the larger pulley on the PTO will move this up to 4000 to 4800 rpm. (the normal size for the small pulley is 4.5 inches, the larger one is 6 inches). The bearings and blades were not designed for this. At the least I would make sure the bearings are in perfect shape and balance the blades like you life depends on it.

[BIGMOZEKE]

Thanks for the pulley diameter info Frank. I am quite aware of the issues related to making the RPM's too high. Only want to buy the PTO pulley one time and want to make sure that I buy the right one. I plan on redoing the deck anyway which may require new spindles right out of the gate. Looking to get the deck powder coated but can't find anyone that does not want several hundred dollars for the job.

Joe

[AMCJavelin74]

Some engines are identical except their output ratings.... I've been told (not known fact) that a lot of outboard engines that are this way (small engines are this way as well sometimes)-

the 'entry level' version of the engine- let's say 10hp. The throttle has a limiting device so the carb is only flowing 80% it's maximum rate.

The 'high output' version of the engine, let's say 12hp, does not have the restrictor of sorts on it, allowing it to run wide open, thereflow flowing 100% of what the carb is capable of.

Of course, a simple mod to the 'weak' engine will net you 12hp.

I did this to a 5.5hp Tecumseh on a snowthrower, the 'throttle stop' only let the throttle open about 70% or so, and with a little work with a dremel tool, cutting off a bend in the 'throttle cable attachment point' on top of the carb serving to restrict the throttle, allowed it to run wide open if need be.

[BIGMOZEKE]

Well guys, glad to see that some of you are interested enough to look for updates on this post but, sad to say that I have not found a new motor yet that is not "gold plated". Everyone that I can find is wanting way too much money for a replacement motor. Have not even begun to think about trying to find a clutch for the thing yet.
You can be when I find a good motor for this beast, I will post plenty of pics and details of what it took to do the job.
AMCJavelin; I understand what you are saying about the motors and the HP, From what I can understand, If.........and only IF......I can find an 18hp Kohler Command for this thing, I have been told that there are a couple of inexpensive tweaks to make it a 20hp.
As for the Kohler M20's ......not much luck finding one of those either, even in the crapsman tractors...no luck.

[Matt G.]

Have you tried simply putting a 'want' ad on this forum for an engine? An M18 or M20 from a later tractor would be a bolt-in solution, and good used ones are plentiful. Then you won't have any issues finding a clutch, either.