1872 - Kohler 28 EFI repower

[cyr2872]

I'm finally getting around to posting my 1872 repower. Things are far from over but today was the first day I was able to drive it around on the new engine. But lets start from the beginning:

A couple years ago I got the Cub bug when I acquired a IH 782. I loved that thing and had no intention of selling it until I happened upon 1872. The 1872 had a blown motor I initially wanted it for the power steering, dual brakes, and dual hydraulics to put on the 782. I wasn't too fond of the KT17 series I that was in my 782 and realized that what I really wanted to do was repower the 1872 with a modern engine, preferably EFI.
I picked up the 1872 and sold my 782 to a gentleman that was retiring and looking for a tractor to restore and play with, so I new it was going to a good home which made it easier.
On to the good stuff:Started tearing her down.

[cyr2872]

Down to the frame:


All cleaned up and ready for a little paint

[cyr2872]

I picked up a cast rear end. I loved having the extra weight that my 782 had for plowing.


I used the internals from the 1872 (used some threads on here to help me through the swap.) New axle tube bearings/seals, and pinion bearings.

[cyr2872]

Frame all painted. Time to mount the front axle and tower.


Engine arrived! Fits pretty nicely just need to figure out how far back I can place it.

[ACecil]

Great pics of your build! Please keep the pics and updates coming.

[cyr2872]

For the fuel set up I was able to use the factory outlet and mounted the fuel pump down low. I mounted the regulator up off the fuel tank bracket and ran the supply to the other side of the engine. The return was plumbed back into the tank using a bulkhead fitting from Summit. ECU mounted as well and figuring out the wiring.

Fuel pump relay, fuses, and wiring all mounted.

Test fit of the throttle cable. At first I used one from the local auto parts store...it was crap. Went to TSC and found one that works perfect.

[cyr2872]

For the drive shaft I picked up a engine coupler off a 2185 and a driveshaft off a 3185. I got the splined adapter for the pump from Surplus Center for a great price. I welded the adapters together marked where I needed to drill the hole for the roll pin since that is what the 1872 pump used. Turned out very well.



The pto was a bit tricky mounting. I had to use a few washers behind the coil plate to get the right placement. I made a spacer to go on the shaft to space the magnetic portion away from the coil. And since the shaft on the new engine was a bit longer, I needed to make another spacer for the bolt. Also, don't forget the diode!!




0.017...perfect.

[cyr2872]

And finally, today is the day for the first test drive. I love the EFI start and the way it sounds. Hopefully I'll love the gas savings too. That KT17 loved the stuff.

[cyr2872]

I have more pictures floating around here somewhere. I'll post them tomorrow.

On the to do list still:
1) finish exhaust piping through the side and heat shield.
2) possibly cut a hole in the side panel to allow heat to escape from oil cooler properly.
3) adjust/rebuild brakes
4) wire lights to separate switch
5) mount the mower deck and mow some grass!


Possible issues:
After a bit of driving around I shut it down to check for leaks. I heard a gurgling coming from under the seat and found one of the check valves (right on in the picture) all wet. Do I just need new O-rings or a whole new valve?


The other was I heard a slight howl coming from the rear. I only really heard it while the was maxing out the hydro speed. I'm used to the bevel gear sound from my 782 so it sounded abnormal to me. I guess my question is to those who have used both the bevel gear rear and the straight cut rear gears, if there is a noticeable difference in rear noise? It wasn't enough for me to think anything is wrong, everything was within spec, it's just...different.

[Cubcrazy]

Nice job on the repower! That engine is a beast!