682 KT17S rebuild

[capeless]

I just picked up a Cub built 682. It's a series 1 KT17S. It leaks oil and smokes so I am going to replace the rings, gaskets and seals. Good compression in both cylinders.

Any tips you can offer would be appreciated. I am still in my search phase and haven't ordered any parts yet. I looked on ebay and found an aftermarket gasket/seal kit for $50 and an OEM kit for $110. I am leaning toward an OEM kit unless people have some good things to say about the aftermarket set. I am open to buying through a sponsor here or another recommended source as well.

I have the Kohler KT17 service manual from the website but need a better manual. Any suggestions?

This is my first engine rebuild, but I have been wrenching on stuff my whole life so I have no concerns with proper resources.

What specialty tools will I need to replace every seal in the kit? Any special gasket sealant (I've used Indian Head in the past). I have a decent tool collection so other than specialty tools I should be all set. Thanks everyone, I look forward to getting this thing torn apart. if the motor rebuild doesn't work, I am not against throwing some money at it and buying a replacement motor. We'll see how it goes!

[R Bedell]

I have the Kohler KT17 service manual from the website but need a better manual. Any suggestions?

YUP......Contact our sponsor Binder Books at the top of the page. They have good paper manuals.

[ol'George]

Originally Posted by capeless

I just picked up a Cub built 682. It's a series 1 KT17S. It leaks oil and smokes so I am going to replace the rings, gaskets and seals. Good compression in both cylinders.

Any tips you can offer would be appreciated. I am still in my search phase and haven't ordered any parts yet. I looked on ebay and found an aftermarket gasket/seal kit for $50 and an OEM kit for $110. I am leaning toward an OEM kit unless people have some good things to say about the aftermarket set. I am open to buying through a sponsor here or another recommended source as well.

I have the Kohler KT17 service manual from the website but need a better manual. Any suggestions?

This is my first engine rebuild, but I have been wrenching on stuff my whole life so I have no concerns with proper resources.

What specialty tools will I need to replace every seal in the kit? Any special gasket sealant (I've used Indian Head in the past). I have a decent tool collection so other than specialty tools I should be all set. Thanks everyone, I look forward to getting this thing torn apart. if the motor rebuild doesn't work, I am not against throwing some money at it and buying a replacement motor. We'll see how it goes!

Normally one would disassemble an engine to measure and determine what extent the wear is,and what problems need to be addressed then order the appropriate parts, paying attention to the cylinder wall condition, crank journal wear, valve recession/condition etc.
The newer engines are sealed with an RTV type sealer using minimal gaskets.
It would be best to determine if the engine is a replacement or original.
Luck!

[Matt G.]

Pretty much all Series I parts are NLA and have been for some time, so any OEM parts you are finding are likely for a Series II and may not work. It really isn't worth rebuilding either when there are drop-in engines (KT-17 Series II and M18) that are improvements of the Series I. I would start looking for another engine if I were you.

[capeless]

Originally Posted by ol'George

Normally one would disassemble an engine to measure and determine what extent the wear is,and what problems need to be addressed then order the appropriate parts, paying attention to the cylinder wall condition, crank journal wear, valve recession/condition etc.
The newer engines are sealed with an RTV type sealer using minimal gaskets.
It would be best to determine if the engine is a replacement or original.
Luck!

I agree with you under normal circumstances, but like R Bedell said and I am slowly finding out to be true, many parts are no longer available for a series I. I already have a set of piston rings that came with it. I am just going to pull it apart, replace the rings and seals/gaskets, and put it back together. If it works, great! If it has other issues, I'll replace it with something else. I do know it is the original engine. I am keeping my eye out on craigslist for used engines and donor tractors. Depending on how good everything else is after closer inspection, I am not opposed to doing the Honda swap. I'll have less than $2k into a well built garden tractor with 42" snow thrower and 44" deck. I'm excited!

Thanks for the tips

[Sam Mac]

Keep an eye on Craigs list for a 2185, 2160 or a 2165 with a good engine, sometimes you can get one for $2-300 I picked up a 2160 with a junk trans but great Vanguard with 300 hours and put the engine in my 1210

[capeless]

Very nice! That's what I am looking forward to!

[capeless]

There was some scoring on the top of one of the pistons. Looks like something was floating around in the jug for a short amount of time. It didn't look too bad, but not great either. I replaced the rings, honed the cylinder and am putting her back together. I was missing the base gasket so I have to order it. I think it will be better, but time to look for a replacement.

[capeless]

I found a magnum 18hp. I'll start searching on this motor swap, but what should I be looking for? What should I expect with this swap?