Kohler Engine Oil Leak
 

I've been using an XTL1050 with a kohler engine for about 7 years now. I change the oil and filter as required and I've never had any issues up until the last oil change. Right after the oil change I noticed a leak on the card board that I keep under the tractor. I pulled the deck off but I couldn't find any leaks from any of the engine components. So, I ended up tracing it back to that yellow turn and pull quick release drain plug. Is this a known issue with those things and if so do I have any alternatives?


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I have heard of "quick change" plugs on various engines being a concern. I Haven't ran into it myself, but have used a few that seemed kind of "cheap". No more than a couple qts of oil would cost, I'd get a new one and change oil again (you can probably skip the filter change, just allow for any oil still inside it). I have also heard of guys just running a long pipe nipple with a cap into the block. Don't know if that would work for you as I don't know if your block has NPT threads. A look into the KOHLER parts book for that engine may tell you what options existed for plugs. What you have may be something "extra" that Cadet had installed. If you do go with a pipe nipple and cap, make sure the tires can't turn (including with the axle at full pivot) and get into it. I have seen a couple mowers with those quick change plugs that barely cleared the frame. Oh, the nipple needs to be long enough that you can hold it with a pair of vise grips so you can screw the cap off--otherwise it may screw out of the engine block. Also make sure no other front mounted attachments you have would ever get into it as well.

Yep. Those cheap quick drain plugs on those cheap XLT tractors start to leak after while. Buy a new quick drain plug.

How do you know this? Are you a tractor tech? You work on these cheap tractors?

:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

Nope, he has over 14,000 posts on this site because he doesn't watch sports on TV and has nothing else better to do.:biggrin2:

Seriously, 2 folks have told you the plugs are problematic, you say its problematic on yours, and you still want to ask questions?:bash2:

Thanks. Now that I know these are a problem, does anybody have a solution? I did find this on amazon. Anybody use one?

https://www.amazon.com/Drainzit-Oil-.../dp/B000PDN3HY

I would go with an EZ valve and hose. This may not be the size you need. Just an example.

EZ (EZ-110) Silver NPT 3/8-18 Thread Size Oil Drain Valve https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HTV2K24..._jIVVzb75KW1GG

Thank. That helps. I still got the stock hose in the accessory box.
I'm really surprised that Cub Cadet didn't put out an advisory.

An advisory for what? A quick drain plug that may leak after it's been used for 7 years? A plug that they sourced and in no way causes any real issue outside of a small drip? They no more would put out an advisory for that than they would that after 7 years the valve cover may leak. Or how about the crank seal? After 7 years, it may leak too. This is a common wear item. Something that can be simply replaced if (or when) it wears out. Come on.


Not really sure I care for your avatar pic. :BangPC: