Dumb question: Can a vertical shaft engine be run horizontal

[samckitt]

I figure the answer is no. I'm not real knowledgeable on small engines so that is why I am asking. I need a horizontal configuration, but there is a verticle shaft twin cylinder Kohler for sale close & wondered if it could be ran horizontal.

Thanks

[R Bedell]

If if were a two cycle engine (ie: weed trimmer, chainsaw, etc) then yes. If it is a four cycle engine (oil in the crankcase) then NO.

[ol'George]

Yes,---- BUT
A Kohler twin Kt 17 or M-18, can be converted but it takes some machining to do it. the cranks are different so either you machine/cut the vertical or use a horizontal crank and horizontal end cover.
A hole has to be drilled for a dip stick and 2 oil drain back passages in the valve box area, need to be plugged in the block just of the top of my head, as I did it 3 or so years ago.( there are other mods also in the oil pump pick up area)
For the average person with little skills/machining avability, the answer would be NO.
The blocks are diecast @ the factory the same, but machined for either horizontal or vertical applications.
There are no dumb questions!

[samckitt]

I figured the oil pickup would be different, didnt know if there was an oil sump area if the block was turned. So I found a guy selling an old mower with a 20hp verticle shaft twin cylinder engine that he is parting out for around $200. Is it worth the time/effort to change over to be used as a horizontal shaft?

Thanks

[ol'George]

IF you have or have a mill and a lathe and know how to use them ( machinist) then you can do it,--- MAYBE--
This change ain't for the average person.
If you have to pay someone it ain't gonna be cheap or worth it.
There are a few pictures of my change over on this forum about 3 years ago.
Please understand I'm not trying to make myself into some kind of genius,
a few others have done this, I see on the 'net
I just don't want you to get in over your head trying to build something beyond your abilities
You didn't mention what it is going into or what the doner is, that also makes a difference as to crankshaft diameters.
It sure is not a swap of parts or a plug N play
Also I am speaking of A Kohler M-18 or kt17 series II

[samckitt]

The donor is/was a Craftsman mower that the guy is selling for $200, says it has a 20hp Kohler 20hp engine. Thought if wasn't TOO much work I maybe could convert it & have a decent motor.


What it is going into is a 4x4 articulating Cub I am planning on working on. Doing some design work in NX to get something close to what I want. Some dimensions are close, others acurate & others a SWAG. Using custom frame, with some OEM parts, like dash, dash pedistal, battery tray & body.

[ol'George]

That is not a Kohler m-18 /Kt17
I have no knowlege of what it would take or even if it is possible to convert it.

[jmroy]

You'd need an oil pump from a horizontal shaft, drill holes in the head and block for oil return, and block a couple other holes. And I think you'd have to mount it with a vertical plate from the pto end of the motor. From what I've read anyway.

[samckitt]

Originally Posted by ol'George

That is not a Kohler m-18 /Kt17
I have no knowlege of what it would take or even if it is possible to convert it.

He said it is a 20hp motor. Who said it is a M-18/KT17....?

I'm not gonna try to convert it, sounds like a PITA.

[jmroy]

From the picture its a Kohler Command CV20. And to add on to what I said before you'd need to relocate the dipstick and get a horizontal shaft intake manifold as well. Still a much cheaper alternative to buying a horizontal shaft 20hp Command but you'll have to put some time into it.