18HP Intek V-Twin Head Gasket Time
 

Have an 18 HP Intek V-Twin on a Zforce. Have to put a cup of oil every 3 or four mows. Right bank plug is ugly. Left bank has oil on the threads.

Can you guys put me onto the parts list I will need? Is there a kit?

Thanks

Left Bank

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/...psec573dbc.jpg

Right Bank

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/...psdd63fd21.jpg

I think you are in need of more than a head gasket. Go to partstree.com to look up the parts. It's an easy to use site. Even if I don't buy from them I use it for look up because of it's ease of use. Order the parts wherever you like, a cub dealer, direct from parts tree, or any local supplier of B&S parts.

From the look of that plug, I'm going to say you have a worn cylinder, or something else. A blown head gasket would make the engine mis, and you should have noticed that. If it's just burning oil, there are bigger problems.

Thanks,

If she makes it till winter I'll tear her down.

It runs great. I only smokes at start up.
I'll pull the plug just after a mow to see how it looks then.

I pulled it from the mower and will drop it off in the AM. I'll let you know.

Most of the blown head gasket posts I have found indicate lots of smoking. She only visibly smokes on start up.

Thanks

I like these guys for engine parts.

http://www.jackssmallengines.com/jac...10EZJ10E1502BA

Thanks, I'm looking at motors in the event the estimate is more or near the same in price. I would get the new motor and rebuild the old one myself and sell it. If one cylinder is worn I guess I'll want them both redone?

However the 18HP Intek is no more.
445577-3037 is the suggested replacement engine. Any of the following will work. The higher priced replacement comes from the regional Briggs Distributor, the lower priced engines are closeouts, bought from like Sears, John Deere, etc. when tractor lines are discontinued.

Here are some drop in replacements. Not sure about getting lucky with the muffler fitting. So shipping would be about $70.00, and a muffler the same so $140.00 on top of $529.95 = $669.95. Sheesh.

In looking at the HP increases I really don't need to go over board here. But the one with less cost has a Choke-a-matic. What is that?

Also, with HP increases what happens RPM's. Do they remain? I like my tip speed and would not be happy loosing any of it.

Thanks!

It's an automatic choke I believe.

Horsepower has NO EFFECT on RPM. Check the max RPM of the engine in the spec sheet.

Make sure if you buy a replacement engine it will fit. Understand, that just because it's the same HP and "looks" like you motor, it may not fit. There are different shaft sizes on the PTO end, along with different lengths, key way sizes..... ETC. Throttle controls may be in a different place. Exhaust may be routed differently...... The list goes on and on.... So, make sure it will work BEFORE purchasing. :beerchug:

Thanks! I have checked and those will drop on. Same bolt pattern, shaft specs, muffler compatibility and such.

I am pondering between the Intek 23 HP and Pro V-Twin 23 HP motors.

The Intek is a little cheaper, and has a more powerful alternator which is not a matter of interest for me and the Cub Cadet theme is nice.

The Professional Series (V-Twin) is a touch more but I have read its just a better air filtration Intek?

Do you know the diffs?

Thanks!

No, I sure don't. I'd have to look it up. I'm not really very savvy on the vertical shaft engines.

I have a replacement engine, a 23 HP Intek 445577-6187-G5, Round air filter, Choke -a-Matic. A new surplus engine used on past Husqvarna's.

Shaft, muffler, bolt pattern all match, a drop in replacement but for the wiring.

I have questions on the wiring If I need to start another thread let me know.

Below is a pic of the old and new wiring. I have a oil pressure switch on the old one I am going to put in the new one.

Any help would be great.

Here is a link to a color pdf on lots of scenarios.

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/...6.jpg~original

Thanks!

ZForce 44 18HP Motor Changed To 23HP 16 Months Later
 

Resurrecting this thread 1 year and 4 months later to report in 11/13 I replaced the 1995-ish 18HP Intek motor with a 23HP unit.
The engine and excellent service came from online dealer "Small Engine Suppliers".
It is a Husqvarna factory over run I suspect. No badging but the numbers had it made in the GA plant on 4/13 to be put on a reguular rider mower I believe.
It is a 445577-6187-G5 and was a drop in install.
While I was at it I found I needed reset the gap on the blade PTO unit.

I am very pleased. I mowed all last season and some this year and she doesn't use a drop of oil.
The added 5HP and 200 RPM is nice and she takes the thick stuff with ease. The Tip speed is now a little faster topping out at the recommended maximum for non commercial mowers.

The original muffler fit and the wiring was far less complicated that I first contemplated.

The factory crankshaft belt pulley was not a great design with a small key welded in place, and as I looked for something better I found Cub Cadet did update to a better design.

I also installed a Tiny-Tach/hour meter, larger oil filter, and oil pressure gauge. She runs 40psi.
She also got all new belts and pulleys. The spindles are great.

I believe the old motor cylinder started failing due to the poor filter design of the early Intek's.

Work In Progress
http://alcphoto.net/mower/mower_progress.jpg

Old Pulley
http://alcphoto.net/mower/old_pulley_design.jpg

New Pulley
http://alcphoto.net/mower/new_transdrive_pulley.jpg

A Little Added Capacity
http://alcphoto.net/mower/oil_filter.jpg

The Gauge
http://alcphoto.net/mower/gauge_install04.jpg