Kohler Magnum M18 - Rebuild or Replace
 

I am new to the forum, but I just acquired an 1872 from my pops. Cuts like a champ, needs a little TLC which I can provide no problem. However, I am a bit concerned about the engine. My pops rode it pretty good. It backfires a bit after I shut it off and is smoking a bit. I just changed the oil, not sure how much it is burning just yet. I need to choke it a bit to get it running, but otherwise starts fine.

This thing has been with me since childhood and I would like to keep it that way. The hydraulics are great, power steering was just rebuilt, my biggest concern is the engine.

So getting to the point. Does Kohler make an updated engine that I can drop in? Or can I get something close that I can stick in there with some slight mods? Am I faced with a rebuild? Can I still get parts for the Magnums to complete a rebuild?

If it is the choice between cutting the frame and re-welding mounts for an updated engine or re-building the engine, I will take the re-build.

Thanks for any help!

I wouldn't get too excited about tearing it down until you see if it is burning oil. Yes parts can be bought for the M-18, but get your pocket book out! Sam Mac will say buy a Vanguard and drop it in. That is all good, TMK, they are a direct fit.

Tune it up, and rebuild the carb. Choking to start is normal. Backfire at shut down usually means that you either, 1.)Need to let it idle and cool off some more, or 2.)It's running too rich. It could indicate that it needs some valve work, but try just letting it idle for a few min before shutting it off. You do throttle it all the way down before you kill it right?

Oh, and welcome to OCC!

I had my 1872 for 20 years. When I added up the cost of its needs, I found it cheaper to upgrade to a newer machine.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/...131024x681.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/...pse411cf32.jpg

Spend your money carefully!! :bigthink:

Welcome to OCC!
How bad does it smoke? Just on startup?

You can re-power it a couple different ways, this is just one option
http://www.smallenginewarehouse.com/...tegory=1709873

Depends on how much you are comfortable doing yourself. Nice thing about the 72 and 82 series is most of the parts will swap and are pretty much bolt in.

As soon as my 1872 Mag gives up the ghost I am looking for a 2185 and up for a donor Kohler Command... The Mag has been a workhorse but need to get a more modern power plant that is a bit better on sipping fuel. But until then she will continue to earn her keep mowing 4 acres and pulling a tiller...

Randy since nothing is getting done in DC take a road trip, here you go

http://roanoke.craigslist.org/grd/4113348820.html

Thank you for all of the quick replies! I knew I'd find good info here.

J-Mech:

Do you know which Vanguard I should be looking at? Also, yeah, I didn't let it idle down the last time it back fired. Spark plugs look really clean and a nice light brown, so I don't think it's running rich.

Cubcrazy:

It smokes a bit on start up.

Your air filter could be stopped up/dirty. Take if off and see if the smoking stops.

Based on your original post, I wouldn't do anything to the tractor. Run it until it quits then repower.

Vanguards are great but so are Commands.

Roger that. Thanks again for the recommendations.