782 in my collection?
 

So I came across this one. I have to go look at it yet. It need side panels, claims it will run. I dont know if it is first or second gen KT yet.
Anything out of the ordinary I should be looking at on this red one? This would be my first. I do have a 1211 however so I'm not totally ignorant lol.

The only issue I would suggest, is the Kohler KT17 series I issue. The KT-17 Series II started at Chassis Serial 726125>, that is IF everything is original.

Gotcha, thank you. And the main difference is plastic vs steel governor gear correct?

Some guys want an IH built 82 series, some don't care. Some guys swear only a cast iron rear end is any good. That's a couple things you should consider--what either means to YOU. If you want a show stopper, then you need an IH built machine with everything correct including a Series I engine. If you plan on getting it dirty, you want reliable, regardless of what's bolted in there.

That thing looks ROUGH and over priced. Check the driveshaft out good. I've ran into 3 or 4 Cadets in the last few years that had to have everything in the driveline except the fan. That gets expensive quick. From the looks of the machine, I bet the deck is shot--I have gotten bit on the last 2 I bought, had to replace everything but the deck shell--I'm talking pulleys, spindles, seals bearings, torsion arm assembly, wheels and bolts, idler pulleys, belts. Check all your tie rod ends as well and figure on at minimum cleaning the fluid out of the rear.

Not trying to talk you out of it, I'm just stating the reality of bringing back to life a machine that has been abandoned outside. Generally good machines that folks just quit running for some reason were left under a shed.

Seat looks good, there’s $100. I’ve had good luck bringing back dead 782s series I and IIs. If deck is good and motor is loose I’d go for it. Bonus if grill is in tact, has IH grill emblem and sleeve hitch. Side panels are a dime a dozen

The KT17 series I had a oil starvation issue - if ran on slopes, the engine starved for oil since it was not a pressurized oil system. The series II engine addressed this issue somewhat and therefore tend to be more durable and longer lasting in that regard. Still, proper maintenance and care is key for any engine.

Ol George is the resident expert (among others) about the KT's and the Magnums. Long story short the Series I didn't pressure lube the rods--I think. Most of the Series I machines threw the rods. I sad most, not all. Also they were prone to filling the crankcase with gas. Dad was still working for IH when these things were new and saw it first hand--they were also a Kohler dealer so worked on other equipment with these on it. Had one guy catch his crankcase full of gas twice. The engines cost a fortune to pay a mechanic to rebuild them, so most were junked in favor of a Series II or a Magnum transplant. If you are going to use it, I'd rather have a Magnum or at least a Series II. The only bad thing I have ever heard about Magnums is the governor shaft needing pinning--think their is a service bulletin for that. I'm still rolling the dice and running a 18 and 20 that have not been pinned.

Here the main difference between the Series I and the Series II. The Series I used the "splash" method to lubricate the Crank Journals. The Series II utilized pressurized oil from the Oil Pump.

The cam gears are plastic.
And as far as them dropping into the crank case, it happens but it was not as frequent as some think.
You don't hear about the thousands that run ok, just the ones that don't.:beerchug:
The series one's had oiling problems as stated.
And for sure, not worth fixing.

Looks like a money pit.