KT17 series one oiling.

olds45512 · #1 09-26-2017, 07:59 AM

I'm well aware of the issue with the series one engine but would like some more info on the issue. I know that pulling a plow with it would be a no no but I plan to mow with it and it's not realistic to keep it on flat ground. How much angle is safe? My front yard has an area that's about 75ft long thats not real steep but one side of the hood is about 1-2 inches higher than the other when I go across it and this area probably takes 5 or 6 passes to cover. Thoughts?

R Bedell · #2 09-26-2017, 09:04 AM

This would be considered a Maximum for short periods.

J-Mech · #3 09-26-2017, 09:10 AM

When I was a kid, dad bought a brand new 782. We used to mow ditches with it because we didn't know any better at the time. The old K series held up just fine doing it. Well... one day I was mowing at one of the yards I mowed. Lady lived on a main road and had a long daily steep ditch in front of her house. I wasn't on the steepest part, but suddenly it broke a rod. That was actually the second time we had broken a rod in that engine. I don't remember if I was running it when the first one broke or not. I bet we put 2500-3000 hours on that tractor, and 3/4 of them I was in the seat. After it threw the second rod, it got a Mag18. Point of the story is, we used one for years mowing on inclines, but ultimately a hill is what did it in. We all know the issue with the engine is oil starvation, especially on an incline. Question is, do you want to risk it, or not.

olds45512 · #4 09-26-2017, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Mech

When I was a kid, dad bought a brand new 782. We used to mow ditches with it because we didn't know any better at the time. The old K series held up just fine doing it. Well... one day I was mowing at one of the yards I mowed. Lady lived on a main road and had a long daily steep ditch in front of her house. I wasn't on the steepest part, but suddenly it broke a rod. That was actually the second time we had broken a rod in that engine. I don't remember if I was running it when the first one broke or not. I bet we put 2500-3000 hours on that tractor, and 3/4 of them I was in the seat. After it threw the second rod, it got a Mag18. Point of the story is, we used one for years mowing on inclines, but ultimately a hill is what did it in. We all know the issue with the engine is oil starvation, especially on an incline. Question is, do you want to risk it, or not.

I don't think the hill is that steep that I really need to worry about it as long as it has good oil in it and it's full. If the deal goes through on the house where trying to buy it won't be an issue because the yard there is completely flat.

It's either run it for all it's worth until it pops or take it out right now and sell it off while it still runs great and doesn't smoke. I'd love to drop a new engine in from Small engine warehouse but funds are a bit tight at the moment, if I can get two years out of it before it pops it's cookies then that would give me time to get a new engine.

Jibber · #5 09-26-2017, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olds45512

I don't think the hill is that steep that I really need to worry about it as long as it has good oil in it and it's full. If the deal goes through on the house where trying to buy it won't be an issue because the yard there is completely flat.

It's either run it for all it's worth until it pops or take it out right now and sell it off while it still runs great and doesn't smoke. I'd love to drop a new engine in from Small engine warehouse but funds are a bit tight at the moment, if I can get two years out of it before it pops it's cookies then that would give me time to get a new engine.

I would just make sure that the oil level is at the full mark before mowing. I have a 682 with a Series 1 and runs good but I always ensure that the oil level is at the full mark before using since it burns a little oil. I also use Rotella oil for it and definitely reduces the amount of oil it burns.

R Bedell · #6 09-26-2017, 11:15 AM

Have a friend of mine that has a 682 with a KT-17 Series I. Never had an engine issue....yet. BUT....all his lawn is flat and he keeps his 682 well maintained.

ol'George · #7 09-26-2017, 11:23 AM

I will only add one thing to all the good advice given.
When it is started cold, give it time to warm up before going full throttle.

olds45512 · #8 09-26-2017, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ol'George

I will only add one thing to all the good advice given.
When it is started cold, give it time to warm up before going full throttle.

Good advice, I always let my tractors run for a few minutes so they warm up before I put them to work.