682 KT 17 Engine replacement

[Bob Balk]

I haven't done anything with my 682 I purchased last year. I was planning on rebuilding the engine but have come to find out that the series I isn't worth the effort. I have been very discouraged but now that winter is here I want to either fix it or sell it. I just found a Kohler Command 18 on local CL. It is out of a cub but does not have manifolds or any of the shrouds. Should I keep looking for a KT17 II or is it worth converting to the command?

I have also been inspired by Jay's 682 post. What an awesome job he has done with that tractor! I love the tires and covet the hydro and 3pt!!

[TEET]

I saw that Command on CL....looks like a good engine, but I'm not sure what it would take wiring, or mounting wise to make it work, I think the crankshaft dimensions are a tad different.

Your options are endless really.....I was in the same boat as you, having a completely fragged series 1 KT-17 in my 682 so I decided to swap in a K-301 12hp Kohler single in from a 1250 into it. The wiring needed nothing...hooked right up, I just needed to swap the solid kt engine mount with an 82 series iso mount and raised brackets, and shes like a new tractor.... There are a few pics of it in my profile album.

If you could look at that Command first hand, measure the mounts, check the connections, and figure out where to get what you need, it could be a feasible swap.

Jeff (teet)

[Matt G.]

I put a Command from a 2185 CC into a 582. It would be even easier to put it into a hydro tractor. They have magneto ignition so you'd need to use a relay similar to what you'd do if you were changing to an M18. The crank centerline height is the same as the KT-17, so you can use the original spacers under the engine, and you'll just have to drill two holes in the engine mounting plate and make a new driveshaft. I haven't tried, but it looks as if the KT17 PTO clutch would bolt up to the CH18. I just used the 2185 PTO clutch in my 582, although it is larger and I can't really run any attachments with it because they are all set up for the smaller PTO clutch pulley.

I like the engine...it's smooth-running and uses a lot less gas than the KT-17 and M18. I would take the Command any day over putting a K-series single in one of these. You can use 1863/4 parts for the muffler and shroud with slight modifications. I made my own header pipe and shield. I wouldn't recommend the headers. It sounds really cool, but it is LOUD and all the backfiring it does when the throttle is backed off quickly is probably going to make me have to redo the head gaskets on it. Click on the link in my signature line, click the 'tractors' button and then the '582' button and you'll find some pictures and info from when I put a Command into my 582. Feel free to ask if you have any questions.

One other thing...you have to be careful to use the correct weight of oil, 10W-30 above 30 degrees. If you use thicker oil, the hydraulic lifters will pump up too much and the pushrods get bent. I have another Command here that is that way. I haven't torn into it to figure out what all has to be done to fix that yet.

[Bob Balk]

Roughly how much would the relay and driveshaft cost?

[Matt G.]

Driveshaft is a $12 piece of steel, and the relay is probably less than $10. You'll also want to replace the rag joints and couplers so you don't have to tear it apart again.