782 engine swap question

CubNub · #1 10-08-2012, 07:31 PM

So I've been working on my 782 but took a break to work on my house this summer. While on my break I would keep an eye out for a engine replacement because it originally came with a kt17 series 1 that seems like it still works but I'm not going to take my chances. I found a Briggs vanguard 14 hp that needs a new crankshaft and connecting rod and they are asking $85 for. I'm very handy so I'm sure I won't have a problem fixing it. My question to you guys is the Briggs vanguard 14hp a good fit and if it is, is the 14hp underpowering? Thanks for any input!

ol'George · #2 10-08-2012, 08:02 PM

If it were mine, I'd look for a m-18 as it is the last of the best.
It is a bolt in and it looks origional and will do anything you ask of it.
If you do it right it will last many many years.
I'm sure others will have their views.

michics · #3 10-08-2012, 08:07 PM

I have the M - 18 in my 782 and it's a good motor. Just was at a plow day this weekend and it ran strong.

I don't know why you would want to go down on power. If you have a 44 or 48" deck you want the power on reserve for the tough spots.

CubNub · #4 10-08-2012, 08:18 PM

Its not that I'm looking to downgrade in power but rather the fact that I can't find a m18. Can't find any donors or engines for a decent price. I don't want to spend thousands on a new one. I did also find a Briggs vanguard 20hp if that's a better fit

ol'George · #5 10-08-2012, 08:28 PM

The M-18's are out there you just got to look & do your homework.
Might have to purchase a whole tractor for cheap for the engine.
I did that and went to the work of flipping a vertical to a horizontal.
( not recommended for the average guy as there is machining involved)
but I see mowers @ times going for $200-400 with good engines but junk chassis. just got to beat the bushes, so to speak and not get in a hurry.

michics · #6 10-08-2012, 08:31 PM

Although I have not done a repower yet, I know the Briggs Vangard is a very popular install. Should be pretty easy to get the needed adapters for drive shaft and PTO as needed. Lots of people selling these install kits.

CubNub · #7 10-08-2012, 08:37 PM

All the m18's I do find are vertical shafts from old craftsman gt's. A guy in long island is selling the 20hp vanguard but I don't feel like driving there to get it.

JayJay · #8 10-09-2012, 09:38 AM

CubNub: I re-powered my 782 with an M18, and I'm very happy with it, but it wasn't a motor that came from a Cub Cadet, and it needed several "adaptations" not least of which was the crankshaft diameter at the PTO (Cub Cadet uses 1-1/8" ID PTO). I can mount a 1" dia B&S PTO, or get a Maytag crank adapter to get that motor right. I had to pay $500 for a junky Sears tractor to get my hands on the motor.

I was able to find a second M18 that came out of an 1862, but it had had an "event" that destroyed the flywheel key, and since it didn't have an oil filter on it, I couldn't test it until I got home and discovered the bad news, so my $175 "deal" on the second motor isn't working out too well, I also need the $60 fan in addition to the remote oil filter kit.

Again, both motors are fine examples of a Cast Iron Kohler, but . . .

I am wary of those who say that (1) the motors will need rebuilding at about 1200-1500 hours (the M18 was produced in the mid-90's and both my motors are approaching the rebuild mark), (2) the parts are obsolete and no longer obtainable. I'm not sure what my options will be when I need to get a rod, for instance.

On the other hand, the Vanguard seems to have proven itself in the marketplace. I doubt you will be able to duplicate the torque of your KT17 or an M18, but the V-Twin is the better way to go, in my opinion. There are also Kohler Command motors in the V-Twin configuration, you might be able to pickup. For instance, the later 18xx Cub Cadets (1863, 1864, etc.) which replaced the 1862 used Kohler motors in the V-Twin configuration, vs. the 1862's opposed-twin M18. I would think they would be drop-in replacements. It is better, in my opinion and experience, to stay within the same tractor brand when possible.

Final thought: A Vanguard 14 HP should be able to run whatever you attach to your 782 short of perhaps ground-engaging equipment like a plow, or unless you have a 50" deck and you like to wait until the grass is 8-10" high and wet before you cut it.

324matt · #9 10-09-2012, 11:15 AM

I was in the same boat this past spring when my (new to me) 1712 had a valve retainer spring crack in half. So, needing a motor fast, I bought the Briggs Vanguard 18hp repower kit for a 782 from smallenginewarehouse.com and dropped it in. Was about $1500 shipped to me I think. I took me about 3hrs to pul the old motor and totally install the new motor. I runs like a champ. Fit perfect, just make sure you have a large puller for the PTO, and a small puller for the driveshaft coupling. Comes with a new throttle cable also. In my opinion, these Vanguard motors are the way to go, parts are cheap and available, and the motors are easily swappable to many applications. Id like to rebuild the Kohler KT17II from the 1712, but, by the time I pay for a overhaul on it, (805hrs), I could pay for a new vanguard. Just my 2cents.

Sam Mac · #10 10-09-2012, 05:34 PM

Just my two cents for whatever it’s worth. If it was my tractor and I planned on keeping it for a long time I’d drop a Vanguard in it. The K’s and Mags are obsolete and are BIG bucks to rebuild. The Vanguards seem to have less problems than the CH’s not to say that the CH’s are a bad engine but I just like what I see with the Vanguards.