Engine Swap: 17.5 Intek out and 18hp Kohler into a Ride on Lawnmower

**RedTractor** · May 12, 2017, 01:47 PM

Engine Swap: 17.5 Intek out and 18hp Kohler into a Ride on Lawnmower.

This swap was made really difficult by the pulleys seized onto the shaft of the Kohler engine. A Mapp Gas blowtorch and a persuader(Hammer) proved to be the answer. but it took the most of a day heating and hitting to make any progress.

then I tackled into the intek removal. This went much better as the pulleys almost fell off in my hands.

However the woodruff key was EMBEDDED in the crankshaft, as was the last spacer, so that took more Mapp Gas and time, and a new, heavier style of hammer.

The Ride on frame has holes that accept the Kohler, so thats good. The shaft is the same diameter and length, so it fits the pulleys as well. the ride on Bonnet (Hood) even fits, surprise surprise!

I just have to figure out the wiring connections and then hook up the throttle and choke, and we should be good to go.

The Kohler hasnt run in about 5 years, and this is a little concern, but I figure that a new carb would probably fix almost everything, so long as the oil pump primes up, and the ignition fires.

I'll keep you posted. Hoping to fire up the Kohler in the morning!