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sunstar information wanted


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Posted
Hi, Any help anyone can give is most appreciated. I recently found a Simplicity Sunstar 20 Hydro (one owner, since new, seems well cared for) with the following numbers: Front frame plate: M/N 1692133 S/N 2254 Rear frame plate: ID # 1691002 001475 Engine tag info: 20 HP Kohler Command, model CH20S, SPEC # 64512, Serial # 232910937 Hour meter works and shows 585 hours. Tractor seems very solid, paint is sun faded, tires are dry rotted, some paint missing on 48" mover. Seems to cut well, lots of power, deep exhaust note, no smoke. a few questions: 1. What year is it? 2. Are the Sunstars good machines? 3. Anything problems to watch for? 4. Where is the Hydro filter and fluid level check? 5. Are parts readily available? 6. Is a starter that often has to be "clicked" several times (but not all the time) before spinning, a symptom of a "starter flat spot", a bas solenoid, a bad connection etc.? I bought this just to tinker with, but have no real use for it. After I change all the fluids, replace the valve cover gaskets, I might put it up for sale. Any idea what it is worth? Seems to be built like a tank! We owned a 4040 aobut 25+ years ago, if anyone has anything similar (4040, 4041, 620, 720, etc) and is interested in a trade let me know. Thanks in advance for your help. edbee
Posted
The Sunstar is a solid unit. It was marketed under several different brands. These were the replacements for the powermax sized tractors like your 4040. I'm sure you'll be pleased with it whatever you decide to do with it. As for most of your other questions you can follow the instructions for assessing and downloading the manuals for this tractor and have all the needed info for service, opperation, and repair. Welcome to the site and enjoy.
Posted
quote:
Originally posted by edbee
Hi, Any help anyone can give is most appreciated. I recently found a Simplicity Sunstar 20 Hydro (one owner, since new, seems well cared for) with the following numbers: Front frame plate: M/N 1692133 S/N 2254 Rear frame plate: ID # 1691002 001475 Engine tag info: 20 HP Kohler Command, model CH20S, SPEC # 64512, Serial # 232910937 Hour meter works and shows 585 hours. Tractor seems very solid, paint is sun faded, tires are dry rotted, some paint missing on 48" mover. Seems to cut well, lots of power, deep exhaust note, no smoke. a few questions: 1. What year is it? 2. Are the Sunstars good machines? 3. Anything problems to watch for? 4. Where is the Hydro filter and fluid level check? 5. Are parts readily available? 6. Is a starter that often has to be "clicked" several times (but not all the time) before spinning, a symptom of a "starter flat spot", a bas solenoid, a bad connection etc.? I bought this just to tinker with, but have no real use for it. After I change all the fluids, replace the valve cover gaskets, I might put it up for sale. Any idea what it is worth? Seems to be built like a tank! We owned a 4040 aobut 25+ years ago, if anyone has anything similar (4040, 4041, 620, 720, etc) and is interested in a trade let me know. Thanks in advance for your help. edbee
1. About 1994 I have a 1692135 and that is as close as I can get you. 2. D-17 answered this question. 3. The front axle requires attention. This per a written history by another member. Mine needs a little work but is OK. 4. You need to remove some side covers to get to filter and oil level is observed by an oil level hose in rear of tractor. 5. Parts shouldn't be a problem, but I haven't had to buy many. 6. There is a significant voltage drop on some units thru the wire harness that causes the starter solenoid not to engage. I bypassed that by using a Bosch relay. I trigger the coil circuit with existing wiring and then use the dry contact side to fire the the solenoid. You can get the relays for a bone yard and if you need I can give you a sketch. My guess is starter is fine.
Posted
Model Year 1992-94 MFG# 1692133 SunStar 20hp Your S/N 2254 is a low number my guess would be 1992 You can download the owners manual and parts manual by typing the MFG# into the Search for Manuals at Simplicity Mfg. box located in the top right corner on the home page. You ca download the Repair manual & electrical manuals by going to the Commonly Asked Questions Forum - Commonly Asked Questions post and follow the direction for downloading the manuals. All parts should be available from your local Simplicity Dealer or from the Simple trACtors site sponsors Sandy Lake Implement,   http://www.sandylakeimp.com/ Al Edens,   http://www.edensltd.com/     http://www.repowereng.com/repowereng/ Value depends on condition, your area and what you are willing to sell it for and another person is willing to pay for it. To many variables with very little info.
Posted
Engine was manufactured in 1993, so 93-94 is a good estimate.

Posted
You have most of your questions answered, but I will add that probably the easiest way to access the hydro filter is to remove the mower deck and access it from underneath. You can remove the "tunnel cover" between the dash and seat, but you still have the driveshaft to contend with. A few additional remarks I have regarding my two Sunstars. Keep the front axle pivots well greased. Keep in mind that there is a u-joint in the hydro driveshaft right at the back of the engine that requires grease every 100 hrs as well as another u-joint at the front of the hydro unit under that tunnel cover. If you start having weird electrical glitches such as the mower deck mysteriously disengaging, you may need a new "safety interlock module". This is located right behind the cover to the right of the dash. It's a rectangular plastic box with a larger wire harness plugged into it. I would also highly reccomend that you have the large plastic air induction plenum installed - expecially on the 18-20 hp models. This plenum helps to insure that your engine is drawing it's cooling air from the vents in the tractor's hood and not sucking heat in that is given off by the engine itself. I see a lot of these tractors on ebay that appear to be missing this plenum - and I would refuse to buy one that didn't have it. Those 20 hp really give off a LOT of heat under that hood! That being said, the Sunstar is rock solid. As you have observed, they are really built heavy and with reasonable care, will last a long time. If you determine that your starter is bad, I have one that I'd be willing to part with. Good luck!
Posted
The plenum you are talking about is a later mod. They came out with a foam gasket that didn't hold up. You have to remove the engine to install the plenum.
Posted
Ambler - You're talking about the seal between the engine and the lower portion of the air plenum (that's vitally important too) - I'm talking about the upper portion of the plenum. It fits into the lower metal portion and angles back to the dash, under the hood. With the upper portion in place, it covers the battery compartment. It is my belief that without this in place, the lower portion is able to recycle too much hot air and cause overheating.
Posted
I know now what your talking about. All mine had the foam ring disintegrate
Posted
the replacement is ribbed and made of plastic.
quote:
Originally posted by ambler
I know now what your talking about. All mine had the foam ring disintegrate
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