Kolher command 18 oil seal blowing out

[colincox1]

Hi hope somebody can help me you guys always seem to come up with the goods when we Ask these sort of questions so I'm looking forward to getting an answer thanks in advance . so this is the problem Kolher command 18 oil seal blowing out on a agro Allis 917 . The seal has been replaced three times and each time it seems to blow it out so I'm guessing they must be crankcase pressure is this a known problem with these engines and if so is there a simple solution. I hope somebody can help me . The engine / tractor looks like low hours (general good condition, very tight bevel gearbox, one lady owner, less than 1/4 acre mowing plot, only used for mowing)

[fishnwiz]

Most times excessive pressure is the result of a clogged breather element or excessive oil in the crankcase. I would start there.

Best of luck on your repair.

[leeave96]

A bad head gasket will cause this problem too on a Command.

[fishnwiz]

Blown head gasket...great point Bill. I have never come across that one myself! Very interesting.

[colincox1]

Thanks very much, now a quick supplementary question how big a job is a head gasket/s change and aprox how much are gaskets

I will be doing the job myself so it's only how long a reasonably competent person would expect to take to complete

I guess I will check the compression on each cylinder what should a good / reasonable number to expect.

Once again bigs thanks , I now know a lot more about the potential size of the problem

Colin

[CarlH]

Older style Command head gaskets will blow when a Command is shut down hot at low throttle (causes backfire). If this is the problem, replace both head gaskets with the new style. Different PN's for 18-22 HP and 25-27 HP.

[leeave96]

quote:Originally posted by colincox1

Thanks very much, now a quick supplementary question how big a job is a head gasket/s change and aprox how much are gaskets

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id="quote">

id="quote">I replaced the head gaskets on my Command 18 and it was fairly easy - except I broke several engine tin screws - steel in aluminum block.

[cwm1276]

I'll second Carl.

I blew out the breather gasket once, and now shutdown the engine at 3/4 throttle. My command is almost like the new push mowers without a throttle, as it stays wide open unless I throttle down to jump off for a minute.

[colincox1]

Mark bill and Carl, thanks very much I will be doing the repairs in the summer if all works out, and I will report back only if things are different which I am they won't be:-)

The point about the backfire is most interesting , never thought of the issues associated with this problem . I have a Sunstar with magnum which backfires so will use shut down process you suggest! Very probably another engine will be saved saved!

Many Thanks again

Colin