bigcat19 Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 I recently purchased a 917 Hydro with KT17 with mower deck, tiller, push blade, snow thrower, rear mount leaf vac and trailer for $800 but the KT17 has a hole in the block. My dad was at our place visiting for the weekend after I picked it up and he knew a place that he might find a block. When he got back home he found me a crankcase with crankshaft for $20 but I have to go pick it up yet (6hr drive one way)so I don't know the condition its in yet nor have I taken the time to pull the engine apart that was in the lawn tractor, but the seller told me it was a broken cam shaft that put the hole in the block. I was looking at the cost parts like gaskets, rings, and if it needs pistons I'll be sitting at a minimum of $300 to $500 in just the parts and still not knowing if it's going to be a good runner since it's a KT17. With that I've been looking at re-powering so I can have a dependable lawn tractor for years to come but not sure if I should go with a Kohler CH640-3075 (20hp Command Pro) or a 18hp B&S Vanguard. Just looking for other members input on engine choice as I will be using it for a work horse.
johnmonkey Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 I hear that the B&S Vanguard or Kohler Command are good engines. I think the Kohler will work as a replacement engine, however, you may need to do some re-wiring. The Vanguard will (I think) need a new switch and some re-wiring. I personally would not rebuild the KT17 if it is a series 1 KT 17. The series 2 kt-17 has internal crankcase preasure (i.e. ol pump) and does not have a "oil bath" system like the series 1
bigcat19 Posted June 9, 2014 Author Posted June 9, 2014 quote:Originally posted by johnmonkeyI hear that the B&S Vanguard or Kohler Command are good engines. I think the Kohler will work as a replacement engine, however, you may need to do some re-wiring. The Vanguard will (I think) need a new switch and some re-wiring. I personally would not rebuild the KT17 if it is a series 1 KT 17. The series 2 kt-17 has internal crankcase preasure (i.e. ol pump) and does not have a "oil bath" system like the series 1 id="quote">id="quote">It's a Series I KT17 and this is why I'm leaning more towards re-powering. I'm fine with having to rewire if need be.
RayS Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 Either a Vanguard or a Command will need a switch. They are both magneto and the KT is battery ignition. BLT, may be able to walk you through a conversion without changing the switch.
Burntime Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 The 20hp command is a workhorse. It uses less gas, more power, quieter, and smoother. I did it once. The vanguards I saw blew the hot engine air at the driver. Great for winter, not so much for summer.
bigcat19 Posted June 18, 2014 Author Posted June 18, 2014 I checked into engines and with Repower Specialists LTd. and they have a kit that includes a Kohler Command 22.5HP, exhaust, driveline adaptors, hardware, throttle and choke cable, kit guarantee, and free shipping for a price tag of $2,125.00 I finally got the engine apart and the block, cam shaft, governor gear, valve tappets are for sure junk in the KT17. I still have to measure the cylinders and take a closer look at piston but will need rings for sure. Still have to pick up the used short block form my dad which I'll be heading that way next weekend so will have to determine at that time if I should rebuild or repower.
Burntime Posted June 19, 2014 Posted June 19, 2014 I bet the prices to rebuild will be spendy. The KT is a great motor, I am not knocking it. But...the command is just sooo much better. Check the specs on the 22.5 and 25. It may just be exhaust restrictors or carberator to change the hp. A 22.5hp would be a monster in a sovereign! I can only imaging the arm pumps on the victory lap on a 25hp!
PhanDad Posted June 19, 2014 Posted June 19, 2014 Brandon, You should check out this post I'm writing about installing a Command in a Sovereign: http://www.simpletractors.com/club2/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=141658 In the other post where you mentioned the kit (http://www.simpletractors.com/club2/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=140425&whichpage=2), one of the details you list is: "Note: mounting plate will need to be re-drilled". This makes me suspicious about the knowledge of the kit supplier. All Commands have a crankshaft centerline of 6.125"; a mounting plate isn't used in the Sovereign frame. You may have to drill new mounting holes in the frame if they aren't there already. Ask them for the spec number of the engine they are going to sell you. Then you can review in detail exactly what your getting. The latest replacement Command engine is a CH620 spec 3078 (replaces CH18 spec 62513).
bigcat19 Posted June 20, 2014 Author Posted June 20, 2014 Bill, They were referring to the mounting hole in the frame as they are narrower on the new Kohlers. Yeah I was looking at the engine you mentioned above and the CH640-3075 20hp then I figured it might not be a bad idea to contact a repower place. The only reason I would go with the repower kit for the extra $400 as they will include everything needed to swap it out as and they have a kit guarantee. I'm just not sure if engine adapters, choke cable, throttle cable are worth the extra $400 vs purchasing an engine with a muffler and adapters already on/with the engine. I'll check your thread out for further info also. Brandon
CarlH Posted June 20, 2014 Posted June 20, 2014 I repowered a Simplicity 7117H (same tractor as your AC 917H) with a new Case skid loader spec'd Command. I made 2 mounting straps and drilled some new holes. Everything fits fine. I found about everything I needed in my spare parts pile which is pretty extensive. Most expensive item will likely be an appropriate muffler for the Command. The Simplicity muffler (used for both Sunstars and Sovereigns with different exhaust pipes) is quite expensive new. Kohler has a muffler that is close and costs $130 - $140 the last time I checked.
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