1982 C-175

[silversolder429 0]

hello new guy here . bought a C-175 , really like the tractor and did a bit of research before i purchased it . my spec number is 24200 which is puts itas a series 1 , i got mixed up when i bought it thought 23400 and higher was series 2 , anyway motor runs fine but dont like what ive been reading about the series 1 oil starvation . so my question is what engines are a direct swap with the series 1 kohler and wont cost an arm and a leg ? because it seems you cant find series 2 engines , but even if i could who rebuilds them?. i just want to be ready to swap when the time comes . i need to know what others have done with thier C-175 s when they have to change thier KT17 series 1 . thank you

[boovuc 1,090]

Hi Ho Silver, (Sorry),

Please don't be too concerned about the Series I KT engine. Honestly, as long as you are not mowing steep side hills and/or you don't constantly have the tractor tilted for long periods of time while mowing, that motor is fine.

Here is what I have done with my C-175. Nothing! It doesn't do mowing duty anymore though. This is my blower tractor so it isn't fair to compare mine verses what you intend to do. Others have simply placed Single K Series motors in theirs if they couldn't find another KT I or II. To get close to what the 17 HP KT did, you would need a 14 to 16 HP Kohler K or Magnums. (The 16's are harder to find and are pricey).

Still others have dropped in Briggs Vanguards in their Blackhoods but they are not plentiful used though they are available new. I've even seen Honda twins in Blackhoods. (There seems to be more room under this hood design than others).

If your mowing flat or slightly graded grass, just use it. You can change up your mowing by changing directions so you don't continually have the tractor tilted to the same side all the time.

Who rebuilds them. A reputable small motor place and a good machine shop is required or you could tackle it but you'll be without it for awhile. It's the costs of the parts and they are getting scarce as well though still available.

[silversolder429 0]

boovuc , thanks for the response , i will go ahead and run it . my yard doesnt have any big or long grades on it , but again it isnt completely flat . but im sure it will do fine . just got my deck back from the shop and waiting for my new brake band , plugs ,ect..... so we can go to work . im sure you can see my concern with all the bad talk on the series 1 motor ?

[pfrederi 17,851]

I have a series 1 with well over 2000 hours...smokes a bit on start up but runs great.  Keep her topped off on oil (maybe a 1/4" over)

[silversolder429 0]

Pfrederi , that's great!!!! little smoke no problem , glad to hear this kind of positive input . I will do as you recomend , thanks

[pacer 3,174]

I think once you are made aware of this peculiarity of  this model engine and can take the precautions needed it will give long service.

 

One thing many owners do as a safeguard (me included) is to run the oil level a bit over the shown full mark - I run mine about 1/4" over the mark.