ATolles 52 #1 Posted May 9, 2020 Just picked up my first Wheel Horse last night for $500. It is a 417-A. Seems to run well and everything looks to be in working order. The hour meter says 1,225 so hopefully I can get some more life out of it. It’s a KT17 Series 2. From looking at some pics on the internet of the motor I noticed that the air filter housing on mine seems to be backwards. Is this right? Also, anything I need to check or look for when I start digging into this beast? Appreciate the help. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
horseyheaven 112 #2 Posted May 9, 2020 Very nice looking. I believe that is a 1985 model because it has no vents in the top of the hood. As far as the direction that the air cleaner is facing, that has to do with winter or summer operation. There should be a decal that explains which way it should be placed for winter or summer operation. The hole that you see just to the right of the exhaust is where the air cleaner snout fits over. I think the way it’s placed right now is for summer operation. I think the way it would be placed over the hole in the tin would be for winter operation. I can’t remember exactly. There is a decal somewhere on the air cleaner that explains this.I have one that looks identical to the one you have. Mine has 2000 hours on it and still runs strong and uses no oil. The KT 17 series 2 is a really good engine. I hope this helps. Good luck with your machine. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ATolles 52 #3 Posted May 9, 2020 @horseyheaven Thanks for the info. Interesting how detailed these tractors are. Crazy that it has summer/winter settings for the air filter housing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,270 #4 Posted May 9, 2020 @JCM has a 417-8. I'm sure he'd be happy to share tips and tricks for maintenance. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,022 #5 Posted May 9, 2020 Yes, the air cleaner intake is now set for cool air summer operation. As @horseyheavenstates, it gets rotated over the hose for warm air winter operation. The 417A has the very best Eaton 1100 hydro and the KT17 Kohler is a strong worker that will crank that 48" deck with ease. I feel my Kohler powered 417 is ever bit as strong as my Onan powered 520. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ATolles 52 #6 Posted May 9, 2020 I may of found an issue. I went to check the transmission level and there is a plug in it? Any ideas? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,022 #7 Posted May 9, 2020 Mine has a dip stick. And the pipe seems much shorter on mine. Even with the finger pull handle, mine is below the seat pan. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SPINJIM 1,981 #8 Posted May 9, 2020 If you unscrew that plug, you may find a dipstick attached to it. WH used that on trans' and Kohler engines sometimes. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,022 #9 Posted May 9, 2020 My HH120 Tecumseh has the dip stick on a pipe plug. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ATolles 52 #10 Posted May 9, 2020 I unscrewed the plug. No dip stick. Any suggestions? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymag3 2,515 #11 Posted May 9, 2020 Typically the stick is on the plug for checking the engine oil. You shoulder the bolt after wiping the stick off, then insert it until the bottom of the bolt touches the female side of the plug. I myself have never seen a Hydro with a plug style dipstick. The folks here may have though. I do hope the rear is original, as its certainly different John 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Digger 66 3,478 #12 Posted May 9, 2020 Nice looking 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ATolles 52 #13 Posted May 9, 2020 Where could I buy a dipstick? Or, I guess could make one. I just need to know how long it should be for a 417-A (Eaton 1100). Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SPINJIM 1,981 #14 Posted May 9, 2020 (edited) I have a 417-8 and a 418-A, and they are two of my favorites. Here is a picture of the dip stick on the 418A, which I believe is the same trans as yours. The top of the trans is exactly 9" below the fender pan. The tube is just only plastic, so maybe someone replaced yours. The plastic tube extends 7 1/2" above the trans case, plus probably another 1/2" into the case with an O-ring. The dipstick is 9 1/2" to the inside of the cap. They occasionally show up on ebay, or try A-Z tractor. Jim Edited May 9, 2020 by SPINJIM 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymag3 2,515 #15 Posted May 9, 2020 NICE CLEAN RED FLUID ON YOUR DIPSTICK TUBE !!!!! SPINJIM my 418 A uses motor oil....according to my manual, did you change yours over? Very clean at any rate !! Nice Love my 418 A's too.... Both of them equally 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymag3 2,515 #16 Posted May 9, 2020 There is a dipstick and tube on Fleabay right now for nice money....Good deal. grab it !!!! its for the 417 A 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymag3 2,515 #17 Posted May 9, 2020 (edited) I cant get pic to load sorry its 15.00 shipped free Edited May 9, 2020 by johnnymag3 wont show picture 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SPINJIM 1,981 #18 Posted May 9, 2020 31 minutes ago, johnnymag3 said: NICE CLEAN RED FLUID ON YOUR DIPSTICK TUBE !!!!! SPINJIM Bought it a few years ago from an elderly gentleman who had it serviced regularly. It's been my winter plow tractor; haven't used it for mowing at all. I like the 418 and 417 better than the 520's. Easier to work on, fewer bells and whistles to go bad, and plenty of power. Jim 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymag3 2,515 #19 Posted May 9, 2020 I agree with you 100 % Not an Onan fan, like the Kohlers much better... 3 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sam Pasch 449 #20 Posted May 9, 2020 5 hours ago, Ed Kennell said: My HH120 Tecumseh has the dip stick on a pipe plug. My k181 has the same thing. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ATolles 52 #21 Posted May 9, 2020 @SPINJIM That is very helpful info. I’m gonna try to find one. I really want to change the transaxle oil. So in the mean time here is what I’m thinking. I took your measurements, then measured the tube on mine. This is what I’ve come up with: My tube is 9.25” tall from the axle Your tube is 7.5” tall from the axle Your dipstick is 9.5” + the difference in the tube lengths (1.75”) = my dipstick will be 11.25” I will dip it down, check, then plug until my “official” one comes in. Can you give me the measurements of the L and H on the bottom of your dipstick? Then I can make some marks on mine. Just want to be as accurate as I can so I don’t under-fill or overfill. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymag3 2,515 #22 Posted May 9, 2020 (edited) ATolles….did you see the pair on ebay just now? they have both sizes, 15.00 with free shipping!!! check it out Keep a mask on the 417A, don't let it get the COVID Edited May 9, 2020 by johnnymag3 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ATolles 52 #23 Posted May 9, 2020 (edited) Dang...glad I’m changing the oil! Edited May 9, 2020 by ATolles 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymag3 2,515 #24 Posted May 9, 2020 Just now, ATolles said: Dang...glad I’m changing the oil! And be sure to use the correct fluid...enjoy your new machine !!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymag3 2,515 #25 Posted May 9, 2020 9 minutes ago, ATolles said: Dang...glad I’m changing the oil! WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THAT STUFF???? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
