Kohler 18 magnum engine

[seven 202]

Just found a nice Kohler magnum 18 twin cylinder and wondering how much it would take to put on one of my tractors . I have a c160 hydro a b80 a commando 8 . And a charger 12 hydro. Im leaning towards a gear shift just because I might use it for pulling some day

[SPINJIM 1,981]

You would have to relocate the battery to make room for a twin cylinder, and probably have to raise the hood to make room for the air cleaner.   Has to at least be on a long frame.   Wiring???    Kohler 18M is an excellent engine, if you can find a use for it.

 

[Achto 27,504]

I think that the C160 would be the easiest fit for that engine.

[AHS 1,439]

They didn’t use the Kohler magnum twins? Or did they?

[JCM 9,130]

In 1987 the 418 had the 18 HP magnum twin and the 1986  420 had the 20 HP magnum twin.

[johnnymag3 2,515]

If your tractors are original, and in good shape, and run well....I would not waste the time to retro-fit that engine to any of them....find a late 80's Tractor with a bad engine, and go from there...Way less headaches and keeps original machines ORIGINAL !! 

 

Just my opinion,...

 

They are original only once and retain more Horse trading value when in that form

 

john

 

[roadapples 6,983]

5 hours ago, Achto said:

I think that the C160 would be the easiest fit for that engine.

Why mess with perfection...

[953 nut 55,075]

Is the M-18 from a Wheel Horse, PTO could be a problem if not.  There should be no problem with space since the K-Twins were used beginning in 1980 in the C-175 and it is the same basic engine. C-160 and B-80 should be an easy swap, Commando and Charger, not so much.

To go from battery ignition to Magneto can be done by adding a "Kill Relay".

 

 

[AHS 1,439]

17 hours ago, JCM said:

In 1987 the 418 had the 18 HP magnum twin and the 1986  420 had the 20 HP magnum twin.

Guess I will have to find one of those then!!😀

[pfrederi 17,664]

Look up the spec number on the magnum on the Kohler website.  Look at parts for crankcase.  it will show if it has the needed thrust bearing to use with WH PTOs...most do not.

[seven 202]

On 8/19/2020 at 9:05 AM, pfrederi said:

Look up the spec number on the magnum on the Kohler website.  Look at parts for crankcase.  it will show if it has the needed thrust bearing to use with WH PTOs...most do not.

Will do never new that?

[Dylan poucher 7]

On 8/18/2020 at 12:14 PM, JCM said:

In 1987 the 418 had the 18 HP magnum twin and the 1986  420 had the 20 HP magnum twin.

Could you send/show me how to wire the engine if you could or if you even know 

[JCM 9,130]

Wiring is not one of my strong points, sorry.

[brians306 23]

I just did that very thing. I will post pictures. battery under seat. im gonna have to cut 2 semicircles out of the lower edge off the hood for the stacks. The wiring is simple. Just  power to the starter and a solenoid.

I did use an adapter plate from a 520. just had to drill 2 holes on the right side

Edited May 9, 2023 by brians306

[kpinnc 11,904]

7 hours ago, brians306 said:

im gonna have to cut 2 semicircles out of the lower edge off the hood for the stacks.

 

Better to raise the front of the hood an inch. Just add a spacer between the hinge and hood.

[brians306 23]

On 5/9/2023 at 11:46 PM, kpinnc said:

 

Better to raise the front of the hood an inch. Just add a spacer between the hinge and hood.

I WOULD NEED TO RAISE THE STEERING TOWER AN INCH ALSO, HOW DO YOU SUGGEST THAT IS DONE?

[kpinnc 11,904]

1 hour ago, brians306 said:

HOW DO YOU SUGGEST THAT IS DONE?

 

I don't think adding an inch at the hood would necessarily mean the hoodstand will need the same. You can always mock it up with a block and see if it works for you. Wheel Horse had several models with raised hood pivots, and the tower stayed the same.