Rear seal

[Tooomuch7 52]

Hi everyone,I have a 518 xi with the Kohler engine,I believe that the rear seal is leaking. Is it possible to change the seal with the engine in. Looks like if I remove the panel in front of the steering you should be able to get to it. 
 

thanks

[Snoopy11 5,714]

Buddy, I seriously don't know of a way that you can do it without pulling the engine.  

 

It has the Kohler CH22, correct?

 

Don

[Snoopy11 5,714]

And you are talking about the rear main seal, correct? 

 

Don

[Tooomuch7 52]

Yes 

[JoeM 7,874]

1 hour ago, Tooomuch7 said:

Is it possible to change the seal with the engine in

No.

It is not to big a deal to pull it out. A small hoist is nice, or a couple strong dudes and a 2x4 to lift it out. 

To pull the engine, 

Remove the mower deck and drive belt.

Remove hood assy.

Remove side covers and support brackets.

Remove cooling side screens.

Unhook drive shaft at the engine.

Unhook wiring on the right side. 

Remove the 4 mounting bolts that are in the engine support plate, (the plate will come out with the engine). The left rear bolt is fixed in the plate and only the nut will need to be removed underneath. (You can not get to that bolt head from on top).

Remove the fuel line at the pump.

Ensure everything is clear and the engine will need to be lifted up a little the swang forward and up again, then out.

 

You can then get the tins and flywheel off exposing the seal. 

 

It is not as big a job as it sounds. I had a couple out one for seal and one for a bad mag.

If the foam seal (that keeps the hot air from recirculating) is bad where the engine meets the air barrier, box store weather stripping foam can be used to replace. 

 

 

[Snoopy11 5,714]

3 minutes ago, JoeM said:

a couple strong dudes

Or one Kevin... @Pullstart... 

 

Or myself for that matter... 

 

Don

Edited November 24, 2021 by Snoopy11

[Tooomuch7 52]

Ok Thankyou,that’s why I asked,wasn’t sure about the rear seal,I did the front a couple years ago.I have a cherry picker,so I will put it together and use it.

Thanks again. 

[Snoopy11 5,714]

2 minutes ago, Tooomuch7 said:

Ok Thankyou, that’s why I asked,wasn’t sure about the rear seal,I did the front a couple years ago.I have a cherry picker,so I will put it together and use it.

Thanks again. 

Yeah, I just did the same on a Kawasaki. Just be prepared for a... good amount of time to spend on it... 

 

 

 

Don

[Tooomuch7 52]

1 hour ago, Snoopy11 said:

Yeah, I just did the same on a Kawasaki. Just be prepared for a... good amount of time to spend on it... 

 

 

 

Don

I looks like the most time will be getting it ready to pull.🤷‍♂️.Im retired now,so that’s one thing I have is time.One thing good about having an I phone is taking pictures so you know where things go. Lol 😂 When your retired you forget a lot!  😂

[JoeM 7,874]

oh don't forget to unhook the throttle and choke cables. 

[Tooomuch7 52]

👍

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,046]

I recall someone pulling an engine just to remove the cooling tins to clean out debris.

[Snoopy11 5,714]

7 minutes ago, gwest_ca said:

I recall someone pulling an engine just to remove the cooling tins to clean out debris.

Why... do I find that funny...? 

 

Don 

[Tooomuch7 52]

Got the engine out today. Thanks for all the great advice. 

[Snoopy11 5,714]

On 11/27/2021 at 3:47 PM, Tooomuch7 said:

Got the engine out today. Thanks for all the great advice. 

Great job! Looks like you should be home-free!

 

Don