Engine Went Today on 3204 Series

[GTSRider]

I think I found an engine that will fit for a decent price, from Small Engine Warehouse.
It's an 18hp CH 620-3038, but the price fit's my budget @ 1250.00 +130.00 shipping.
Only drawback is 4 inch shaft must be cut to 2.75" ... no biggy.

 

[Kernopelli]

I think you might regret the HP loss. I have to admit, I went up 2 HP on my swap and the difference was very surprising. It is like an entirely different mower. I suspect I'd seen the same proportional difference to the negative if I'd gone down 2 HP.

Engine shopping this time of year almost guarantees you'll pay a premium but if you don't need the mower ASAP, I'd suggest a little more patient watching. A short block is probably a viable replacement too. Your heads, intake, carb and exhaust should bolt on to any of the engines in CH family. Just saw several new ones on Ebay in the $800 range ( including SH).

 

[RandyT]

Short block may be your easier option, and quaranteed to fit. The 18,20,22 use the same block. or at least they used to. The differences between the engines was the 18 had a screw in the side of the carb that preventing the throttle butterfly from opening past about half. The 22 was the same as the 20 but had spark advance. We as dealers referred to the carb screw on the 18 as the $130 screw, because that is what the price difference in the engines was.

 

[Gator6x4]

Short block may be your easier option, and quaranteed to fit. The 18,20,22 use the same block. or at least they used to. The differences between the engines was the 18 had a screw in the side of the carb that preventing the throttle butterfly from opening past about half. The 22 was the same as the 20 but had spark advance. We as dealers referred to the carb screw on the 18 as the $130 screw, because that is what the price difference in the engines was.

I second the Short Block. Most comes with the necessary gaskets to swap the needed parts. If the gasket set is not included it will cost between $60-$70 dollars.

 

[GTSRider]

Just before I was about to order a new Kohler engine...I spotted a Cub Cadet on the side of the road....it was a 3206 with 180 hrs. and totally done over with new paint,
even new engine seals ! Seller was asking $2,500...we settled on $2,200. I think I got a fair deal...being I was prepared to spent nearly $2,000 on a new engine.
Haven't decided what to do with my 3204... but may park it for now , and rebuild it this late fall.

 

[GTSRider]

Correction...that was 1080 hr. not 108.... used it for first time today...3hr. straight mow.... ran great...not sure
what I will do with my 3204 .....

 

[GTSRider]

Decided to sell my 3204 20 hp 2003 Cub Cadet....all offers considered....
tractor was maintained half time what book says.... just needs a new engine.
If I had storage room... I would put new Kohler engine in it this winter.
Pete
Hudson Valley NY 12545