Did I fry my engine?

[Gator6x4]

Bummer, small engine repair is not rocket science. A repair manual is good to have. A knowledgeable local person who will provide guidance on rebuilding engines like yours is very nice.

Now with all that said I usually dissemble the engine and after evaluating the costs of the parts, etc on restoring the engine give the piece of equipment the “Five” year look. In other words, if I rebuild will the equipment last for five years or what condition will the equipment be in, in five years.

Some time it is cheaper and more productive to purchase new and move on.

 

[swines]

You cannot get a new motor as Kawasaki does not make that motor anymore & Deere does not have replacements. You can get a short block and all of the parts to assemble a motor yourself - but, that's going to be over $2K cost. The tractor was over $5K new and and equal replacement for it is the X500 series. Used GT275's in good condition go for $2300 - $2800.

You can see an exploded view of the motor & price for a short block assembly here.

Small Engine Warehouse has a 2-cylinder replacement motor for about $1K. I'd call them and discuss how it fits before ordering...

 

[2DeereSleds]

Coincidentally, I threw a rod in my GT275 2 years ago while mowing when temp was 80+ degrees! I also happen to know oil level was good, but when I opened the hood, I couldn't even touch the flywheel; definitely overheated to the point of metal fatigue. I too, could not believe the cost to rebuild, so I found a used Kawasaki 17hp to drop in for $800.

While I was down & out, I tried a used LX255 (15hp Kohler) from our JD dealer, with my 48" deck & engine would stall whenever mower was engaged! It would spin the tires when trying to drive up the same slopes the GT will walk right up. No comparison to the GT series!

Should mention that I use ours with 42" snow thrower in winter and only use JD 5w30 in winter & JD straight 30 in summer. I owned it since brand new ('99) & changed oil, filters, EVERY fall & spring, but have not had any other drive train issues, knock on wood.

IMHO, for me to replace GT275, 48" mower & 42" snow thrower with equivalent current GREEN model, it would easily cost around $10k!

Good luck!
2DeereSleds