engine blew hole in crankcase

[Gregster613]

Hi all, About a month back my Scotts rider mower (Intek 24 hp engine) just blew a hole out of the left side of the crankcase! Just above the oil filter side. No warning signs whatsoever. I drove it to the area I was wanting to touch up, and once I turned on the PTO to the blades it popped, blew out blue smoke and that was that!? It has about 480 hours on it and has the "supposedly" dreaded K46 transmission - which I've never had any troubles with. I found a replacement engine - at about $650.00 - which I could deal with IF the transmissions issues are not a real risk?
I'm really pondering the idea of an engine switch - but - is it worth it if the transmission is soon to go out? Mind you, I have not had any transmission troubles in the years I've owned this machine. I've only had the occasion to read about those woes upon others.

The decision to replace or retire the engine rides heavy on me. Replace I will - IF - the transmission issues can be put to rest. I have flat ground and only gopher mounds to deal with: Yet if the transmission is soon to go also, it will be a waste of money and time both. I'm at a guessing stage right now.

I have found and bought a used Yard Machine that is working just fine but is only a 42 inch cut versus the 48" I'm used to and it has the select shift transmission which again is okay but I find I'm really missing the variable speeds my hydro-static afforded me - especially around tree bases and such.
I would value some thoughts from the experienced crew that resides here. Thanks, Greg

 

[oosik]

K7LN - - +1.

 

[fried1765]

K7LN - - +1.

I just gave my JD LA110 with K46 transmission to my son.
It only had 130 hours, and was running fine.
Bought a new 48" SCAG Liberty, zero turn for myself.
What an upgrade !!!

 

[Gregster613]

Thanks for the thoughts/opinions guys; they are all leading towards the direction my instincts are telling me...let it sit and just get a newer machine. For a repair tended guy this is a hard pill to swallow though! Especially here in Ca. with all the smog requirements on the newest stuff, yikes even a simple lawnmower has to be so carb compliant that most big box stores don't even carry/display them anymore. Well, I'll just need to get more used to the select-a-shift feature on the current yard machine I now use and run it until it too dies; then see about a modern unit. Hopefully I can get 10 or more years out of it and then deal with the new machine issue. Thanks. Greg

 

[crazyal]

Did you figure out why it blew a hole in the block? Lack of oil is the usual cause. Just curious. I have a Kohler in my backup mower and it's prone to splitting the case due to a weak design. If you are a "fix it" type of guy I would look for a used mower with the right engine. It's very possible you could find one with the dreaded K46 that has reached the end of it's life.

 

[YLee Kioti]

during my mower search have watched several videos where the K46 was removed.
Fill plug removed, flipped upside down and the gray oil dumped into a 5 gal. bucket.
Reverse procedure, fill back up, run K46 in both directions to purge air and back in service.

Then there is this option for consideration.....
K66 Upgrade Kits

on edit....re-read your mower type......so do not know if the upgrade is a good fit, but a phone call will address that.....

 

[ericm979]

I'd replace the engine and flush and refill the K46.

 

[Gregster613]

Crazyal, I don't know for sure why it blew a crack in the case, but I do have to admit that it seldom used any oil and I did not check the level before I fired it up and the level was not on the stick after it blew. It's probably my own fault and I do feel stupid for it but it had never used oil before and I was in a rush to touch up a small area just before dark. It most likely was my error/fault but that's how it goes. I now make DARN sure I check oil on any engine before I start it up!!

ericm979, I'm still thinking quite hard about doing just that. I'm searching various sites to try find a compatible bolt in motor and even if I buy the new one and something does eventually go bad with my current well running K46, that larger motor would interchange with the 17.5hp single cylinder in my Yard Machine. So I don't see how I could really go wrong? I'm thinking it through piece by piece.

YLee Kioti, I have read all of those threads also and if I do replace the engine I am going to drain the K46 and put fresh blood into it prior to operating it. Thanks for the thought.