GT1554 Head Gaskets Again

[skent]

Two and a half years ago I went ahead and purchased a GT1554 with the 27 HP Kohler Command engine, all went well till the end of the first summer (38 hours) when it started smoking and using oil (1 pint @ hour). Dealer said blown head gasket, fixed it and returned it later that month under warranty. Ran fine all last summer and this spring, then started again (at 90 hours). Now out of warrenty and dealer says he has not heard of head gasket problems, but I was wondering have any of you with the Kohler Command engines had head gasket problems? or do I have a lemon?

Great tractor when it runs, mows good, but dealing with repairs every year, not worth it.

I have a huskee 23 HP with a B&S engine that is 7 years old and no engine problems. Should I consider re-powering the cub with a B&S? Honda also has a 26 HP but they want $1700.00 for it.

Not knocking brands, just looking for advice.

Thanks.

 

[diesel_nut]

Do 1554s have the GT designation? Just asking.

I'd think if you had a documented problem before the warranty was expired you'd still have a claim toward the SAME problem.
Sounds like the head might be warped or improperly milled or cast. Thus the problem is possibly the head and not the gasket. ????

If milled wrong it should be able to be fixed fairly easily. If cast wrong then Cub should fix it no questions asked.

Then again I'm far from an expert on the subject too

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Yes, if I recall there was the LT1554, SLT1554 and GT1554.

I have a GT1554 also but have not had any problems with it using oil or smoking other then when it is cold it smokes a little for about 15 seconds. I don't know the hours right now but it is about 3 years old if I recall.

 

[mderois]

I had the exact same problem with my GT1554. I bought it in 2006 and it ran fine...a little smokey when starting for around 10-15 seconds, but no big deal it ran great. in 2008 it started smoking like crazy and was using a lot of oil. So they replaced the head gasket and it worked great for around 2 mowing jobs (around an acre each).

Then my PTO went out....so they replaced the switch and now that works fine.

Then it just wouldn't start without a jump. So now whenever I want to use my Cub Cadet I must jump the battery. I have tried replacing the battery. The filter is new, I have clean gas in the tank.

Now it has started to die when I am running the tractor...it acts as if I am out of gas.

it is frustrating!!

So, 2 issues...I must jump the tractor...and it dies while running.

When it works it is awesome....just getting there is the problem