LX 280 motor just blew

silverbeast · Jun 27, 2010

Hey guys, i got my mower out today and out it blew up with less than 200 hrs on it. oil level was fine and the last time i used it it would bog down and puff some smoke when i engaged the pto. I thought i had a bearing locking up on the deck but i guess it was internal.

Now what would you guys do about replacing it. Go to the dealership and buy one or buy a new motor from northern tool? It has the 18 HP v twin....can i go bigger. If i can i would like a little larger motor. Thanks for any help.

mjncad · Jun 28, 2010

Tough call. What engine originally came in your mower? What condition is the rest of the tractor in?

Can you afford a replacement instead of repairing your current ride?

silverbeast · Jun 28, 2010

mjncad said:
Tough call. What engine originally came in your mower? What condition is the rest of the tractor in?

Can you afford a replacement instead of repairing your current ride?

The rest of the mower is in great shape. I can afford to buy a replacement but there is no need since the mower has less than 200 hrs on it. It has the 18hpv-twin.

John_in_TN · Jun 28, 2010

The LX280 had the twin-cylinder, air-cooled Kawasaki engine. This is normally an extremely reliable engine. Can you provide more detail about the problem? Did something literally blow out of the engine or is it just not running right?

beenthere · Jun 28, 2010

Any idea what is actually wrong? "Blew up" doesn't really help much.

silverbeast · Jun 29, 2010

John_in_TN said:
The LX280 had the twin-cylinder, air-cooled Kawasaki engine. This is normally an extremely reliable engine. Can you provide more detail about the problem? Did something literally blow out of the engine or is it just not running right?

Well it started off bogging down when i would engage the pto and it would puff a little black smoke. I mowed half the yard and put it up. I thought the deck had a bearing going bad and was causing the extra strain when i was mowing. Got it out to finish the yard and when my wife started it up white smoke started pouring out and it wont stay running. I mean enough white smoke to choke all the bugs to death clear in the next county. Im thinking blowed head gasket but the way it was bogging down im wondering if it didnt spin a bearing on the crank. Either way it blew up,lol.