Mule engine replacement or rebuild

[RayCo]

Hey group. My sister-in-law's family has a Kawasaki Mule. It's from 1996 or so, I believe, and I'm not sure of the model yet. It has a small gasoline engine, and they've had many problems keeping the engine reliable. It's been sitting off the side of my driveway unable to start for a couple of months now (The family is my neighbor and we share a portion of driveway.) I'm pretty sure if I offered them a few bucks, they'd be happy to unload what they consider to be a burden.

I suppose I'm posting to ask if any enthusiasts out there can recommend some good Mule forums (this one?) or good reference sites. Also, where do I look on this machine to get the numbers I'd need to get details on the year, make, and model, etc.?

I've gotten the thing running enough for them to think that if I owned this thing, I'd pull the engine and rebuild it, or if it were possible, I'd upgrade to a more powerful engine. This Mule has a cab on it, and the thing is just really lacking in power. I don't know if this is because it was underpowered when it was made, especially with the heavy cab, or if it's just because the thing runs so awful and it actually should have more power. My wife wants a Toolcat, but that's a bit out of our price range!

The attached picture is the only one I have of this machine.

 

[TWO GUNS]

That machine looks is great shape .... a new engine and you just might have you something !!!!

 

[Robert_in_NY]

My wife wants a Toolcat

You have a good problem on your hands. Most guys have to convince their wives they need a Toolcat

 

[mocassincreekranch]

Check out UtilityOffroad.com. Its the most active Mule forum on the internet. The mule is governed to run only 25 mph. It looks like a model 550. The mule's are very good machine's.

 

[Skipholiday]

It looks like a model 550. The mule's are very good machine's.

UORC Mule forum agreed.

 

[RayCo]

You have a good problem on your hands. Most guys have to convince their wives they need a Toolcat

I have a great wife. Here's a (poor quality from a PDA) picture of her begging me to get her a Toolcat.

 

[Skipholiday]

I have a great wife. Here's a (poor quality from a PDA) picture of her begging me to get her a Toolcat.

View attachment 93491

I would seriously consider it, just for her.
They are fine looking vehicles..

 

[RayCo]

Check out UtilityOffroad.com. Its the most active Mule forum on the internet. The mule is governed to run only 25 mph. It looks like a model 550. The mule's are very good machine's.

I'd say that's plenty-fast! Thanks for the link.

I learned today that my sister-in-law apparently already went through the research process as to what model this machine is and has service manuals and everything. I'll pick them up tonight and then go drag the thing into my garage.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I have a great wife. Here's a (poor quality from a PDA) picture of her begging me to get her a Toolcat.

View attachment 93491

I agree with Skip, you "have" to buy that Toolcat. You "need" to keep the wife happy

 

[RayCo]

I would seriously consider it, just for her.
They are fine looking vehicles..

Perhaps I'll get a Toolcat the next time I have an extra $50,000 burning a hole in my pocket. The Toolcat will definitely remain a dream either for a while or indefinitely.