Replacing Kohler Command in PT 425

[cherylspt]

Although I have been looking at this forum for the past 10 years I have not posted I live right down the road from the (carpenter) and that is why i purchased the Power Trac. I now am approaching a 1000 hours of use and abuse. Have moved tons of large rocks to form rock wall behind the house, mowed about 5 acres of the property and used the PT for all of the landscaping. I loaned it out several times and on one occasion it was run low on oil. I am now experiencing a lot of blow-by and if I work it hard it will go through oil in under an hour. Will probably replace with a Kohler. called PT and they suggested I purchase closer to home. The only thing I am not sure of is the shaft size 1 1/8 or 1 7/16. Engine model CH25S Spec. Number 68500 serial #3024103751. Tractor purchased for me but quickly became my wife's tractor. Appreciate any input. cherylspt

 

[MossRoad]

Welcome to TBN!

You might want to give Jack's small engines a call. They are reportedly very helpful.

 

[Marks481]

You might want to consider the Kohler 25HP EFI variant (ECV730). It looks like it is only $100-200 more then the Kohler 25.

Pajoub replaced his Kohler 25, and he had the 1-7/8" shaft variant.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/power-trac/143056-425-problem-7.html#post1696791

There have been some reports of 1-1/8" shaft, but I think those were newer PT422s with Robin engines.

 

[MossRoad]

A guess a link would have been helpful... sorry.

Lawn Mower Parts

 

[KMA]

When in doubt, go with the larger one... you'd only have to replace the love joy style coupler if you choose wrong. I believe PT machines a coupler that fits the 1 7/8" shaft. (At least that's what I recall since I got mine through them.)

 

[J_J]

These are the only shaft sizes that I saw on the horizontal Kohler engines,

1 in

1 1/8

1 1/4

1 7/16

 

[KMA]

JJ,

I went back and checked what my replacement Robin shaft size was, and it was 1 7/16" (vs 1 7/8"). So to correct my previous statement, "PT machines a coupler that fits the 1 7/16" shaft". It was $40 or so.

 

[Marks481]

JJ (as is usually the case) is right. I started the 1-7/8" fable by misquoted Pajoube's post. Pajoube also stated the Kohler in his PT425 was the 1-7/16" variant.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/power-trac/143056-425-problem-7.html#post1696791

 

[cherylspt]

I really appreciate all of the advice. Wondering if Pajoub's PT was a 2001-2003 model. If so then it is quite possible that mine is the 1 7/16 shaft. Will probably call Jack's and the Small E Engine Warehouse to compare cost. I would be willing to pay more for the EFI model if it would work. Believe me I will do whatever is necessary to keep this machine running. My wife looks at it as indispensable. It allows her to do a lot of landscaping work that she would normally be unable to perform.

 

[Marks481]

= Wondering if Pajoub's PT was a 2001-2003 model. If so then it is quite possible that mine is the 1 7/16 shaft.

According to Pajoub's signature block on the above referenced post, he has a 2003 PT-425. PM him at that link, maybe he will respond.

 

[pajoube]

Mine is a 2003 model. Trying to find my paperwork on the purchase of the new engine, got it from Small Engine Warehouse and I'm pretty sure it is the EFI engine.
PJ

 

[cherylspt]

Would appreciate anything you find. You are located about 500 miles directly east of me. You get a little colder but we have many of the same weather patterns. Have you had any additional trouble after the engine replacement?

 

[pajoube]

Still looking for the paperwork, filed in a place I would not lose it.
Both engines have worked very well for me. If you look at the posting that I did WHY I BOUGHT A 425 that will show you some of the reasons I ended up buying another engine. I really worked the 425 far beyond what it was meant for.
Our weather has not been bad the past 10 years with each winter going down to minus 15 to 20 degrees and the high into the low 90 degrees. Our elevation is 4600 and we average 9 out of 10 days of sunshine. Any temperature above zero is great weather that I can wear a light jacket if the sun is out.
For starting the 425 I do have Mobil 1 in the engine and a block heater on the fluid tank. Not sure if either help that much but having the throttle settings prior to starting does help. I have the throttle at half and choke at 3/4 for the first couple of cranks and then back off. Will go to full choke and then back off after first few cranks if 3/4 choke does not start right off. The only times I had starting problems is when my throttle settings are incorrect and it will flood. Once started I back off on the choke to zero and let idle while I hand shovel the deck area. By the time I get done the fluid is warming up and I can start plowing.
Summer starting at 90 degrees (that is hot due to elevation) can cause some problems. Usually no choke and very little throttle.
I do love my Kohler engine.
PJ

 

[woodlandfarms]

Pajoub, I am a MSU Grad. I do miss Bozeman very much, and haven't been back for at least 15 years. No one ever got that zero with the sun out is a good work day. I remember a negative 50 when I was in school. Doors frozen shut, cars completely locked up.... The folks sold the farm a few years ago outside of Cody, WY and now the reasons to go home are too few to get past the wife.

Just saying I am jealous is all.

 

[pajoube]

Yes, this is a great place. Best drinking water and cheap, good weather, close to Yellowstone National Park, Best hiking, skiing, four seasons, dry, what more can one ask for.
Now that I知 retired and thinking of moving south to a 55 and older community with activities I have to consider what I am leaving.
PJ

 

[woodlandfarms]

My parents did it. But they only made it to Eugene. My wifes family is now looking at pulling up roots to Arizona. They had been snowbirding (which if you can, wow, cool life). Get a motorhome, winter in Arizona or mexico, or florida or anywhere with a ton of BLM land. Rent Free on BLM. Just have to move once every 30 days or something like crazy like that.