Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere LX188 Kawasaki, john deere lx188, blown head gasket

Question
QUESTION: Hi there,
I've got a John Deere LX188 17hp Water cooled V twin Kawasaki. oil and water level were Ok. After mowing for 1/2 hour. It overheated. I've got water in the oil "lots" The oil looks like lime green cream. Would this be a head gasket or should i be looking some where else. Any help would be great.
Thanks Bob..

ANSWER: Hello Bob:

The Most Common Cause for this Problem is a Blown Head Gasket. When the Head is Removed, have it Inspected and Checked for Cracks at your Local Engine Repair Shop. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H and Enter the Model Numbers (LX188) and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. You can View a Breakdown of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.buykawpower.com/kmcb2c/main.jsp and Select View Parts Catalog. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi John,
I went to buy Head gaskets ect. one guy at the local mower shop told me he had fixed a "John Deere Gator" which had the same type of engine fitted. He had found after pulling the whole engine down it was the water pump which had caused the problem.

Head gasket       $38.00 each
Waterpump gaskets $15.00

So i decided to pull out the water pump first.

Bingo the shaft was rusted and has chewed out the housing, Letting the water go past and enter the sump.
Now i'm waiting for the water pump to get here and hoping the head gaskets are ok. time will tell.

I'll keep you informed.

Thanks Bob

Answer
Hello Again Bob:

Thanks for the Update. I have Seen this Occur before, but it is a Rare Cause for this Problem. To Prevent this from Happening Again, Use the Orange (made for Aluminum Engines) Antifreeze. This Antifreeze is Better for Aluminum Block Engines and will Prevent the Rusting of Gaskets and the Water Pump Shaft as well as Any Other Surface Exposed to the Antifreeze. Thanks Again. I look Forward to Hearing from you Again. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks Again.

Best Wishes and Good Luck

Respectfully

John