QuestionQUESTION: Hi, I have a John Deere 285 with a blown Kawasaki 18hp liquid cooled v-twin. I have a great running 18hp Kohler v air cooled engine in my garage. Could you tell me if I can replace the Kawasaki with the Kohler. I realize there will be some modifications involved as far as electrical, and cables go, but I am just trying to find out if the whole idea is even possible, and any advice or tips I can get on doing the job without driving myself nuts. Thank you.
ANSWER: Hello Chris:
I have Never Done a Kawasaki to Kohler, but have Done Plenty of Other Engine Exchanges. Usually if the Mounting Bolt Holes Match and the Crankshaft Length and Diameter are the Same, the Engine will Mount and the Pulley/PTO will Attach the Same. Other than the Wires and Cables you will be Good to Go. 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. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. 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: Thank you very much for the info. I am certainly not against investing some money in my machine, but it is nowhere close to new so I really don't want to go for a new Kawasaki. Is there another engine that you think is better suited for this exchange if this one doesn't mount up? Thanks again, Chris
AnswerHello Again Chris:
Unfortunately All the engine Produced Today are Basically the Same when it Comes to Reliability and Endurance. Any Briggs, Kohler, Kawasaki, Honda, Tecumseh or Any Other OEM Engine will Give About the Same Service as the Other. I Used to Prefer Kohler, Briggs, Lawn Boy or Kawasaki, but Over the Past 10 Years the Quality of the Engines has Slipped and Now they All Perform About the Same. I have Used Several Different Makes of Engines Over the Years and in the Past 10 Years, One OEM is Producing the Same Quality and Endurance Into their Engines as the Other OEMs. 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. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. 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
