1811 with Seized Kohler M18 Engine

[cstewart]

Last fall, I had some fuel in the crankcase of my 1811. I thought I'd drain and replace the oil and rebuild the carb. I drained the oil and thought I'd run it for a few seconds to blast any residual oil out - which was a very, very bad idea. It seized up immediately.

I took it to a local shop, who confirmed that it was seized (duh!) but said it wasn't worth working on and they would charge $600 or so to rebuild the engine.

Right now I'm using a Troy-Bilt Pony somebody gave me and I hate it - I'm surprised the engine isn't made of plastic!

I really miss my 1811 and need to get it going again. Anybody know anyone, preferably within 100 or so miles of NW Virginia, who can repair it? If not within 100 miles, I suppose I could ship the motor.

Did I say I really miss my CC?

 

[1811Cub]

It will be more cost effective, yet riskier, to locate a good running used M18 or M20 than rebuild your existing engine. Kohler parts are not exactly cheap, and good small engine builders demand a premium. Another suggestion is to repower with a later Kohler Command 18-23, but it will not be an exact drop in for your Magnum. Try this boards sponsors first. If you can't locate one, there is a nice gentleman in Randolph, NY that had a couple of M18's freshly pulled about 6 weeks ago when I bought my 782D from him.

 

[eweiss]

After adding enough oil to fill the case to lube the rod. you can trying to pry the flywheel a little back and forth to free it up. If it moves keep trying until a full revaluation or more

 

[tkhoffman]

Wondering if it was truly seized or just hydro locked from gas in the cylinders. Gas had to get into the cylinders to run down the Rings into the crankcase. You might have been able to take out the plugs, crank it, put the plug in and been off and running

 

[Gabe]

Well... I just spent dern near $1500 rebuilding my M18. It's a royal pain. I will drop a note for you. I blew up my previous engine Briggs&ScrapIron 18hp, got too hot, sludged up the oil. Any engine you put in, make darn sure the airflow is correct.

 

[mgwin]

I seized up my chainsaw a couple of years ago.
Took the plug out, and sprayed PB blaster in it. Let it set for about 30 minutes. Started wiggling the crank back and forth, and it popped loose.
It is still running.
Worth a try!

 

[Rich Donohue]

Last fall, I had some fuel in the crankcase of my 1811. I thought I'd drain and replace the oil and rebuild the carb. I drained the oil and thought I'd run it for a few seconds to blast any residual oil out - which was a very, very bad idea. It seized up immediately.

I took it to a local shop, who confirmed that it was seized (duh!) but said it wasn't worth working on and they would charge $600 or so to rebuild the engine.

Right now I'm using a Troy-Bilt Pony somebody gave me and I hate it - I'm surprised the engine isn't made of plastic!

I really miss my 1811 and need to get it going again. Anybody know anyone, preferably within 100 or so miles of NW Virginia, who can repair it? If not within 100 miles, I suppose I could ship the motor.

Did I say I really miss my CC?

 

[Rich Donohue]

Hey there.....just a thought, but I'm moving out all my Cub Cadet stuff which includes a fairly decent 1811 that runs, but spits oil into the muffler from one cylinder. The tractor has 765 hours on it, but the deck is in good shape and the tires are worth about the price I have on the tractor. (Also have a 54" front blade and mount available)

 

[Rich Donohue]

Last fall, I had some fuel in the crankcase of my 1811. I thought I'd drain and replace the oil and rebuild the carb. I drained the oil and thought I'd run it for a few seconds to blast any residual oil out - which was a very, very bad idea. It seized up immediately.

I took it to a local shop, who confirmed that it was seized (duh!) but said it wasn't worth working on and they would charge $600 or so to rebuild the engine.

Right now I'm using a Troy-Bilt Pony somebody gave me and I hate it - I'm surprised the engine isn't made of plastic!

I really miss my 1811 and need to get it going again. Anybody know anyone, preferably within 100 or so miles of NW Virginia, who can repair it? If not within 100 miles, I suppose I could ship the motor.

Last fall, I had some fuel in the crankcase of my 1811. I thought I'd drain and replace the oil and rebuild the carb. I drained the oil and thought I'd run it for a few seconds to blast any residual oil out - which was a very, very bad idea. It seized up immediately.

I took it to a local shop, who confirmed that it was seized (duh!) but said it wasn't worth working on and they would charge $600 or so to rebuild the engine.

Right now I'm using a Troy-Bilt Pony somebody gave me and I hate it - I'm surprised the engine isn't made of plastic!

I really miss my 1811 and need to get it going again. Anybody know anyone, preferably within 100 or so miles of NW Virginia, who can repair it? If not within 100 miles, I suppose I could ship the motor.

Did I say I really miss my CC?

Did I say I really miss my CC?

 

[John Halper]

Last fall, I had some fuel in the crankcase of my 1811. I thought I'd drain and replace the oil and rebuild the carb. I drained the oil and thought I'd run it for a few seconds to blast any residual oil out - which was a very, very bad idea. It seized up immediately.

I took it to a local shop, who confirmed that it was seized (duh!) but said it wasn't worth working on and they would charge $600 or so to rebuild the engine.

Right now I'm using a Troy-Bilt Pony somebody gave me and I hate it - I'm surprised the engine isn't made of plastic!

I really miss my 1811 and need to get it going again. Anybody know anyone, preferably within 100 or so miles of NW Virginia, who can repair it? If not within 100 miles, I suppose I could ship the motor.

Did I say I really miss my CC?

 

[John Halper]

I just saw this. I have an 18 that was out of a 1811. Would need pistons, rings & gaskets to reassembly. Bottom end was in good shape. Cylinders are on the loose side of spec. Long story on how it wound up that way. Lets just say. That person was semi clueless.

 

[1811Cub]

Unfortunately, cstewart has not logged in since he posted above on May 25th last year.​

 

[-CӞ]

Maybe still performing CPR on his 1811.
Hope he’s ok, in all seriousness!

 

[Mark Evans]

You have to fix carburetor, and/or fuel pump and make sure no fuel at all in system before using in any way !!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mjame]

https://richmond.craigslist.org/grd/d/mechanicsville-kohler-engine-rebuilding/7579719373.html

 

[1811Cub]

https://richmond.craigslist.org/grd/d/mechanicsville-kohler-engine-rebuilding/7579719373.html

That guy does not mention the KT17 or Magnum flat twins as one of the engines he rebuilds. They are far more complicated that the K series single cylinders to rebuild.

 

[Rich Donohue]

Hey there.....just a thought, but I'm moving out all my Cub Cadet stuff which includes a fairly decent 1811 that runs, but spits oil into the muffler from one cylinder. The tractor has 765 hours on it, but the deck is in good shape and the tires are worth about the price I have on the tractor. (Also have a 54" front blade and mount available)

 

[HKCooper44]

Wondering if it was truly seized or just hydro locked from gas in the cylinders. Gas had to get into the cylinders to run down the Rings into the crankcase. You might have been able to take out the plugs, crank it, put the plug in and been off and running

I had this happen on a 782. I since put a shutoff valve in the fuel line just before the pump.

 

[HKCooper44]

Wondering if it was truly seized or just hydro locked from gas in the cylinders. Gas had to get into the cylinders to run down the Rings into the crankcase. You might have been able to take out the plugs, crank it, put the plug in and been off and running

I had this happen on a 782. I since put a shutoff valve in the fuel line just before the pump

Last fall, I had some fuel in the crankcase of my 1811. I thought I'd drain and replace the oil and rebuild the carb. I drained the oil and thought I'd run it for a few seconds to blast any residual oil out - which was a very, very bad idea. It seized up immediately.

I took it to a local shop, who confirmed that it was seized (duh!) but said it wasn't worth working on and they would charge $600 or so to rebuild the engine.

Right now I'm using a Troy-Bilt Pony somebody gave me and I hate it - I'm surprised the engine isn't made of plastic!

I really miss my 1811 and need to get it going again. Anybody know anyone, preferably within 100 or so miles of NW Virginia, who can repair it? If not within 100 miles, I suppose I could ship the motor.

Did I say I really miss my CC?

Just running the engine a few seconds without oil definitions should cause the engine to seize! Sounds like you have other issues.