Oil soaked Kohler Command 18hp cleaning

[rkruse]

I loaned my 1863 to my neighbor. While mowing the oil cap came off and threw oil all over the motor, frame and ignition wires. The motor turns over but it will not fire. Not sure where to start - do I need to pull the motor and start with removing cowlings to get to the ignition coil?

 

[Robert Shingle]

I have an 1882 with an 18 HP magnum, and several years ago the front boot on the drive shaft let go and splattered grease on the cooling air intake of the motor. Apparently some of that grease made its way and coated the coil where it collected dust and dirt. The tractor became harder and harder to start, then one day would not fire at all. I pulled each spark plug to check for spark, none. I believe the dirt covered coil got hot and fried. Had to pull the motor to remove to cowlings to replace the coil.

Check to see If you have any spark at the plugs. The oil and dirt may have toasted your coil. Good luck, hope its an easier fix than pulling the motor.

 

[cubs4lifeofme]

I just had the engine out of my 1862 as the motor mounts ( 4 bolts ) were 1/2 missing. Not that bad of a job. Good luck.

 

[1811Cub]

These engines remove fairly easily once the fuel hose, belt, driveshaft, wiring, and the engine plate to frame bolts are removed. You should get a helper or a hoist to remove, as they weigh in excess of 150 lbs.

 

[jpaulus]

Check the air filter. I f wet with oil it will flood the engine and it will not start.

 

[lpalma]

We are assuming that the oil level did not get too low, you do not mention that you checked it, otherwise I would be checking that first. Check compression also as you may have an internal problem due to low oil.

 

[mgonitzke]

You should get a helper or a hoist to remove, as they weigh in excess of 150 lbs.

I haven't weighed one, but I suspect the Command twins barely weight 100 lbs. They feel significantly lighter than either a K341 or M18.