Cub Cadet repower

Hugh McKinney · May 21, 2015

Hello all. I am trying to decide whether to rebuild the 18 horsepower Kohler in my Cub Cadet model 1862 garden tractor, which has been just a lemon of a motor. Oil leaks, hard starting, just a real PIA motor, not what I expect from a Kohler. It is the 180 degree with the two piece aluminum block, horizontal shaft. Btw, Kohler no longer offers a new short-block. Go figure. Anybody got any ideas how to repower this fine machine and get it where it will cut some grass and do some work? I'm just disgusted sinking money into the original motor; a great machine with all the bells and whistles, but a very unreliable powerplant. Thanks, Hugh

dhermesc · May 21, 2015

You might be able to repower it with a an old K341 16 hp using the eletric clutch setup that was used in the 1650 Quietline. Many will consider that a set back but those old single cylinders are extremely rugged and extremely cheap to rebuild compared to the M18 and kt-17 2 cylinder engines. I beleive the frame rails on the 1450/1650 are the same with many Cub Cadet newer models like the 1862.

Getting the electric clutch to work correctly will probably be your biggest issue-expense.

A new engine that bolts in (more or less) is the Briggs Vanguard $1650.

http://www.smallenginewarehouse.com/Repower-Old-Equipment/Cub-Cadet-1862-Category/

Hugh McKinney · May 21, 2015

Thank you for your thoughtful input. I don't have a K 341, but I think that would be my preference, if I could find one not too far away! Thanks again, Hugh

FC Andy · May 21, 2015

Have you owned a K341? As far as I'm concerned, it's not half as nice as the smaller motors like the K301. Dad has a 1250 Cub Cadet (K301) and I have a 1650 (K341), we overhauled both of them, and Dad's is smooth running, and easy starting. My 16, well, it's shaky, Hard starting, and just a pain. Noticeably more powerful, though. Neither engine has balancer gears. I wish I would have re-powered mine with the modern Briggs kit from Small Engine Warehouse, or did a custom Job on maybe a Command 20 Kohler, which I also own, but am still not thrilled over. Just My $.02 -Andy

Hugh McKinney · May 21, 2015

Well I am thinking also about the Briggs & Stratton Vanguard re power from Small Engine Warehouse. I have had a K321, but even if I could find a K341, I shudder to think how much shipping would be! Those cast iron Kohlers--they really don't make 'Em like they used to.

Cub Cadet repower

Hugh McKinney

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dhermesc

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Hugh McKinney

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FC Andy

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Hugh McKinney

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