Kohler engine serial number

Hey all...wondering if you guys could tell me what engine I have...I have a kohler with the serial number 2429401417. Model number is CV22S. Wondering if it is a command series or a courage series? And also the year...o and also what size shaft it has...thanks in advance..

And also what Is the difference between the courage and command series engines?

There's LOTS of info over at www.kohlerengines.com (if you drill down through the menus far enough).

As to the shaft size, MEASURE it, for Pete's sakes!

Well it's still on the mower and it's still In use...just it's getting very hard to start so we just want to buy a new motor...while we still use this one...trying to figure out what we have so we can order a new one is all...

Courage were real junk engines. I cannot get over how such a good engine company could end up making such junk!! In china they tryed to make an engine that was a little to "cost less" if you get my drift. Got to love the old "K" series cast iron engines that weigh 118 pounds! Eveything now is COST-cost-cost. Then they throw in polution and it only should last so long so you get a 300 hour motor instead of a 3000 hour engine.

Bob,
Your engine is a Kohler Command Vertical, hence the CV designation. It is the best engine that Kohler currently makes and if properly cared for, it should last at least 2000 hours or more before needing to be rebuilt.

But like all engines, it needs to be cared for and that means doing things that Kohler says you must do in the Command Operator's manual. Have you ever set the valve lash? What about ignition timing? Do you change the air filter, fuel filter, engine oil, spark plugs and so forth at the proper intervals? Or are you just another one of those people who think that engine maintenance is for other people and instead, choose to run their tractor until it won't run anymore?

It is a fair question Bob because we see lots of people on forums who don't have a clue about maintenance. Did you know the Kohler has a website that offers free downloads of engine manuals?

The Command Pro replacement engine might well cost you as much as $2000.00 and you do not even know whether your engine needs to be replaced or just needs a simple tune-up. My advice is this.

Begin by going to Kohler.com and downloading the Operator Manual for the Command Pro engine and then follow the recommended service procedures to make sure your engine has valves that are properly timed, ignition that is properly timed and replace all of the filters, oil and tuneup parts. Get the engine back to where it was when it left the factory.

THEN.... use a proper gauge to test the compression on each cylinder to see how far apart they are and how far away from the original pressure they are.

Use a Leak Down Tester to determine WHERE you are losing compression. Is it the valves? Is it the rings? Or is it a bit of both? Once you know all this information, then and only then can an informed, intelligent decision be made as to what the course of action should be.

The Command Pro is the Premium Kohler engine that is used on the most expensive outdoor power equipment. It is designed to have a long life for those who make their living with such products.

The Kohler Courage Series is the economy model with an expected life-span of about 1000 hours on average. It is used on entry-level outdoor power equipment that is sold in big box stores to compete at a certain price point. Fortunately for you, your tractor has the Command Pro.

If you are wanting to buy a new engine, you need one other number. You have posted the model and serial numbers but you also need the spec. (specification) number. The spec. number tells Kohler what particular equipment was on that version of the mower, such as diameter and length of crank, what charging system, whether it used the heavy duty air cleaner, etc.

Take the three numbers; model, spec. and serial number to a kohler dealer and he can price a new replacment engine.

In some cases you will have to use components from the old engine. (We have one in the shop now for replacment. Kohler says we have to install the old air cleaner on the new engine. It is unlike any other intake system I have seen on a Kohler engine, so I understand why they say this.)

But, like another poster has said, If its just hard to start, have you tried a tuneup? Sometimes new spark plugs, and oil change and filter and a fuel filter and air filters make a big difference.

p.s.: Command engines have hydraulic valve lifters and do not require valve adjustment. They do require 10w30 oil to keep the lifters happy, though.