Direct replacement for a Kohler 17 hp series 2

andy r

Member
I have a Deutz Allis garden tractor (green color)model 917 with a Kohler 17 horse power twin cylinder series 2 engine. Is there a direct replacement for this engine??? Also would any of the Predator engines from Harbor Freight work??? My engine still runs. Just thinking of the time it gives up. Haven't had this garden tractor all that long. Were the Kohler 17 horse power twin cylinders (series 2) decent engines? Thanks.
 
I don?t think anyone makes an opposed twin engine anymore; they were all flat head engines and will not meet emissions requirements. That leaves only V-twins, of which there are several, including harbor freight engines.
Don?t know about space and option requirements that might limit you.
 
Hi the series 2 engines are pretty good engine and will give good service if maintained, a Kohler Magnum 18 / 20 would be the closest to a direct replacement , the Harbor Freight engine with effort and work could be installed but it will not be easy for one thing a flywheel PTO adapter shaft would have to be machined
GB in MN
 
The M18 is a bolt-in replacement for a KT17 but it is electronic ignition so would need different wiring.
You can find the PTO adapter for the big Predator engine on eeeBay.
 
With KT17' series 2 harder to find the Kohler M18 is probably the most common repower direct replacement. The Kohler Command series is another popular option, some used ones out there now. I believe that the driveline will mate up no problem. But you're existing KT17 may keep going as long as you own the tractor.
 
I would not use a Predator if I got it for free. As long as yours still runs I'd start looking for a Kohler magnum 18 or even a 20
Horizontal shaft versions are hard to come by around me though.
 
Just save yourself a lot of problems. Get a repower from small engine warehouse. I got kit from them for my 917. Couple hours of work and it ready to go. Nothing to rewire and the briggs engine runs so much smoother you will wonder why you didn't do it sooner. You will be happy with kit!
 
gotta retype... didn't know that the computer had deleted my last log in...

Wiring differences are minor.... only thing you need is to leave the wire going to the coil + off, tape it up and forget about it... then run a toggle between a convenient ground and the kill switch post on the magneto. done.
 
You don't need straigh4 synthetic. Go with a blend. Less cost and you get almost the same benifits. Have a Troy pony with the 17.5hp engine. Used a blend it's whole life and looks brand-new when you take the valve cover off to set the valve lash.
 

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