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Block only. Purchase gasket kit and rod(s) and 5-6 hours, new engine.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/John-Deere-Garden-Tractor-Lawn-Mower-317-Kohler-KT17-17HP-Engine-Block-/201036669053?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eceb8207d

Halgar wrote:

gomachv wrote:Just needs a Chevy emblem

Sorry, a blue oval would patch up that hole much better.

HI!... Well it does take Ford parts to fix a Chebby. lol!

esaresky75 wrote:Block only. Purchase gasket kit and rod(s) and 5-6 hours, new engine.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/John-Deere-Garden-Tractor-Lawn-Mower-317-Kohler-KT17-17HP-Engine-Block-/201036669053?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eceb8207d

from what i understand, there is a first and second series of the kt17 engine. the first is apparently named the "rod thrower", which is the one in that auction. it did not have a pressurized oiling system, second series did. i'm not exactly sure which series the one is in my dad's tractor, but there's no sense in rebuilding the "bad" one. must've been designed by ford. they should stick to what they're good at....... which is nothing.

ideally, he'd really like to find a running used one. so if any of you guys know of any kind of lawn and garden junk yards in your area, let me know.

Halgar wrote:

gomachv wrote:Just needs a Chevy emblem

Sorry, a blue oval would patch up that hole much better.

and make it faster and more reliable

Todd

klavy69 wrote:

Halgar wrote:

gomachv wrote:Just needs a Chevy emblem

Sorry, a blue oval would patch up that hole much better.

and make it faster and more reliable

Todd

HI!... Agreed! ^^^^^^^

I've got a local farm consignment auction that goes on in April. Seen one of those go thru awhile back. Don't ever know until the week before whats gonna be there though.

Have you put a 'wanted' post in your local craigslist for something like this? Sometimes worth a shot...

Todd

p.s. if you are gonna spend that kind of $ ($1500) might as well go with a Honda motor that you know will start and run all the time

from what i understand the k17 was somewhat troublesome.(series 1 anyway, bad lube system)

but almost any horizontal shaft kohler should fit. the single cylinder 16hp is a very popular engine.
the kohler magnum 18 twin is also a great engine and will swap right in. the ignition systems are a bit different though.
the flat (opposed) twins make alot more tq then todays "v" engines, they are also much bigger.
i've got a 16hp (655cc) flat twin briggs in my '84 wheelhorse tractor, it's a damn beast.

the single kohler 16hp, twin magnum 18hp, twin briggs 16hp or twin onan 16hp are all great motors and you should be able to find them on cl/ebay for pretty cheap.
i'd stick to the kohler or briggs, the onan's have some pricey parts. the magnum 18 might be the easiest to find and the easiest to swap.

the honda 20hp twin is a great option if you're going to spend the big $$, but at that rate you can also go with a diesel.

P.A. is a lawn tractor junk yard gold mine, you should have no problem finding a motor. i'll go find a few names for ya.

Thanks Kaiser. I was looking around at some places that sell "repower" kits and checking out some tractor forums. A 20hp vanguard seems popular as well as the 18hp magnum.

I can only hope if he goes that route that his new pto clutch will mount to it. $500 down the drain if they don't.

my computer is slow as mollasses today. i know that there is a huge wheelhorse following in pa, there's a huge show every year in harrisburg.

the kohlers used in wheelhorses are the same as bolens (cadets and deeres too). keep in mind for what a new honda engine will cost you can score a sweet wheelhorse that will out perform anything made today.

https://www.mowergraveyard.com/

but also check craigslist. there are alot of guys buying and selling tractors and parts on there.

k341 is the designation for the single cyl 16hp kohler that everyone loves.

Stay away from the Vanguard (Briggs). Keep with Kohler or Honda.

esaresky75 wrote:Stay away from the Vanguard (Briggs). Keep with Kohler or Honda.

yup, those are what they use on new tractors. my neighbors have newer deeres with 20+hp vanguards....my 16hp opposed twin is way more powerfull. and nearly twice the size.
the cub cadets come with them too. another neighbor bought one, $2200. a year later he comes to me looking to buy an old wheelhorse.
(most of all the new cub cadets, small deere's, husqvarna are all made by MTD)

old iron rules. bolens, wheelhorse, old cub cadet, old deere, allis chalmers, panzer, economy, simplicity....anything older then 1990 for the most part are excellent tractors and will last a lifetime. (wheelhorses are probably the easiest to work on, followed by bolens, economy, cubs) i'm partial to wheelhorse for sure.

If you can find an 80's Deere (316 gas, 318 gas or 430 diesel) for a decent price, I would buy one. They are the last of the quality Deere lawn and garden tractors made.

The other older option is the 140 Deere from the late 60s - early 70s. My dad bought his 140 Deere Patio (White & Orange option) in 1969 and is still using it today.