A Craftsman riding mower with a ticking Kohler lifter

A common problem I have seen a few times on these older Kohler Command engines.
A Craftsman riding mower with a ticking Kohler lifter
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[@TStheDeplorable]

I discovered that one I've been struggling to fix had a hydraulic lifter that had ever-so-slightly mushroomed outward so it got stuck in the lifter channel, keeping a valve slightly open all the time. Great video. I sent it to the guy I'm fixing this with because you dealt with a number of things we encountered, and it's always encouraging to see someone else deal with the same things. Peace!

[@artramirez3506]

Excellent video. Thanks for the information on lifters. My 2008 Troy-Bilt Bronco with Kohler engine has gotten a bit louder recently so I may need to investigate into this further.

[@len4338]

Another great informative video Random !!

[@randomwrenching]

Thanks Len!

[@thomasroche164]

Thanks for the education!

[@randomwrenching]

Thanks for watching. Sometimes I try to explain something that's a little different than most common repairs. A little bit of tech theory never hurts.

[@thomasroche164]

@@randomwrenching you perfectly nailed it.

[@jimamccracken5783]

As a retired Master Mechanic I know when you mentioned Lifters you knew what you were talking about. I sure enjoy your channel more everyday. Thanks for taking the time to post and to direct those are are being at this field of work. Have a good day.

[@randomwrenching]

Thanks for the awesome comment Jim!

[@woodsmokegary5150]

Yup im a oldtimer oil bath air cleaner on my chevys 48 belair 51truck 51 gmc truck allso poured bearings with shims on mains and connecting rod journals. Happy trails

[@drfalcon4102]

I had a 1950 Pontiac,, yes it had a oil bath air cleaner, and no oil filter.

[@toddheasley4696]

exactly what I needed to know. thanks so much for the great lesson.

[@1SixpenceFan]

I put SBC lifters in a 20hp Kohler about 15 years ago, it's still running today. SBC lifters will work in a Kohler.

[@Andy-nm9dw]

Wow I what great information. I learned more on this video than I have in a very long time. These Kohlers are great engines and I have not had this issue before but I just got a machine in today that has the same issue. Great timing on your video. Also I recently did another Kohler for a head gasket and found a reed valve in the head that was destroyed. I had no idea that it even existed. Maybe you can go over that. Not sure if it was specific to that engine- the valve cover on that one was at the top of the motor.

[@randomwrenching]

Kohler Command and Magnums are pretty good. The Courage model is less good...lol

[@randomwrenching]

The reed valve usually works to limit the oil and oil vapor that gets pulled through the breather hose to the intake. Many Briggs just have a small hole restriction in the system instead. Never breaks, and seems to work fine

[@mikejerrett7354]

Lots of good information in that video, the oil in the breather has me stumped lol

[@randomwrenching]

A little blowby in the breather is normal, the valve with the bad lifter not working properly likely made it a little worse

[@mikejerrett7354]

@Randomwrenching oh yes I got ya buddy

[@TCMaine]

Always love your videos but the extra effort you put in on this one to explain about how those lifters work was tremendous. Thanks so much for your videos. You should have way more subscribers!

[@randomwrenching]

It's always nice to hear people's thoughts after I post a video, thanks! My subs are climbing slowly, but steadily.

[@bobanddebbiec6929]

Great video very informative

[@randomwrenching]

Thank you!

[@iig2310]

FANTASTIC VIDEO! THANK YOU FOR SHARING AND DEMONSTRATING YOUR SMALL ENGINE KNOWLEDGE ON THE KOHLER LIFTER REPAIR. LIKED AND SUBSCRIBED BROTHER 🤟

[@randomwrenching]

Thanks!

[@Wholen1one]

Love the step by step tutorial keep the vids coming

[@randomwrenching]

Thanks, will do!

[@rustymeadows3482]

I have changed oil in air cleaners. Thank you as always.👴

[@randomwrenching]

Ah, the good old oil bath air filters. Gotta change the oil in them regularly...lol

[@vinopan5374]

Thank you ,thank you for a most informative educational video! I am always anxiously awaiting your next videos! You deserve so many more subscribers! Keep up the great sharing of knowledge, so much appreciated by all!

[@randomwrenching]

Thanks for watching Vino!

[@philliphall5198]

To those people who don’t change oil regularly, watch very closely because You will have this problem, sorry but it’s the truth 😊😊 Thank you for sharing this information with them 😊

[@randomwrenching]

Thx Phil

[@jimamccracken5783]

Yes I remember the Ol Drop-In Filters. My Dad's Ol 53 Belair Chevy 6-cyl had one. It was attached to the Endtake with U Bolts. A hose out the bottom of the housing went to the engine. A Large Cap was on top with a 5/8" Bolt to loosen the cap remove the old filter and drop in the new one with a little wire loop on top of the cartridge to lift it out. Watch the lid and replace that rubber gasket in the lid. Two Companies made these FRAM and HASTINGS

[@andrewheinen9185]

Got er back nice!

[@randomwrenching]

Thanks Andrew

[@jamesmatheson8939]

Thanks for the lifter tutorial.

[@KensTablet]

Yes I did in a 1952 ford with 392 big block.

[@vikingdieselshop4994]

Awesome job!!!

[@randomwrenching]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@philipcbarrera1537]

Thanks for taking the time to make this vid. It was a great instructional and educational step by step procedure. I subscribed to your channel.

[@randomwrenching]

Glad it was helpful!

[@demetriosa7646]

@@randomwrenchingI have the same exact motor with the same issue. He’s going to change both lifters and new rods. Parts and labor ~300. Does that estimate sound about right?

[@1lockhurstk1]

GOOD VIDEO DON!!

[@randomwrenching]

Thanks Cody

[@paulthompson1654]

Easy test for clean air entering the engine . Wipe your finger on the top of air inlet to carb . The small amount of oil coming from your engine breather is connected to the carburettor base and coats the filter base with oil fume . These oily fumes will attract the dirt in the air . Best wayfor a clean / zero bench march is change oil then use mower when grass is green 1-2 days after rain during mowing season . Should be clean fumes. A dirty bench mark is change the oil then mow dry grass every week , after 4 times recheck oil fumes . they could be dirty if not enough filtration . ***** dirt can past filters when its very fine think of body/baby powder

[@billb2832]

glad to see this video because i have that tractor and was wondering about if you have to adjust the valves or not now i know i had to replace the gov in mine

[@randomwrenching]

Correct, there is no valve adjustment on these hydraulic lifter systems.

[@philliphall5198]

I’ve seen several bs single cylinder that chunks of carbon broke the piston ring area on piston of and locked up engine

[@randomwrenching]

I haven't seen a broken piston from that, but I have heard them knocking fromm hitting the carbon build up

[@dennisstirling7807]

Yes

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

C’mon, folks - how hard is it to hit that Like! 😉

[@philliphall5198]

People are assn oles

[@philliphall5198]

Yes Sir I do on my old ford F901&F951 tractors twice a year or more if it’s really dry weather and dust

[@randomwrenching]

We had a 1954 Case tractor when I was a kid, but I don't remember what filter it had...

[@user-vk3en9to8l]

I have also, thanks

[@robertduncan2742]

Oh ya changed oil in mowers and car.

[@Rscmgw23]

I have a commercial 52” toro z master that’s ticking. Seems to come and go. Are the v twins the same? I haven’t tore into it yet, just thatched the yard and heard it when I first started it, 20 mins later no ticking. I’m sure it will do it again next time I fire it up. Only 168 hours

[@donvoll2580]

Good day I learn something "Don", yes my dad had 49 dodge & 52 ford truck, I forget but 1 or both had oil bath air cleaner. Boy u want your oil clean with those lifters! Interesting on lifter turning slowly Would sea foam work on carbon ? Thanks

[@randomwrenching]

Seafoam sometimes can free up gunk in the lifter oil passages to help them prime up again. Not so lucky in this case..

[@norris.7670]

👍

[@philliphall5198]

What was the name of the old liter cleaner in a yellow can , seems it started with a R , been a long time since the 283/327 days but it worked pretty good 😊

[@randomwrenching]

Rislone?

[@hakimbouamar7179]

Thank you for you teaching us about hydraulic lifters. First time I disassembled the valve cover I was quite lost and did know how to adjust the valve clearance.....found out that it did need. I have a question: when I shut down the engine I hear a high pitch clicking noise exactly like what i have heard in your engine at 29:01. What is it?

[@randomwrenching]

I've never actually investigated, but it's heard on many many kohlers

[@hakimbouamar7179]

@randomwrenching after investigation, it looks like the clicking sound comes from the decompression release.

[@randomwrenching]

​@@hakimbouamar7179 Yep makes sense

[@philliphall5198]

Just other reasons to change oil regularly and drain metal in oil out

[@randomwrenching]

Exactly!

[@paulthompson1654]

Kohler commands v twins can wear cam shafts and lifters , not uncommon . These lifters are GM 6 cylinder . Send the dimensions to a cam company The other is the rocker stud flex`s that much they eventually wear/pull out. Kohler has known about lifter short life in the command since the 1990`s . ANY KOHLER BENEFITS FROM A 11X 8 X 1 1/2 OIL COOLER on any engine over 20hp . A 25hp with a 52 inch deck can go as high as 240---250F on a hot day . Even an air cooled VW Bug does not run this hot . The cooler setup adds at least 1 quart to oil capacity total 3qts , Always use a semisynthetic minimum with a high zinc content . At 75--100hr service time the oil is clean and does not smell .

[@randomwrenching]

Great info!

[@woodsmokegary5150]

Thanks for that info.happy trails

[@steveriggenbach90]

Went to work, finish video later. Lifter trouble. Have you tried marvel mystery oil?

[@randomwrenching]

Nope, I just replaced them both. It was mechanically collapsed, no saving it.

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

I always have questions. 😉 Since my inclination is always to rebuild rather than replace, are the springs in lifters swaged into place or held in with snap rings or other means so I might be able to obtain replacement springs and rebuild?

[@randomwrenching]

You're going too far now...lol. lifters just get replaced.

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

@@randomwrenching I beg to differ! 😂 I found an excellent video on dismantling them, how the operate in great detail and what can go wrong. If I come across this issue I guess I’ll have to decide to rebuild if parts are available just like carburetors. 😉🔧👍

[@randomwrenching]

@@Rein_Ciarfella I'll let you rebuild them all then. I'll keep replacing them. 👍

[@philliphall5198]

Lifters get stuck because metal gets stuck in them, it’s hard to clean them out also

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

So THAT’S what a “lifter” is! Thanks, Don, for that theory of operation segment! I’m here to learn and that was definitely a learning moment! You da MAN! 🔧👍 Oh, and thanks a lot for sending me down yet another rabbit hole! m.kzbin.info?sp=mAEA&search_query=how+do+valve+lifters+work

[@randomwrenching]

I aim to please

[@demetriosa7646]

What can happen if you just let it be. Mines ticks at start up but goes away after it warms up?

[@MasonLudwig-yj2uv]

either your engine will eventually die out or it’ll just run forever lol

[@philliphall5198]

Never thought a hyd lifters would work on a engines with aliumuim rod and the shavings in oil, even with a oil filter it’s still don’t make sense to me

[@randomwrenching]

They work fine...until they don't. I've done a few sets of lifters, all on 20 year old or older machines

[@paulthompson1654]

Air-Filtration u cannot have enough ...... spinner type Pre cleaner then stainless steel intake tube [no rust] then to dual filter donaldson then to oil soaked foam air cleaner then to engine . Cast iron cylinder sleeves are way way better than Nika Sil cylinders that some Kohlers used and may still use . They cannot be repaired . Overheating oil and poor air filtration wears them VERY VERY BADLY . They are junk

[@randomwrenching]

If the air filter is plugged up, the engine WILL still pull air in somewhat, but it be air that has bypassed any filtration. Super fast way to wear an engine out.

[@charlesflaco7976]

Hi the valve you torque them down to 108lbs?

[@randomwrenching]

100-108 INCH pounds, not foot pounds.

[@charlesflaco7976]

@randomwrenching thank for the rapid response, i like your videos, and they're very informative. I'm not a mechanic my friend gave me a riding mower poulan pro PR16H42ST don't know what year it is but it has the kolher cv16s engine the thing start smoking (white smoke) like crazy, I took it apart looks like a blown head gasket by where the exhaust rod is all the oil was coming out of the muffler, so I didn't which I should have done like you did on the video push the valves with the rods, mine are the same way the intake valve is soft but not too soft and the exhaust you can't even push, what do you think I should doing have new valve coming in?

[@randomwrenching]

@@charlesflaco7976 Smoke is likely the head gasket bad. Squishy lifter is likely worn out. I'd change them out while you're in there.

[@charlesflaco7976]

@@randomwrenching thanks again for the information it has been very helpful 👍

[@randomwrenching]

@@charlesflaco7976 You're welcome

[@philliphall5198]

Looked like top one was concave?? Or was it just me??? Yes allway soak new ones in oil

[@randomwrenching]

I do check the cam side of the lifters to see if they are concave. That would indicate a new cam is needed. These were fine though. Hard to see on the camera.

[@pepperspray4144]

Really enjoy your tutorials your humours great love it I'm the same way tongue-in-cheek and I just bought one of those Cub Cadet a1330 and I think I I'm going to like it thank you and yes I hit the thumbs up and I subscribed mister😅

[@randomwrenching]

Glad you like them!