A Massive Engine Upgrade For My Classic Cub Cadet Garden Tractor

This made my 782 mow like a brand new tractor. I replaced the Kohler KT17 with a Briggs and Stratton Vanguard 18. I bought a kit from Small Engine Warehouse and it was relatively easy to install.

[@MrThejonboy03]

I work at SEW. Loved watching your install video. I love seeing our kits breathe new life in the older machines.

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

Awesome! The kit made it pretty easy to install.

[@craigjohnson3603]

Nice old lawn tractor. Built much better than the new ones. My friend gave me his old Murray that had a shot single 12hp and I bought a used opposed 16 twin to replace it. Your video inspires me to get going on it 😊.

[@BJ-pg8te]

I have an old 1991 Ariens gt18 and it has the Kohler m18 the 18hp version of this engine and it's an absolute powerhouse and I love how it sounds like an actual tractor

[@OldTractorsnJunk]

Love the old lawn mowers! I have quite a few of the narrow frame Cub cadet mowers myself.

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

I love the narrow frames also. I have a 72 that was just on the cover of lawn and garden tractor magazine. The wide frames are more capable but the narrow frame round fender tractors are beautiful.

[@captainkirk1745]

Great video with seriously good info. Good on ya! Thanks for sharing! Also, LOVED the music!😃

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

Thank you! I think in general the music helps people stay interested but one in 1000 people usually have something really angry to say whenever you put music in the background.

[@johnn2557]

My 1450 is repowered with a vanguard 16hp. It fit right in with a few mods and has made a big difference! I saw your 72 on the latest cover of Cadet Mag. Nice !!

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

Nice! I just got the magazine today! The article on the 72 turned out great.

[@argee55]

Great swap. Thanks for sharing.

[@rjrj4617]

I waited quite a while but finally found a red 782 with the KTII engine - I love the tractor but it needs a paint job. The upgrade you did was great!

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

That's great! I wanted to love the KT17 series 1 but ultimately just had to swap it. I had it running great but just couldn't get it to stop burning oil. Replaced the crank breather, fixed an oil leak on the rear seal, ran a bunch of additives through it (none helped), then ultimately at a time of weakness bought a new engine! But I am glad.... It will last me forever with a nice fresh engine on an already beefy machine

[@michaelfinney2160]

Great job ! To keep correct engine hours you can replace the hour meter. I found a Hobbs I believe and fit same hole. Have a Blessed Day 🇺🇸

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

Thanks! I actually did end up replacing the hour meter. I found a Bosch that fit the hole.

[@frios011]

Great job and great video!

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

Thank you!!!

[@timothykeith1367]

I have a 782. The KT17 isn't that bad. Check the oil level every time that you use it. Many simple engines lacked oil pumps and do fine.

[@robertheinkel6225]

The 17 hp Kohler did have a pressurized oil system. That is why the rods failed when used on a side hill. Also the oil was routed thru the case halves, and were frequently closed up at the factory with too much sealant. I short blocked a bunch of these when it first came out.

[@jayh1947]

Very nice swap and video...................Jay

[@TN_David_Vols]

Nice video. I did the same swap a few years ago. Huge improvement. By far the biggest hassle was replacing the throttle cable. I completely ditched the one provided by Small Engine Warehouse in the kit. Instead I mated a new throttle cable (which was much higher quality than the provided cable) to the original throttle handle. So far the Briggs has been completely trouble free.

[@charleschapman2428]

As for the Decibel meter, you probaly could have had the same results just by changing the muffler. Thanks for the video, always good to see old iron still rolling.

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

I actually tried that on my 1810 and found that even a double muffler didn't quiet it much. A good bit of the sound was coming from the thin walled cylinders. The sound was really just an added benefit though. The burning oil was the main reason I did the engine swap.

[@jshelledy1]

Nice job. Love that tractor.

[@mtwseneca]

Just a little tip, at work on large turbocompressors we would always grind the keys to slip fit in keyways. We did not want a large hub to hang up on anything. For small engines I still do the same thing, except I put some oil on the shaft (instead of molly) to prevent rust.

[@BRI33NOR]

Not being now original will it have reduced the actual value of this clean machine as far as collector's are concerned. Nice conversion as a working tool though.

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

It's not really as clean as it looks. I have repainted it and gone over it pretty aggressively. The front rims are narrowed and welded for the 3 rib tires. I am keeping it pretty true to what it should be but improving it where I can. It is my work horse tractor so it will get used relatively hard. I have a 1968 cub cadet 72 that was just on the cover of lawn and garden tractor magazine. That one I have no intentions of modifying beyond what would have been factory available or easily removeable.

[@roynajecki1100]

I did this repower on my Cub Cadet 782 with the same B&S Vanguard engine from Small Engine Warehouse when they cost $1,300 in 2016. The two problems I've had with the Vanguard engine is the diode that shuts the fuel off burns out frequently. The diode wire kit 844547 is a pain to replace because of the time spent taking things apart to get to it. I eventually just did without it and let the engine starve for fuel for ten seconds to shut it down. The more important problem is the lousy Nikki 610027 carb on these Vanguard engines. The carb jets needs to get drilled out or replaced otherwise within a season of use the engine will hunt/surge. There are several KZbin videos on this subject and I recommend the Eliminator Performance and Chickanic ones on the carb repair. Also Taryl Fixes All did a video in August 2019 on replacing the Nikki carb with a Walbro carb, though unfortunately a direct replacement Walbro carb is no longer available, but a Walbro 690111 or 690115 might work with some part swapping (ie throttle shaft).

[@LewisMowersandBoats]

New subscriber here thanks for sharing brother fantastic video 😊

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

Welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@iowafox2206]

This is exactly the same thing ill be doing sometime with my 1978 John Deere 316K. Once the original 16hp kohler single cylinder goes down ill probably go the briggs 18hp route or possibly a Honda 18 or 22hp engine. But I agree these old machines are worth saving and keeping around.

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

Awesome! I don't think you can go wrong with either engine!

[@harrywood8196]

I have an 86 Deere 332 with only 900 hrs on it. Rebuilt or replaced all the stuff that wears out and I had a 2nd 332 that had a lot of good stuff so I switched things around then sold the 2nd machine. My everyday garden tractor for grass etc. with a J D 80 all steel cart to match.

[@paulhare662]

Nice job. I'd like to re-power my 1970 Wheel Horse Raider 10, 10 HP Techumseh. Old tractors are cool. Mine even has a cigarette lighter which I guess is a cell phone charger now.

[@PsychoSinterklaas]

I have bought a lot of stuff from them. extremely happy with everything

[@krowbar23]

Awesome repower. 😊

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

Thanks! It worked out great. I couldn't believe how perfect of a fit it was. It fit almost better than the original KT17

[@Themowermidget]

I know many guys who engine swapped the 782s. Almost all of them just went with an 18 or 20 horse kohler magnum series engine. They bolt right in. I’m trying to buy a 782D, 782 Gas, and a 128 with a cub brand cultivator. I’m buying 2 machines from the same person to resell then buy those 3. I’m going to repaint the 782 D and paint the 782 gas red since it’s one of the yellow and white versions.

[@boatbuilder1954]

This was a great video, great photography and explanations! I am going to do the same to mine when I get a few extra bucks Were there spacers underneath the motor to keep it up off the motor plate on this? Thanks

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

Awesome! There were no spacers under the new motor. Just a metal bracket that lifted it about an inch off of the OEM cub cadet motor plate.

[@mrbeep8096]

28:46 what you could do for the oil drain is zip tie it to your filter.

[@corydriver7634]

I like your oil drain setup. Do you have a video on how to make that? Or at least the materials you used. I swear small engine manufacturers try to make it as inconvenient and messy as possible. Thanks.

[@kurtneumann3164]

Thanks again 😊

[@Bluebottlenose]

This is cool stuff, AND I’m a guy, I like it!

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

I have achieved my goal then! Thanks!

[@JeffMiller-k8c]

I repowered my 1983 JD 318 with a honda GX 630 24.5 hp,The kit came with everything needed for an easy install.

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

Awesome! Was that from Small Engine Warehouse also? I wish they had a 782 kit for a 20+ horsepower engine but the 18 really is beyond enough for this tractor. Under no circumstances does it even think about bogging down under load.

[@Patrick-xd8jv]

@@CoolStuffGuysLikeBut there’s no such thing as too much power!!

[@prostreetgsxr]

I love Vanguard V-twins

[@andrewwalsh531]

I enjoyed this video, having owned an old Cub Cadet lawn tractor myself. While I did hear a discernable difference in the noise level between the new & old engine, I was a little underwhelmed at the difference to my ears, considering the 10-11dB measurement you got on the sound meter. I guess over time (hours of mowing, etc.) it amounts to a lot but just listening to it for a brief period it seems small. The benny you get from not breathing in the burning oil fumes must be great tho, congrats!

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

Thanks! It is hard to really tell with the cameras since they are trying to normalize the sound, but it is pretty noticeable to the ear. I will sometimes use a recorder and set the gain manually instead of on auto like the little action cams do.

[@jeffreyyeater1780]

Im planning on replacing my onan with a honda , on my Steiner . Same company sells the re power kit .

[@dianasimon2060]

How can you plow with the dual wheels on that old cub? Furrow will be too narrow.

[@billypirtle1443]

I have a 22 hp on my 318 john deere with a 60 inch deck.

[@williamclark9624]

Still have the old Craftsman 1974 model. 16 hp. Not changing a thing. chunka,chunka.

[@wirewaykingelectric4978]

What are the difference? Does it idle really low and nice?

[@martin1b]

KT17 Series 2 didn't have that problem

[@wirewaykingelectric4978]

Does it idle down nice and low? Can you make a video of it idling low?

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

It idles pretty normal at around 1200 rpm. Normally the fan cooled engines like to run at full rpm (3600) if you are doing any work or they may overheat.

[@kellygb9278]

I have a 1997 Cub Cadet, 2135 Tractor (2000 Series),38" Deck. It has the 13 Hp Kohler engine So far it has been bullet proof but I can tell it is getting winded. Your engine swap did get me to thinking it might be worthwhile to swap out the engine when the time comes How did you decide what engine would fit your application? PS, mine still has the original back tires but it is on it's 4th set of front tires, same Hydro and the 3rd PTO clutch

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

Awesome! The 782 has a pretty standard horizontal shaft engine footprint. There is a good bit of information out there about engine swapping them, since it is such a popular model to restore or keep running. In my case, Small Engine Warehouse made a kit for the exact tractor, so it took about 90% of the guess work out of it. There were still a few things that I needed to figure out, like you see in the video, but for the most part everything bolted right up. For your 2135, a one cylinder horizontal shaft of about the same horsepower may work but it is hard to say for sure. You can get adapter sleeves on amazon usually for the PTO side, but for the drive shaft side you would probably need a custom machined adapter for most engines, and the wiring harness could require some thought. I would dig around in the cub cadet forums and see if someone else has done a swap before committing to it. Being a 1 cylinder, it would be likely a lot easier to rebuild than the old horizontal twins in these tractors if you wanted a winter project that was a little cheaper.

[@kellygb9278]

Thanks for the suggestions, I have searched for the Cub Cadet forums and I am actively seeking solutions When I find something, I will share with you the detail and or progress. I have subscribed & will keep in touch

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Could have done without the music.

[@harrywood8196]

They all seem to use music, not sure why.

[@Thecowboy1950]

Yep repowered my jd 420 with a Honda GX 660 no kit but I made everything work

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

That's great! I think the GX660 is dimensionally almost identical to the vanguard 18. I had considered that route also, but the Small Engine Warehouse kit made this so easy I decided to go that route.

[@matthewmoilanen787]

Kinda funny to hear how this was the last great lawn tractor and then a diatribe about how the engine wasn't designed for mowers and needed to be replaced by a current production engine with an actual oil pump. I must say that I use a 2 yr old Cub Cadet LT1 with a 22hp Kohler and couldn't be more happy with it. In fact against all common sense it and a Cub trailer were used to move 30 tons of dirt last summer for a yard and driveway update. Kinda sounds like the guys telling me in the 70s how the muscle car era was over. Doesn't seem like pollution control devices have stopped modern manufacturers from making 800 HP muscle cars. Oh and they're lighter, faster, stop faster, handle better and have airbags so you don't die when you get hit by a drunk driver. Ya sometimes people have the wrong idea about the "good old days". I was there and they weren't always that great.

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

If you can think of a newer "great" garden tractor made by International Harvester, I'd love to hear about it. But since the 782 was the last model made by them, before selling off the Cub Cadet brand, you won't find one. There are certainly many great newer garden tractors out there but they aren't made by International.

[@matthewmoilanen787]

@CoolStuffGuysLike I guess the fact that it was made by International doesn't really matter to me as much as it being "great" but having a poor engine that you even think should be replaced rather than repaired. If you find that because it was made by International it's great then more power to ya. For me companies like John Deere, Masey Ferguson, ect have made Garden and Yard tractors for years and it doesn't necessarily make them great because they aren't produced any more. Have fun with your project and I hope it turns out great for you.

[@maxwellbutler4184]

@@matthewmoilanen787shut up tool

[@RonSales]

What did you do with the KT17 I'm looking for one as a back-up in my yellow 782 .

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

It is still in my garage near Pittsburgh. I will probably sell it cheap at some point.

[@markpontes4457]

How many hours were on the Kohler?

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

The hour meter was broken but showed about 650 hours. My guess is somewhere north of 1000.

[@ulhpilot7757]

I’m surprised you’re not taking a hit in the comments for not using a torque wrench.

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

I am little surprised too! People are ruthless on their comments. I am normally pretty good about using torque wrenches but most things in this install are pretty forgiving.

[@charleshogan]

I would of put a Onan motor on it for a replacement I've owned one of them type Kohler motors there really good motors rarely wear one of them out if you change the oil and filter s on them Onan motor would of been in choice but the vanguard not bad but I would take a 670 predator from harbor freight over that vanguard

[@robertheinkel6225]

We had so many issues with the Onan engines used in skidsteers, that we called them Odamm engines.oh damn here comes another one for repairs.

[@markpontes4457]

You cantbbuy on an anymore!

[@kurtneumann3164]

Ballpark , 1500 $ . ? Nice unit. Need to repower my simplicity sunstar.

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

It is about 1900, shipped and with the adapters. If you are a machinist and or know one and aren't in a hurry, you can make the adapters but you wouldn't save much. For your simplicity that is probably the route that you would need to go though.

[@rogerwhiting9310]

What was the price of the Vanguard engine?

[@richardcherry7851]

Where can you buy one of these at you said you had it shipped

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

Small Engine Warehouse. The part number for this configuration is 356447-IH682-R2. It works for the 682, and 782 and probably any other wide frame cub cadet that had a KT17 or Magnum 18.

[@paulsylvester1394]

Kit is $1900 but free shipping.

[@DisfatBidge69]

Can we get an English version please?

[@ZAPATTUBE]

Motor was not running to smooth. Daryl calls them: Briggs & Scrapem

[@dadgarage7966]

Bolt sizes are measured by the major thread diameter, not the drive size.

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

I am telling people what size socket they need so that they don't have to fumble around. Technically a lot of these are "screws" also since they are going into tapped holes but since my audience is more DIYers than engineers, I use the garage terms. For knowing what socket to telling people that they are 3/8-16 or 5/16-18 is too useful.

[@shawndean6878]

Holy shit people, stop whining about the damn music. Don’t watch if it bothers you that much

[@williamorman4779]

Iam lookin for that same tractor ,if you know were one is let me know

[@sspnugen]

I would rather install a really fresh M18 with a newer wiring harness

[@cliffhaskett7703]

@ssonugen OEM Parts for the M18 are virtually impossible to find. Seems like I've seen some aftermarket overhaul kits that didn't really meet the needs of a complete overhaul. I have 2, M18S Kohler Magnums that I would love to go through on Deutz Allis 1918's. Although repower would be a more sensible choice. But in the essence of keeping it original , I would do the M18 overhaul. Open for ideas if anyone knows of parts availability on the M18.

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

That is pretty much the conclusion I came to also. I had an 1810 with a magnum 18 that I considered swapping but it was getting pretty worn out also. To rebuild one with OEM parts is pretty expensive and not nearly as easy as the old 1 cylinder Kohler's.... Plus then I would have an 1810 without an engine.

[@landontesar3070]

ugh, single cyllinder flathead, nuff said

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

The KT17 is a horizontal 2 cylinder flathead. I would much rather it be a big one cylinder flathead though. The old Kohler 7-14 horse flathead one cylinders were so much simpler to rebuild.

[@landontesar3070]

@@CoolStuffGuysLike Thank you for clarifying. I have an MV18 and it seems pretty tough. Probably needs a valve lash adjustment.

[@michaelatkins9780]

Is it me, or does this look like a kohlerectomy with the gloves and all...

[@johnboybane778]

Music didn't bother me that much but when he said Briggs and Stratton that is where he lost me Kawasaki would have been better

[@KP50-oj6ce]

MTD;..More Trouble Daily....!

[@genesloan3175]

I agree, music isn't needed...

[@genesloan3175]

Music is distracting.... You said this was a CubCadet but last of IHI? what year and model was this model?

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

The Cub Cadet 782 was the last garden tractor produced by IH, before selling to MTD. MTD still made the 782 and branded as Cub Cadet after, but started using aluminum rear ends instead of cast iron. This one is a 1981 Cub Cadet 782, which was the last year in the IH factory. While the later 782 models had inferior rear ends, they did have better engines. The Series 2 KT17 and Magnum 18 Engines had pressurized oiling systems. This one had a KT17 Series 1 which had some flaws.

[@RetiredPilot]

It would have been better without the music....

[@ShainAndrews]

Music is unnecessary. Stopped watching because of it.

[@captainkirk1745]

What, you can't turn your volume!? Damn! Tough crowd. 😉

[@Justiceincorporated.]

😢😅

[@Paul-rd5pw]

There’s one in every crowd

[@ShainAndrews]

@@captainkirk1745 Ever been on a conference call and some loser places their line on hold... and there is hold music? We are either exchanging information or we are going clubbing... but not both.

[@totallyjonesin]

I'm with you on that but at least he had it turned down.

[@Шараева-я9ю]

Thank you so much for this amazing video! Could you help me with something unrelated: My OKX wallet holds some USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). What's the best way to send them to Binance?

[@Justiceincorporated.]

Pigeon

[@daleolson3506]

The music junked another video 👎👎👎💩💩😬

[@zzzdogutube]

Music gets annoying. It is not needed please stop it.

[@mbjeep7]

oh my God kill the background music..

[@Justiceincorporated.]

😩 😢😂😅

[@JackSwagger-w3u]

I hate videos that have music in them. Not watching specifically because of the music

[@roamer7129]

Of all the choices of a motor you could put in that you chose a piece of shit Briggs & Stratton what in the hell is wrong with you.

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

Lol I have mixed feelings about the B&S engines. I have never had a problem with them and have had some bad Kohler's. The Vanguard engines are their commercial lineup which gives me some confidence vs the E or EX engines.

[@Justiceincorporated.]

What would you suggest Mr expert

[@ericpaul4575]

A POS Harbor Freight. 1/2 the cost so you can replace it twice if needed.

[@boatbuilder1954]

Well I have two self propelled 22" Lawn mowers with Brigs and Stratton motors and have had them for over 20 years, one at my home and the other at my cottage and the only thing I have done is replace the air filter every 8 years and change the oil every 3-4 years Wheels is another problem I have put on 3 or 4 sets of wheels on them! The newer Briggs have automat chokes and are for crap!

[@Justiceincorporated.]

@@ericpaul4575 and pay the labor twice. lol your brilliant

[@johnboybane778]

Music didn't bother me that much but when he said Briggs and Stratton that is where he lost me Kawasaki would have been better

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

🤣