Kohler Courage 20 Stopping Oil Leaks 2 Ways

[@kp1212]

Thank You for this Video!!! I was ready to buy a new tractor.. My engine was smoking and blowing oil... I fixed it... Thank you!!!!

[@baldeagle242]

Love the heat shield mod @13:10. Great vid. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@csb772]

Thanks for the help!! I picked up a nice rider all there but the previous owner didn't know what he was doing so he sold it to me for $100. All it needed was a new spark plug and this gasket repaired. My wheels are not as bad as these. Mine still look new.

[@nashguy207]

Should be fine. I like the little heat shield mod. Good to see you doing videos as always. Merry Christmas and God Bless

[@rdzed3505]

Thanks for the video. Cork Valve finally failed on my 2007 Husqvarna 46" Kholer 20 Courage. I do take umbrage with the YTK20 (sv600) engine being a bad engine or design. Ive got well north of 1200 hours on my Kholer 20 and its never failed. Yeah, its been pissing oil for the past 2 mows but its been bullet proof for 14 years. It's a fine Power plant. Do your PM's and this engine is solid af.

[@andym1223]

Hate to burst your bubble but the valve cover gasket is the least of the issues. They have carburetor problems, the valve seats like to drop, and the blocks tend to crack. Also the sump cover gasket is prone to leaking as the bolts become loose (great design) and it’s not cheap to fix. Glad you have gotten good service out of yours but this is quite possibly the worst riding mower engine ever made

[@wcjcnc]

There is a gasket maker called,”The Right Stuff”. It’s the best I’ve found. You can immediately torque down the part. Then wait an hour and you’re ready to crank it. But he’s right. Don’t use the gasket. Only use gasket maker. Works great.

[@Mag_Aoidh]

I did that exact thing yesterday. Combination of old gasket a little RTV got me through the day and ordered a new one last night.

[@pedraw]

I almost bought one of those Husqvarna tractors a few years back. I bought the John Deere with the B&S motor instead. It's been flawless for years now.

[@gorazdsentochnik2346]

Have 700 hrs on mine ..bought it 2005. Original valve gasket.just started leaking . Use synthetic oil . Good video

[@chriswerkes8313]

Thanks for the video. Having the same oil leak on my Husqvarna and now I know why and how to fix it.

[@rineyfive2185]

Nice job explaining the process here, alot of good info as well.👍

[@tonym6920]

Nice work DW6, Have a great holiday!

[@Thomas-ul3uy]

I've seen another video that shows not only the valve cover gasket leak repair, but also the head gasket leaking. This engine seems prone to trouble. They run okay for a while, but eventually vibrate apart.

[@corydriver7634]

Are they racing this thing? I’ve never seen front tire treads worn so bad.

[@AprilLee021967]

I know right?

[@penguinhobbs]

must be driving on pavement a lot? I have same machine and my tires still look almost new after 8 yrs, only driven on grass.

[@markjohnson7508]

Guy prolly has Lotta blacktop or his yard is all asphalt and he just likes to imagine he's cutting grass and mumbles that his wife wanted an asphalt yard amd he kicks himself because he said ok. Pissed as he looks at his tires

[@knighthawk86855]

I had a Kohler engine in my personal tractor, I immediately took out that turd, and replaced it with a 20hp briggs opposed twin, that was 10 years ago and she still runs like a beast..... It's a craftsman LT1000

[@dadefope80]

I have a 19.5 Briggs opposed engine in my Lt1000. You are right, It's a beast. Still running strong.

[@BrucesShop]

Nice work. You have some lucky friends. I like the confidence of putting it all together before the final test.

[@dkupy100]

Had a Kohler 19 do the samething and used a new gasket plus RTV on both sides. Still leaked and actually caught fire from the muffler. I was going to try again but I wasn't going to get the cover off without bending. SO...I made a drip deflector from roof flashing so the oil dripped behind the muffler. It only leaks when the engine shuts off and only about 2 oz. Good enough for a 10 yr old machine.

[@bigsnyder01]

How did the RTV application hold up?

[@bubbacrabb]

I'm glad you did this video. I think this is similar to my Kohler. I thought it was a good engine. Figures with my luck.

[@dam1041960]

Low oil is part of the problem. Just one oil leak and it's all down hill from there. For you see the oil "is part of the cooling sys. And most people don't know this. All think that oil is just for lubrication. No! It's more important in a aircooled engines. Low oil leads to more heat and gasket failure to brg.failure as well. My 2007 19hp is still running and just started to leak at the valve cover . I have used Mobil 1 10w30 from the first oil change. Check your oil every time. And your engine should live a long time. A former outdoor power equipment tech of 15+ years And yes I still have all of my fingers.

[@michaelwalker3920]

dam1041960 my 05’ Cub Cadet with a Courage 19hp just starting leaking at the bottom of the valve cover. Bought a Kohler cork gasket but I think I’ll go the RTV route.

[@LewisMowersandBoats]

Very informative brother thanks 😊

[@artifactsantlersoh]

Could fiberglass heat shield wrap be an effective barrier between the two?

[@brantsmallenginerepairs]

Great video. Keep them coming. Cheers

[@jameshigbee7003]

So how many days did you let the RTV set up, it seems like you went a few days in between everything you did and still didn't finish the video. Looks like it took almost a week to get this far.

[@zedcartwright5267]

I bought a fairly new Troy built with Courage engine that caught on fire and burned up the motor cover and melted the plastic linkage on the carb. It was leaking both from the valve cover and the head bolts had came loose and oil was leaking from head. The head gasket was still good so I painted it with some aluminum paint which helps it seal and used blue lock tight and torqued bolts. Sealed the valve cover gasket and used blue lock tight on the cover bolts. Is fine now. I had the extra parts from another courage. That courage ran for years and is still running with no problem ,not even using oil and never replaced coil, nor adjusted valves. I retightened head bolts a couple times. I did have to weld the exhaust pipe as it had burned/rotted through from cutting tons of grass over the years. For some reason these Kohlers often have loose bolts either on the crankcase or the heads or valve cover. I suspect shotty construction during assembly. In a hurry to meet a quota of motors turned out and too lazy to put them together proper. From my experience the eternals of these engines are great.

[@zedcartwright5267]

I meant internals are great, not that they will run eternally.

[@6786346227]

I need to see the tire replacement and a video of that would be great for me.

[@workdog66]

How did you get the sponge so clean? Did you use brake clean or your parts washer? I don’t have a parts washer so I’m hoping it was just brake clean.

[@Extrmmitch]

How many days did it take you?

[@JeffCloudDesign]

The breather reed valve causes it to leak too. Inside valve cover there is a sub cover with the valve in it.

[@petefroud5308]

Nice job Bob . You and your family have a great christmas. Cheers Pete

[@sissymurphy9620]

I have a cub cadet with a v twin 22 hp engine so my gasket and cover is not like this .I have a troy built that has this and replacing that because it was leaking onto the muffler and smoking .I am seeing that my cub cadet book for the engine shows that but it has 2 of them 1 on each side of the motor .Troy built told me to use the cork gasket and the permatex also on both sides of the gasket and allow it to harden a little

[@bill5359]

Bought a tractor with a kholer courage 26 plus in it, thing is covered in oil and the shaft is lose on the bottom, pulling it out and putting a brigs 27 hp in it.

[@charlesbelville5090]

Great, in depth video. So, I do not have to drain the oil out prior to performing the gasket repair to the valve cover?

[@dubiouslycrisp]

Correct. I performed a valve cover gasket replacement and there was no mess of oil dripping. So no need to drain your oil first. I have heard the advice that you do this on a cold engine (which I did), because if you have just run the engine, a lot more oil is dripping from all the parts.

[@roertotrevino4047]

What brand of those tires

[@sargvsu]

I just bought a used Cub Cadet with this motor, and it is smoking a little. I haven't looked at it at all yet. Would you say pretty confidently that it's my cork gasket that is leaking down onto the exhaust?

[@marc-andrebourret8447]

Most likely

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

I have a 23 HP kohler courage V twin have not had problems with it. Do you know of any issues with them that I should watch for. I would really appreciate your feedback

[@doublewide6]

I had one in the shop of the summer that was leaking oil. I thought it was coming from the bottom crankshaft seal, but luckily after close inspection I found the oil drain plug was not tightened straight from the factory. I believe it was on an ariens zoom zero turn (maybe a gravely) but anyhow the engine mount bolts (2) were missing and it was causing a belt issue, so the hydros would not work without slipping. I do think the twins are better.

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

doublewide6 Repairs LLC Thank you very much you're the best. I hope you and your family have a great Christmas

[@thewolf61691]

I own a toro ztr 2008 with the 23hp, mine was leaking oil from the sump, resealed with yamabond, engine bolts loose to frame... runs clean plugs look good it surges for about 20 seconds on cold start runs flawless after that not sure if issue

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

ls3c6 thank you sounds like I should keep an eye on the engine bolts

[@thewolf61691]

Dave Ackerman 1967 I would, bought mine used last year with these problems and I put 27hrs on it in 2017 checking once a month... they remained tight so probably takes several seasons and 100+hrs to happen, mine was used residential so i dunno 250hrs now? I'm no small engine specialist like doublewide but an i.t. engineer and auto enthusiast, I'm happy with the courage 23

[@JasonTylerRicci]

My Briggs single piston twin cam OHV (Craftsman) drips oil out the exhaust after running. I'll notice a puddle and the exhaust is wet inside. I hope the ring isn't failing. It's been good to me (the bottom end) for many many years. Hoping a new gasket set will solve it (oil seeping past head gasket and into exhaust?)

[@markjohnson7508]

The courage line is not total garbage . Its an engine plagued by mechanical forces unexpected loosening sump bolts mainly but if properly maintained and bolts retorqued and locktight used before loosening occurres with regular oil changes and cleaning it will have a long life. The inverted bucket approach was resolved by reasoning of servicing the engine cams and general sump servicing. no need to pull motor off but that's where problems always originate. From unproven ideas. Some are good some are bad and the bucket engine approach is bad. I like to use permatex ULTRA black. Its good for using on sump/oil pans and valve covers.

[@ЯрославКошелев-ы6х]

Price was right and shipped quick

[@DKSE123]

What's the torque spec for sump cover ?

[@philliphall5198]

Getting very very common on these engines now

[@ricktokle5848]

😎🇺🇸👍 Hey Buddy! Nice work do you have a preference on which brand of riding lawnmower to buy? Thinking of getting one next spring, reliable would be a big plus thanks. You have a very Merry Christmas 🎄🎁🎅🏻

[@TheGrandMasterKage]

Rick Tokle if i had to pick a good reliable engine to get for a rider,then I'd go with a good old Briggs and stratton.I have a 18.5hp Briggs intek engine on my troy bilt bronco and it runs great.Just one mans opinion though,lol.I hope this may help you and i hope u have a wonderful new year.☺

[@ricktokle5848]

John Lewis 😎👍 that’s John for the reply you have a great new year also 🎆

[@Lanninglongarmmowing]

Kohler's seem to be prone to a lot of problems. I really like Briggs motors.

[@geedubb2005]

Koehler is nothing but junk nowadays.

[@garymartin8619]

I have the command and no issues he’s working on the courage

[@JDSmallEngineRepair1992]

I have been getting a lot of those engines with the same problem

[@DoMorewLess]

my troybilt is only 3 years old and i hav the leak infront..pisses me off..i think i can do exactly what you did w the new gasket..thanks dblwide6

[@knighthawk86855]

Wow, you always seem to get these mowers from customers, what do they do drag race with em, those front tires, I get tractors that are from the 70s, and their tires dry rot b4 the go bald, they must use these mowers for commercial use wow, great video and nice work, I hate curlers.... LMAO

[@DoMorewLess]

Should i drain the oil out first? my 3 year old Troybilt Kohler is leaking. I can do this.

[@geedubb2005]

Junk the Koehler engine or you’ll regret it.

[@jameshedrick6839]

Have that same engine on a husqvarna riding mower and a troy bilt hydrostatic horse mower that both have the leaky valve cover

[@jeremiahclemens9864]

DO YOU HAVE TO DRAIN THE OIL TO DO THIS???

[@22ndfmonty]

Jeremiah Clemens no need to drain oil to replace valve cover gasket.

[@rossy9549]

@@22ndfmonty Thank you I was wondering the same thing.

[@rogervedvig4478]

Why not blow the dirt off BEFORE you open the engine up?

[@toxrozzx8158]

Hi, has it been leaking since the making of this video? :)

[@kbowen2251]

Just got a zero turn with one of these. Good to know not to use the cork gasket on the cover! I don't know why everyone hates them. In my experience there are a lot worse engines out there 😂

[@philliphall5198]

I think it’s best to replace head gasket and sump gasket Then look for problems That way they can use it for a year

[@paulgrimm7842]

I have a commander 26 doing the same thing

[@davidl8425]

Mine started leaking after 15 yrs. I tightened the valve cover and it stopped....

[@victoryfirst2878]

Hello Doublewide6, I have found that you blow out the engine and tractor outside the shop. That way you do not have to deal with walking and spreading the dirt and oil in you shop. Sometimes it is better to use a low pressure washer that not only blows but cleans at the same time. This helps the engine stay cool and your hand will love you for it too. Then you blow dry the machine. The customer will really appreciate and see your work in a positive lite. The cork gaskets material comes in a few different grades. The factory buys the cheapest grade possible. I replace the gasket with truck grade cork and it still is fine. But the down side is you have to cut the gasket out of a roll of material. So more time spent doing the job. But any time you put to different metals with different expansion characteristics you will have a problem. I sealed the gasket with permatex ultra gray silicone form a gasket as an adhesive. But you have to wait a full day for the item to really seal and adherier. This rule is not really followed by most machines. Nice video with lot of information for us all to see and enjoy. VF

[@geedubb2005]

I’ve got two of those mowers with that garbage engine.. never again! They are the biggest pile of junk Koehlers ever made. Just bought another Husqi, a 52” but they don’t use the Koehler boat anchor any longer. Koehler use to have good product, but not any longer. I also put inline fuel shut offs on all of them. I did disable the anti backfire solenoid too. Thanks for sharing.

[@mikespain8655]

Kohler has great engines, take the Kohler Command Pro for example. The Kohler Courage single cylinder is not good. Do some research.

[@richardmcclary6525]

Ultra Gray

[@jefferykirby934]

HAVE GOT A VIDEO ON REPLACING HEAD GASKET ON A 20 HP KOHLER PS-SV600 ENGINE

[@maxfield15]

No you don’t I just went to your channel and there’s nothing

[@rverro8478]

It looks like, these past years that, Kohler and Briggs are purposely building garbage. Kohler with its self disassembly product and Briggs with its plastic camshaft.

[@danielpadgett2831]

Needs some new front tires I've never seen slick tires on a lawn mower

[@davidhickenbottom6574]

Mine leaked like a bastard put a new gasket on still leaked. Beat the shit out of it finally blew up.

[@fendermann1825]

Christmas Day video ?

[@bbmovinganddelivery1738]

Do you have any idea where I could order a muffler for that kohler courage 20? Part number Cub Cadet 1772810

[@michaelbenoit248]

Ya know, you’re going to save so much time just to keep filling it w oil & let it leak until the engine grenades in 100hrs then once it’s blown get a good used brigs twin for 200-$300, you’ll save so much time, & headache. I would’ve just bought a new brigs or predator engine,& blow this one up.

[@Santiago-iv7oi]

Nice

[@aleblanc3547]

What a mess to fix a poor design. I bet you use that hoist a lot more often than you thought you might, huh? :>) Merry Christmas, Bob!!

[@rogerlampton3050]

Followed every step to the T and it leaked like a siv

[@justinvandergriff3859]

The bigger the glob, the better the job!

[@Babakati]

Tourque specs ?

[@razzorm]

Just finished do over of a repair made like this. What a mess to clean up. I used gasket & permatex as shown in other videos. So far so good and sure will be easier cleanup as I'm sure repair will need to be made again down the road.

[@davidhogue5716]

I no why they leak

[@richardmcclary6525]

In the future man ultra great works way better that red stuff is garbage

[@DerwoodBones]

The Kohler Courage engines are such a POS the best thing you could do is strap some C4 to it and reduce it to dust !

[@officialdieselstudios2251]

I hate those crapy Kohler engins.

[@russlumley4974]

Bad idea not clamping sheet metal you're drilling

[@ken3700]

Dude...

[@stoneyswolf]

I cringed watching you drill that metal not wearing gloves. That bit grabs and the metal spins and your hand will get sliced up.

[@jabcrap]

You dont wear gloves with spinning equipment. If it grabs the glove it’ll wrap your arm around before you can get it to stop.

[@johns4584]

Those front tires look like baloney skins.......

[@DoMorewLess]

my troybilt is only 3 years old and i hav the leak infront..pisses me off..i think i can do exactly what you did w the new gasket..thanks dblwide6

[@DoMorewLess]

my troybilt is only 3 years old and i hav the leak infront..pisses me off..i think i can do exactly what you did w the new gasket..thanks dblwide6

[@DoMorewLess]

my troybilt is only 3 years old and i hav the leak infront..pisses me off..i think i can do exactly what you did w the new gasket..thanks dblwide6

[@geedubb2005]

Better off pouring a gallon of gas on that Koehler and sticking a match to it