How to PREVENT the Kohler Courage Engine from Cracking the Block

[@MrRon72718]

My Courage emptied the oil while mowing last week. Yup bolts were loose but had not reached flywheel but enough to allow stress crack. I'll try JB and blue Loctite.

[@baldeagle242]

I wish there were a way to make a public announcement about this issue. 🤦🏻‍♂️ I'm not a big fan of the Courage motors, to begin with, but this situation is entirely preventable if caught early. Thanks for watching and good luck with your repair. 🦅

[@karlkascha1261]

For a cracked case, try the product allumalloy aluminum soldering rods. Haven't used them for a cracked case, but have used them in other applications.

[@CheersWarren]

Thanks for tip .i found crack after leaks , one broken bolt and 2 loose! My cracks only at top so going to try and seal enough to use! Cheers,warren

[@ChrisXOutdoors]

Such a cool project. Turned out well. Good to know who buys this will be set for a while based on the attention you gave to it.

[@baldeagle242]

Thanks Chris! Now that the snows cleared up and the weather has gotten warmer I’ll turn the Pressure washer loose on it.

[@stevew4104]

I can say I change the oil in my 2006 very frequently. Every mowing actually. Fortunately the crack is at the top :)

[@baldeagle242]

I’ve seen them run for many years with a cracked case if the oil is kept topped off. 😉👍

[@scottbaker9066]

That's what happened on my neighbors CubCadet rider, it broke the cylinder clean off the block! I got it for nothing, put a B&S motor on it from a Craigslist guy who has basically a mower junkyard. Paid him $50 and the Kohler motor (starter and carb looked fine) ran it in the county fair demolition derby ($120 for 3rd place) and sold it for $300.

[@jjclarkson3261]

Great video! Something as simple as using 2 saw horses to hold motors, and other tips.

[@curteby475]

learnd alot about my kohler motor. got a free mower what had a fire. tore off all the burnt crap, put a battery in it. with startr fld it startd. coil wire burnd to fiber but still startd wow! hosed it off now it wont start. fuel line not leakin and still intact. couldnt find a fuse to check. vapor hose into air filtr i thought was just a nipple i now realize is a hose to air cleanr.

[@curteby475]

ive got couple othr mowers, now im thinkn about scrapn the 20hp kohler for a briggs 18.5. hopefully my belts will still work

[@baldeagle242]

Belts should work fine as long as you reuse the same pulley.

[@brian1801]

Excellent advice and video. Thanks. Greatly appreciated.

[@baldeagle242]

+Brian Thank you for taking the time to share your comment! I hope to see you around on future videos. 😊👍

[@brian1801]

@@baldeagle242 - I made a constructive comment about one of your other videos and rather than take offense, you made some significant improvements. Not sure who was operating the camera and lights and who does your editing but they, as well as you on camera, did an excellent job. And, the content and advice was spot on. Wishing you the greatest success with your channel.

[@baldeagle242]

@@brian1801 Absolutely! Constructive comments are incredibly valuable to me, and I'm grateful you took the time to provide one. Your feedback helps me understand what aspects I can improve and enhance in my videos. I truly appreciate your feedback and am glad you noticed the improvements. I couldn't have achieved this without the support and collaboration of my amazing wife. I'm grateful to have her by my side throughout this journey. I'm thrilled to hear that you found the content and advice in the video to be spot on. It means a lot to me that you found value in it. Your encouraging words and well wishes for the success of my channel are motivating. I'm grateful to have viewers like you who appreciate the effort we put into creating quality content. Once again, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and support. It truly means a lot to us. We will continue working hard to bring you more valuable content in the future. Wishing you all the best as well!

[@bigteeist]

Just ran across your channel thanks for the info on the bolts and for that you just got a new subscriber thanks 🙏🏾

[@baldeagle242]

Thanks for the sub! We hope to see you around on future videos. 😁👍

[@bagadonutz5717]

after the clutch and pulley came offf that easy I’d have to buy a lottery ticket and call it a day 👍🏼

[@baldeagle242]

You’re not wrong. I think they ran it for quite some time with a pretty serious oil leak. I’m sure all that oil running down in there helped me on this one. 😁👍

[@LewisMowersandBoats]

Great job brother 👏

[@baldeagle242]

@Lewis mowers and boats Thank you for taking the time to share your comment! I hope to see you around on future videos. 😊👍

[@hotrodgavin6543]

i have the exact same mower i changed my engine out for a Command 23 that i got for $60 it was from a John Deere L130 fit perfect just had to re-wire adjust throttle and add a Choke which a hole is already cut out for next to throttle cable

[@ConsistentAsh]

You got a great little channel keep it up!

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you!

[@vorant77]

Have one like that one, bought new from HD in 2007 with the same motor, it's just now giving me problems I consider myself very very lucky since that mower has been worked hard every summer and fall.

[@baldeagle242]

Thanks for watching. I've seen a few 15+-year-old Courage motors still running well. With a few precautions and regular maintenance, they will last. They're just not a motor you can beat on and neglect the way some owners choose to do.

[@erlenddammen2174]

I have one from 2005 which I owned since 2010. Still goes on perfectly fine.

[@ericmeyer4583]

Thanks for the info. I had a rider with a Kohler Courage and I didn't have this problem yet...but I'm sure it was lurking around the corner. As to date, it was the worst engine I ever owned. The biggest problem I had was the valve cover leaking oil even after replacing the gasket and cover. It would drip on the exhaust and smoke. Also, the valves constantly needed adjustment. Just after a few hours, it would replicate a dead battery but turned out to be valve lash adjustment

[@baldeagle242]

The Kohler Courage is one of the worst small engines ever built. Valve covers leak on almost all of them, cam gears are plastic and the problem I mentioned in the video with the case bolts backing out is the demise of at least 4 I have worked on. The most surprising part about this entire video is I had a "good" one to replace it with.

[@mikespain8655]

The Kohler Courage is a real dog, especially the single cylinder.

[@heyinway]

@@baldeagle242 There is a update kit..."Kohler # 20 096 14-S" ...new valve cover, cork gasket, and a stiffener plate that fits along bottom edge of valve cover to bridge the area where bolts should of been. Coat the gasket lightly on both sides with non-hardening gasket sealer, properly torque bolts to spec...no more leak.

[@solexxx8588]

@@heyinway I have one with the OEM valve cover and stiffener bracket and it still leaks like a sieve. I scrapped it.

[@greglee2785]

I have a courage 22 that I "rigged" with the customized C clamp and JB weld over 5 years ago. Still works fine. The top side bolts and the 4 engine mounting bolts have loosened a couple of times, yes it still leaks a small amount of oil but not much. This mower has cut 100s of acres of grass. It is a 2009 gravely 2250 mower. Rebuilt both hydro gears last summer. Still works great.

[@baldeagle242]

That's awesome. Someone tried to do the same thing to the original engine on this one but it didn't work out as well. I never tried to use it myself but the seller said it would leak half a quart of oil in 20 minutes of usage.

[@tylerbeach4727]

480 hours on my 2011 cub cadet with the courage 19. Original owner was my grandfather who did absolutely no maintenance on it. Oil change ever 3 years or so. I got it from him with 400 hours and did all the due maintenance and have since. That motor has never been apart and still runs like a top. I guess I got a good one.

[@baldeagle242]

Some smokers also live to be 100 years old. 😉 There are exceptions to every rule.

[@tylerbeach4727]

Great way to put it! I’m definitely chalking it up to luck. I’m going to see how far I can go with it before it blows. Hoping for 600 hours at least.

[@martinschulz9381]

My Courage blew up bang, fire and oil. I was told that a counter balance weight comes loose over time on the flywheel. They are really the junk lowest end of Kohler engines. The lawn mower dealer here told me that they almost all blow up and have to be replaced.

[@baldeagle242]

Generally it’s the case bolts that catch on them and and knock them off.

[@jeffreykarg5608]

I am pretty sure I commented in the past, but I am doing this again on another mower. It is just a great video. I would love to see a short on how to get that PTO clutch and pulley off on a hard one. My first one was very hard and this next one looks to be hard also. Any comments?

[@baldeagle242]

I use an Air Chisel to Remove a Pulley if it’s stuck. 1. Prepare the Bolt: • Screw the bolt back into the pulley, leaving it backed out by 3-4 full turns. 2. Create a Center Point: • Drill a small divot in the center of the bolt to help keep the air chisel centered. 3. Apply the Air Chisel: • Position the air chisel on the divot and start hammering on the bolt. • While hammering, pull on the pulley simultaneously. 4. Adjust and Repeat: • As the pulley begins to come loose, back the bolt out further. • Continue this process, hammering and backing out the bolt, until the pulley is completely free.

[@LawnCareFrank]

Nicely done 🙌

[@elliebaker824]

Great job! This was super helpful!

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you!

[@mikespain8655]

An honest seller, which doesn't happen every day. What is the name of your lift? What is maximum lift weight? About how much does it cost, and did you buy it on Amazon? Thanks

[@baldeagle242]

The lift stacker is made by Jet. It's used for moving and stacking pallets. I purchased it from a tool rental place that I do work for. They had it on the floor as a rental, and when I asked the owner about it, he said he'd had it for 3-4 years and never rented it once. He sold it to me for $200 just to get it out of his way. I use it almost every day. Thanks for watching. Here is a link to a similar lift. www.amazon.com/dp/B091NQNBXX/?tag=eagle0f1-20

[@weekendhomeprojects]

I had this happen. My toro lasted about 10 years then BAM...cracked block.

[@donny-ho1bm]

You rock..great job mate

[@rexwade1541]

That lift has a lot of play in it!

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

I'm binging you now. I like your style. Yup those kohler courage single cylinders are not very good I've had a lot of them come in either blown or cracked and always covered in oil

[@baldeagle242]

You have a new sub as well. Thanks for watching.

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

@@baldeagle242 thank you. I subbed you too

[@daxinventor3542]

I have one that was given to me by my next door neighbor. Needs a solenoid and a starter so far. Hopefully that will do it, but I also want to replace more things on it to make sure it runs longer. Rust spots all over it, but not all of the way thru the metal. A little auto body work will make it look good also. Thanks for your video. It has pointed out some things that I did not know about it. Maybe I can figure out a way to make grease fittings for the underside.

[@baldeagle242]

That's awesome; I love the free ones. Thanks for watching, and let us know how it turns out. 🦅🇺🇸

[@jimh.412]

Hi-is there 4 case bolts total and do you know what the torque specs are for them after you put the loctite on them? Thanks,!

[@weekendhomeprojects]

You told me I had to subscribe. So I did :)

[@baldeagle242]

LOL.. I think that comment scared more people away than it attracted. 🤣👍

[@rickbauer7088]

If the video had even covered a small portion of the subject the title referenced I would have given it a thumbs up but click bait gets what it deserves. Great video other than the click bait title that offers a question the video creator didn't bother to answer or even discuss in any depth.

[@baldeagle242]

Thanks for watching. You must have skipped the first 20 seconds of the video. In the first 20 seconds of the video starting at the 00:10 mark I explained why this happens and how to easily prevent this issue. The remainder of the video was what needs to be done after the engine has been cracked.

[@rickbauer7088]

@@baldeagle242 I am sorry, you are correct and I missed that short explanation. Thumbs corrected.

[@baldeagle242]

@@rickbauer7088 You’re a good man. Thank you sir. 🦅🇺🇸

[@jeffreykarg5608]

Thanks for this video. Its exactly what I am doing to my Ariens. Its a little easier as its a direct change. How long did it take you in total?

[@baldeagle242]

Without filming and keeping cameras in the correct spot it takes 1-2 hours.

[@RichardPflieger]

You have real good vids here so thanks for it! I didn't know about the case bolt issue so it's high priority to get after it! I hate the lack of non-serviceable parts on my toro 42SS timecutter. Especially the hydrostatic transmissions not having a drain and fill plugs. Do you have a method to service these before it's too late?

[@baldeagle242]

My father still pulls them apart and rebuilds them. Most of the time the only thing he finds wrong with them is a clogged screen with buildup in it. Other than new seals, bearings and gaskets most of them go back together with all the original parts. We’ve talked about making a full video about this but haven’t found the time to complete it. Here’s a link to a really short video he recorded of himself last year rebuilding a hydro transmission. 👴🏻Father’s Day with Dad: Cleaning & Assembly Project with 81 year old Father! kzbin.info/www/bejne/narUlneEm711pdk

[@tbearrails9983]

Tell me about that mower lift you have.. Home built or store bought? I could use one... TY

[@baldeagle242]

That lift was bought from a tool rental place that I've done work for. The owner told me he'd had it there for 2-3 years and never rented it once. I purchased it for $200. I added longer forks to pick up riding mowers and zero turns and welded a flip latch onto the mast to lock it in place once it's up. Other than that, it's all original Here is a link to a similar one on Amazon. They're not cheap. (may need to copy and paste) www.amazon.com/dp/B08SLY7C9T/?tag=eagle0f1-20

[@tbearrails9983]

Thanks, got the link. Is salty but I know what I'm looking for now////

[@baldeagle242]

+Tbear rails, you're welcome, thanks for watching. 🦅

[@mariowood-martinez2746]

Let's say my Toro is in great shape but this hapoened to my engine... if possible could I replace the engine with something that is not prone to these issues?

[@baldeagle242]

Yes, just about any similar sized engine can replace the original. The main issue is making sure the shaft size is the same length and OD and the exhaust system comes out in a location that works.

[@samkitty5894]

Nice work. I was wondering....why does the throttle lever on the carb not move when I work the speed control lever? Choke lever on the carb moves, but the throttle speed lever does not. Who controls the RPMs while the engine is running?

[@baldeagle242]

It sounds like something has broken or come loose.

[@samkitty5894]

Nothing is broken, lose or missing. I checked it multiple times. Even on your mover you will notice that the throttle lever on the carb does not move when you operate the speed control lever. Only the choke lever moves. @@baldeagle242

[@baldeagle242]

@@samkitty5894it’s tuff to say what’s going on without looking at it myself.

[@unti419]

I have a 2018 Cc Enduro XL1 LT42 with the 5400. I like to keep extra belts on hand. I have the 100 inch belt for the deck but can't find the belt for the transaxle drive. Any thoughts?

[@paulbrown8370]

Nice job buddy.

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you Paul.

[@baldeagle242]

+Paul Brown Thank you

[@paulbrown8370]

That is why i went to using only Amsoil Full Synthetic small Engine oils now for all engines, less wear and stays clean much longer and keeps the sludge from forming in the engine and she runs much better and cooler also. Costs the customer a few dollars more, but they appreciate that i care that much about their equipment like i do. I also use Amsoil Quickshot for the gas in all my small engines, keeps the plugs and pistons clean from any crap and she runs much better. Anytime of the year my engines will start even in the middle of the winter.

[@baldeagle242]

@@paulbrown8370 Good stuff. Thanks for watching.

[@baldeagle242]

+Paul Brown Thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸

[@M.TTT.]

Nice video, so is the main reason these engines have a bad reputation due to them losing oil and then blowing up, etc? Or do they just have multiple weak points/issues?

[@M.TTT.]

ah I see from some comments, its a little of both. I may buy an older Dixon ZT with a courage swapped on, will have to check it over very carefully before giving/selling it to a co-worker - if I don't keep it myself lol.

[@baldeagle242]

@@M.TTT. there are a few issues with these engines. Some issues can be prevented. The main issue is low oil and keeping the oil fresh and full. A second common issue that I mentioned in the very beginning of this video is the case/sump bolts become loose and back out catching under the flywheel. This usually results in the front corner of the case being cracked. The internal cam and timing gears are plastic and any type of backfire or sudden force can strip teeth off the timing gears. And last but not least the compression release mechanism is prone to failure and spreads broken parts all around the crank case.

[@baldeagle242]

@@M.TTT. I still have this mower and use it when I don’t have anything else running in the shop. There are lots other them out there still running but it would not be my first choice if I had other options.

[@M.TTT.]

@@baldeagle242 ah, thank you very much for the reply and information. Guess I'll just hope it doesn't blow up and if it does, I'll try to find a cheap lawn tractor to do an engine swap.

[@baldeagle242]

@M.TTT. I’ve seen them with over 1200 hours on them. If you change the oil and keep the oil topped off they can run for a long time. You’ll also want to make sure to keep the engine clean so air can flow around it. I’ve seen them fail because the are so encased in dirt and grass there’s no way for the heat to escape.

[@stevenertle2876]

Hey great video I do this I dabble in this stuff too that myself question does the bolts back out of the courage twin as well or is it just a single's have that problem with the bolts coming out thank you

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you. I've not seen it on the twins. This seems to be unique to the single-cylinder engines.

[@seamusmcwilliams1360]

Hi have you or do you anything about Kohler Courage 15 ? common problems?

[@baldeagle242]

Are you sure it’s not a Kohler Command? I could be wrong but I don’t think the courage came in a 15.

[@smokinnn100]

Nice video! Would you happen to know if a sv730 the 25hp twin cylinder will bolt up to a z4200 that came with a sv610 the 21hp single cylinder model?

[@baldeagle242]

The simple answer is, it should but I’ve never made that swap. Common issues are exhaust connections and location. You will need to make sure the 25hp comes with everything and possibly the linkage connections. Another thing you want to check is the shaft size for your clutch pulley. The 25hp might be larger. The mounting holes “should” be the same.

[@richardcole6566]

where can I buy a lift like the one you used in this video? Thanks

[@baldeagle242]

It’s a warehouse pallet stacker. They are not cheap to buy them new but you will see them at industrial auctions and some tool rental places have them for rent. Amazon has them but again, new is not cheap. amzn.to/3rvvBRa

[@Lovinflyindrones2022]

Hey Bald eagle. 👋 how are u doing these days. I have a friend that has a kohler courage 20 hp. It just started missing on him the other day It had been running fine. We changed fuel filter ,plug ,put fresh gas in and it runs good for a few minutes then it starts missing again. What would you check next.?? I know the courage has a bad reputation. It's on a cub cadet 1045 riding mower

[@baldeagle242]

Check the fuel cap. It may be as simple as a cap that's not venting enough to keep the fuel flowing. If that's not the issue you may have a bad or weak coil.

[@Lovinflyindrones2022]

@@baldeagle242 ok thanks very very much 👍🙂

[@dobermangang6216]

Have a Kohller sv530 that’s spraying gas out of the carb, any suggestions.

[@baldeagle242]

It sounds like you may have an intake valve that's not seating correctly. I'd do a compression check or a leak-down test to see where you're at. This assumes it's spraying out the intake side of the carb and not just a leak.

[@unti419]

I have the 5400 engine. Should I worry about this? I can easily remove the shroud and Loctite these bolts.

[@baldeagle242]

I've not seen a problem with that engine but it never hurts to check. Thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸

[@unti419]

@@baldeagle242 I just found your channel and plan tp binge watch when I get time. Thanks! BTW what are your thoughts on the 5400? I read where mechanics don't care much for the Courage, I thought the 5400 was pretty much the same engine.

[@baldeagle242]

@@unti419Thanks for watching. Most of what I work on are older machines. The 5400 was introduced in 2014, and so far, I've not come across one that needed internal work. That doesn't mean it's good or bad, just my personal experience. From a quick google search, I found a few links with more details. The information on Kohler's website has quite a few facts about the 5400. Kohler is well aware of the reputation of the Courage; I would assume they did as much as possible to address the significant issues that the engine was plagued with. With that said, the 5400 is still a price point engine, so, in my opinion, it's not going to be an engine that's expected to run for 10,000 hours. Next time I get one in my shop ill try to do a full review on one.

[@unti419]

@@baldeagle242 I changed the oil in my 5400 tonight and pulled the shroud. It requires 4 10mm bolts and a T20 screw in the plastic intake manifold above the carb. All the case bolts were tight, there were a few manifold bolts that felt loose but it's all plastic so I just snugged them up.

[@baldeagle242]

@@unti419 That's a good deal. These engines can run for a long time with a bit of attention. Thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸

[@erichefley847]

What's the torque on those bolts that may be loose?

[@baldeagle242]

I believe they are 20 or 21 foot pounds but I’m not 100% I’m right. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@alliesman9758]

What are your thoughts on the power more single cylender engine

[@baldeagle242]

It’s an MTD branded engine that’s built in China. They are basically a disposable engine with limited parts available. With that said they are comparable to the Briggs and Kohler entry level engines that are built to budget friendly price point.

[@alliesman9758]

@baldeagle242 I am trying to start a service and fix/flip shop I have close to 30 mowers most need some form of carb work mtd with the steering problems I have a craftsman with that and the yard machines with the powermore I appreciate the comment

[@baldeagle242]

@@alliesman9758 I’m starting to see more and more of them each year. Some Kohler parts can be made to work in certain situations. They are basically a Kohler knockoff.

[@vincentshelpfulhints4085]

What is the Fail safe on your lift,, That is what i would be worried about the lift giving away

[@baldeagle242]

I made a reference in the video about this. I welded a latch that flips around on the side and has a strap I tie around the top. With all the comments I'm getting on the lift, I plan to do a video on it at some point shortly. Thanks for watching and stay tuned. 🦅

[@calbertkensill8435]

If you can't get a kohlor courage 19 because they don't make them or the replacement motors anymore would a newer 22.5 Toro work

[@baldeagle242]

+Calbert Kensill, there are a few other motors that will work. The main things to check are: 1. Shaft OD 2. Shaft length 3. Does the exhaust come out in an area where the muffler will fit Throttle linkage and fuel connections are also essential but generally a little easier to change or reroute. If you're swapping to a larger twin-cylinder, you'll also want to make sure your hood will still fit around the engine and close as it should. Let us know how it works out for you and good luck with your engine swap. 🦅🇺🇸

[@calbertkensill8435]

@@baldeagle242 I know both shaft od is 1" it's for the same zero turn timecutter that you were working on in video im trying to avoid getting a motor that has the problem with the bolts backing out cracking the block that is on it now but im also having trouble getting muttin equipment to order the 22.5 they had me pay 910$ to order a motor when I went to pick it up it was in the back of one of their employees trucks it looked like they had just pulled it right straight out of the junkyard and it was the same kohlor courage 19 that i told them I didn't want im not paying 910$ for junk out of the junkyard so I had to get my money back now I can't trust anyone to order what I asked them to order

[@justinbrown1586]

Where can I find an engine for sv715-002 its 22 hp courage says retired on kohlers site

[@baldeagle242]

Most of the engines I find are used off Facebook Market Place, Craigs List, or word of mouth. I've never bought a new one.

[@suzieq8379]

Can you show me where and how many bolts that engine has to mount it plz

[@baldeagle242]

There are 4. One on each corner. One of them may have a nut on top that also hold the negative ground cable.

[@macknumber9]

If you ever wondered what Andy Reid would look like on a zero turn fast forward to 14:53

[@baldeagle242]

🤣👍

[@insidethreewide7133]

Dude, I feel your pain on the progressive lenses. Perfect 20/20 vision until I hit 40! It's all over but the blinding 🤣

[@baldeagle242]

+Inside Three Wide Thank you for taking the time to share your comment! I hope to see you around on future videos. 😊👍

[@insidethreewide7133]

@@baldeagle242 you will 👍Thanks for the tip. I went out and immediately checked my 20ho Courage and all was good.

[@colten1d]

I like your videos. Curious about the lift, you say you use it every day. Do the forks get in your way as you work?

[@baldeagle242]

+colten1d 60 There are times they can be in the way for sure. You want to remain aware of them, so you don't hit your head on them. It's no different than any other type of lift in that regard. For the type of work I do, the pros outweigh the cons by far. By design, the lift is easy to push and move around as long as it's on a relatively flat surface. I would not recommend it if you're going to use it once or twice a year because it does take up a lot of floor space. On the other hand, you can raise something and park other equipment under it to save floor space. I've had enough questions about it that I plan to make a short video about the lift soon. Stay tuned! 🦅

[@colten1d]

@@baldeagle242 Thank you.

[@suzieq8379]

I think the engine mounts come loose first causing all that vibration knocking those loose, I had a engine bolt hanging half way down pitful

[@baldeagle242]

I wouldn’t be surprised. I see at least one or two of these every season.

[@baldeagle242]

+suzie Q Thank you so much for taking the time to share your comment! I hope to see you around on future videos. 😊👍

[@suzieq8379]

I have a engine mount bolt broken off up in the hole.. I was wondering if I ever get that bolt out and if my cylinder block is cracked due to loose bolts I pray it just the oil seal or the sump pump gasket but if it is could I buy a cylinder crankcase block just like mine I’m wondering if all my parts would hook up to it?.??

[@baldeagle242]

@@suzieq8379 I would not spend much money or time on a Kohler Courage. It’s better to swap pretty much any other Kohler model or Briggs engine onto it.

[@suzieq8379]

@@baldeagle242 I can't afford a new motor.. I do my own work on it and I can check all that stuff Ive had this mower since 2009 it is zero turn troybilt rtz I love my mower, I don't want to spend money on another lawn mower either if I did it would be used and worn out mine looks brand new Ive always keep it inside

[@travismauldin7194]

I take my air shroud off twice a year and check those bolts.

[@baldeagle242]

Crazy we should have to even think about that but it could save a lot of these engines if more people checked them. Thanks for watching. 👍🦅

[@richardcole6566]

what kid of lift are you using?

[@baldeagle242]

It's a manual warehouse pallet stacker. amzn.to/3BzPSXX

[@gregoryc3988]

what lift are you using?

[@baldeagle242]

It's a Jet 1100 pallet stacker. I don't believe they make them any longer, but here is one similar to the one I use in my videos amzn.to/3efSAVz

[@gregoryc3988]

Thank you

[@baldeagle242]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@calbertkensill8435]

I finally got a new motor but it's more difficult to do something if you've never done it before

[@baldeagle242]

Best advice I can give you is take pictures before you pull anything apart and keep your bolts and parts separated by area. If you have a few magnetic bowls they work great but if not zip lock bags will get the job don’t. I always look at it like this… it’s already broken all I can do is make it better. Good luck with it and feel free to ask any questions.

[@calbertkensill8435]

@@baldeagle242 bad news for me the new motor didn't come with the mounting bolts and the bolts for the old motor won't work

[@baldeagle242]

Most hardware stores should have bolts that will work.

[@calbertkensill8435]

@@baldeagle242 bolted up and fired up on first key turn im glad im not stupid as I look but is my first engine swap and it's a new motor so probably shouldn't let it idle at full throttle definitely don't want to blow up the new motor

[@baldeagle242]

@@calbertkensill8435 it’s a good idea to let it run at low rpm without much load on it for the first few hours. I also like to change the oil after only a few hours of operation just in case there were any machining burs or shavings that got left in the engine. Congratulations on your first swap. 😁👍

[@philliphall5198]

Crazy but used 271 red on my own and that was 5 years ago Not leaking or breaking bolts But I bought grade 8 bolts for sump

[@baldeagle242]

Believe it or not I’m still using this mower for my own yard. I used blue LT on these bolts and it seems to be holding just fine. I don’t think it really matters if you use red or blue or even lock washers. Whatever you use is probably good enough. These are not engines that anyone will be rebuilding 10-20 years from now regardless.

[@jimh.412]

​@@baldeagle242Do you remember what these bolts should be to torqued to on the Courage motors? Thanks!

[@baldeagle242]

@jimh.412 Between 12-15 foot pounds.

[@jimh.412]

@@baldeagle242 Thank you. I'm doing the valve cover gasket next week and going to loctite those case bolts too. Just picked a rider up with the Courage motor fairly cheap and it was smoking of course. I'm glad my good rider has a Kawasaki motor in it. No problems in 10 years. 👍

[@RepairGang]

I'm live

[@andybecker2693]

There are just too many design flaws with this engine other than the case cracking. The valve covers always leak and the mechanical decompression assembly on the plastic cam gears just to name a few. I would repower with something else unless you want to keep working on it.

[@baldeagle242]

You're not wrong. 😉 If I didn't already have the extra “Discourage” engine sitting here I wouldn't have bought one to put back on it. Thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸

[@erlenddammen2174]

I have a 15 year old mower with a Kohler Courage 15, not had a single issue with it. Just waiting for something to happen when I see these videos.

[@baldeagle242]

@@erlenddammen2174 I've seen some pretty old ones still running strong but I've also seen more than my fair share of blown and cracked cases also. Thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸

[@erlenddammen2174]

I hope it holds up. Used it with success as late as today.

[@andybecker2693]

@@erlenddammen2174 Kohler Courage single cylinder?

[@Ctyworker]

I thought Kohler was better than this!! What chunk they are!! Mine has 170 hours on it and the rocker arm stud loosened up and took out the entire exhaust valve train. Rocker arm split, the push rod bent. I replace them and tried to adjust the valves. When I set the exhaust side at the 0.07 it compresses the valve spring so much that the engine locks up. Now I have to tear the case back apart and try changing the cam and the follower. It must be damaged too!! I hope it works I gotta cut my grass!! 💩💩

[@baldeagle242]

The older Koehler K series engines and the “newer” Command engines are not bad but their Courage line was built to meet the lowest price point possible and they just don’t hold up over time.

[@carminesilverado]

I had that engine in a riding mower and sure enough the block cracked there for I will never buy anything with Kohler brand name on it Period

[@rayburnett3066]

I am going on 70 years old ,so what about your Dad ,who is 80 years old

[@philliphall5198]

Easy, don’t buy this junk engine period, you’ll regret it and that’s a proven fact 😊

[@baldeagle242]

No doubt about it. I have 3 more sitting in the shop right now that need this engine replaced.