Kohler 7000 lawnmower motor, Important information!!!!

[@williamnewsome5169]

Very interesting to say the least. I have the Kohler 7000 KT735 on my Toro MX5050. My mower currently has over 500 hours and I have NEVER had any kind of problems - engine has been bullet proof. No oil leaks, no oil usage between oil changes, continues to cut deep grass with a bagger without strain. So far after 8 years, impressed with the trouble free power plant. Sorry to hear of your problems and would strongly advise against putting anything inside the fan area - to do so will restrict air flow and cook your air cooled engine. Not sure of "your" air box design but the way mine is designed, it is impossible for air from the fan to in anyway affect the air filter, airbox and air intake. Good luck, William

[@TheClintmeister]

I blocked all air coming into the air filter from the cooling fan. Way too much dirt. Now with the "snorkle" the oil stays clean all season long, it never did before. Now my charging system is taking a crap (again). I suspect the magnets have fallen off (glued) the flywheel (another typical problem). What I want to do is put a Delco altenator (converted to 1 wire) and delete the whole factory charging system. My mower is only 6 yrs old.

[@davidleatherneck]

@@TheClintmeister ,, Hmm. So, you put a Pre-cleaner before the Pre-cleaner. Good idea.

[@TheTrailblazer1974]

Very interesting I work on these for a living and do see valve cover leaks occasionally, which is normal on just about any Small Engine the whole air filter situation. They should be changed out once or twice a year anyway but if you just blow everything off with a blower. It keeps everything a lot cleaner and nicer, overall that particular engine has been a very good for most customers, the whole starter situation make sure you get a genuine Kohler starter or factory starter as the aftermarket ones a junk as you found out

[@ValkyrieRiderIPT]

I had a Deere STX46 (46" cut) with a 14hp Kohler. It lasted me 27 years. The engine was still kicking butt when I gave the old tractor away. For 27 years nothing but Mobil 1 10w30 and a Wix oil filter. Changed once per season. Never burned any oil. I retired the old Deere less than a month ago. Mainly because I never had a ZTR and I wanted one. Bought a Bad Boy MZ 42" Rambler with a 22hp Kohler 725cc 7000 series. I'm still on the factory oil but when it's time for the first change, I'm going back to Mobil 1 and a Wix oil filter.

[@TheClintmeister]

The newer Kohlers have done inprovements. I went and looked at them. I think they got to see my videos, cause I found American flag stickers on the motors, where there was none before. And they improved the air filter system (not much). If you see my air filter video that was the single best thing I did to make my oil look like new all the time. If you got a process that works by all means keep it up. Thx

[@ValkyrieRiderIPT]

@@TheClintmeister I agree. A clean air filter is a must.

[@TheClintmeister]

@@ValkyrieRiderIPT I got a video of how I put a filter system at a 5ft height to get above all the debris. It works. Thx

[@jamesweidinger1117]

Kohler has a canister style air filter for this engine. You'd have to replace everything north of the carburetor but it would all bolt in place like it belongs there. You'd get a considerable improvement in filter surface area.

[@davidleatherneck]

Sounds like you got a Monday or Friday Engine. On Monday the assemblers are still hungover and on Friday they are in a hurry to go home for the weekend. Thanks.

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

The Kohler 7000 series engines are designed after the Kohler command commercial pro engines one of the very best engines I have never had a problem

[@TheClintmeister]

Most Kohlers from 2010's and up (v twins) are the same under the covers. The vertical motors have no ball bearing on the crank and thats a mistake. The 7000 is another cheap "don't I look good" motor, to fool the public. The mower I got was $2000 less because of the Kohler motor (AKA-Cheap crap).

[@williamnewsome5169]

Enough with the anti-Kohler trolls. My Kohler engine operates in a Man's world in the worst conditions and thrives without its first issue. Some are quick to mention the FS Japanese engines - please don't tell them they have "PLASTIC" components in their OHC valve train - ha, ha!!!

[@chris2790]

@@williamnewsome5169 Well, it's disappointing to find that the kohler kt730 on the zts2 I picked up today doesn't have a ball bearing on the output side of the crank. Any engine used in a belt driven application should use a ball bearing because of the constant pull in one direction of the belt and the associated friction on the bushing surfaces. Let's hope it's not gonna be a problem. Right now my issue is strong high frequency vibration the engine puts through the frame, making my feet tingle after 15 minutes. This is on a cub cadet zts2 50.

[@plee501pl]

Wow brother, sorry you had all those problems. I went with the Kawasaki fr on my RAPTOR and no similar issues in 6 years, 300 plus service hours. Atleast you are skilled enough to make it work.

[@TheClintmeister]

I do these videos to help educate folks. I am working on a different air filter system, that filters better. And will show the adjusting of valves and replacement valve covers in future vids.

[@melfrank8379]

The owners manual says do not engage the starter more than 10 seconds if the engine is not starting and to let the starter cool down if you crank it 10 seconds. Not following that instruction is probably why you are going through starters. That screw above your oil filter is a pressure port for a sensor, My Kohler is a KT745-3078 built in 2017 on a Hustler Raptor. It has a sensor installed in that port. My sensor is a three wire sensor, not sure what the third wire is for but I know the sensor prevents the motor from running if oil pressure is lost, Something you might install wiring it into the ignition ( power to coils) since you fear losing oil and burning the motor up , The Kohler Part number for the sensor is 25 009 36S. It is a 3 terminal pressure switch, not sure why they needed 3 terminals, would have to pull up a wiring diagram to see how it is wired. Anyway if anyone wants to rig theirs up to have protection in case of oil pressure loss. There's the part number for the pressure switch to fit that port over the oil filter where the mower in this video has a plug. Perhaps Kohler got a lot of complaints with their motors leaking and possibly burning up so after 2016 they started putting pressure monitors on them, either that or my motor is a higher end motor with more options.

[@TheClintmeister]

My mower never takes more than 3-4 revolutions before it starts. Its just junk made starters.

[@melfrank8379]

@@TheClintmeister That sucks, I am refurbishing a Raptor Sd with the 26HP Kohler that was in a fire. It will be interesting to see what you are talking about, I am just wondering what problem you are having, does it burn up windings or is it a mechanical issue? I know the solenoids are undersized on the Raptors, not sure how that would affect a dc motor though if it was getting low voltage under cranking load, I think it might overheat if it is a brushless motor. I believe make a starter for these motors that were on the older models that had a solenoid mounted on the starter, they were heavy duty. If I find a solution if I have the same problem, I will keep you posted.

[@ArkAnge4785]

I have a 2016 Bad Boy Maverick with the Kohler 747cc I’ve only had to replace normal wear and tear like belts, blades, oil and filters and recently replaced the Carb with an OeM but that’s because I didn’t drain the fuel and let my tank set over the winter which ended up getting rust particles in the original carb somehow. I will say that the pvc line needs to be replaced but other than a carb issue (my fault) I’ve not ever had and issues. My Dad bought the exact same mower and mows 5 acres with it and no issues as of yet Ps yes I did replace the battery after about the 3 year

[@TheClintmeister]

You have had better luck than the majority of folks who comment. I have (now) complete charging failure on this. I will put a altenator on this fall.

[@inscoredbz]

I blew my Kohler 25 hp command up a few weeks back. I got a new hole in the block. Both rods broke. I'm looking to replace it with one of these. Luckily the starter and PTO are interchangable. Nothing is built to last anymore

[@TheClintmeister]

Dont go with Kohler motors go with a Kawasaki motor. Try to get a cyclone filter system (industrial) too. I made a air filter system to stop the huge amount of dust getting into my motor.

[@inscoredbz]

@TheClintmeister I would if I could find one affordable. My mower is 20 years old, I'm just trying to get it going again. It's just used for places I don't want to take my z915e.

[@4080Project]

I'll have to check my set screw, but I have a KT745-3031 on a 2013 ZT Elite 60'' (470hrs) with oil leaks. It came with my house when I purchased in Dec, wasn't running when I got it. New battery, blades, 2 spindles , belts, plugs, fresh oil (hydro & motor), filters (oil&air) seem to get it running. Replaced the starter solenoid mid season this year (2022) so far. It's been leaking bad from covers but recently melted my left side hydro reservoir. I suspect exhaust gasket is out and heat took it out.... need to investigate....

[@TheClintmeister]

I was hoping with the "bad exposure" that Kohler would take a hint and fix there crap. I noticed changes AFTER I posted some videos of there junk. They put stickers on the motors with the USA flag (made with parts from everywhere). And the Air intake changes. I got a good video of a air intake i made that dramaticly cuts down on dirt/crap into the air intake, I am going to make mine more effective and make the intake tube taller to get out of the dust/debris cloud. My charging system has completely failed, I will put a SI10 (delco) 65 amp altenator (that is set up with 1 wire self exciting). i will do that when it cools off and I won't die in the heat. I hate to say it but expect your charging system to die, Kohler hasn't changed it. I will have a great PERMANENT system that won't fail, just stay tuned. Run extra negative cables to frame, and motor it kept me from have a ignition coils failure. I disabled ALL of the (broke prone) safety features, they used to drive me crazy. Mine is a 2016 model with not a lot of hours and there quality pisses me off. I payed too much and have to do all this to keep it going, I can't afford to go buy a mower (that costs as much as a used car) every year. I have great luck with the 3.20 E3 spark plugs. I got a BUNCH of good videos of how to keep these Kohler motors going. The starters are only good for 2-3 years, and the only good starter is the Kohler ($$$$) starter its self (hate to say). The failure of the kohler starter is the heat makes the permanant magnets come unglued and the magnet will stick to the armature and boom its no good. Look at my videos on the Kohler it will suprise you. THX for watching.

[@danielriley5083]

I have the 2015 KT 735 , only problem I have had is the valve covers leaking . Ordered the polymer replacements with the o rings.

[@francislang5075]

i replaced my valve covers . they also were leaking bad. koehler came out with a retrofit cover and they work good

[@diddybushcraftnoutdoors8072]

I am wanting a Bad Boy ZT Elite, I can get the Kawasaki for just $5900 or the Kohler 7000 for $5200. Quite a bit difference, but if I'm going to keep it for a long time, might be worth the extra $$. I know this video is a few years old but thanks for sharing your input.

[@Maximum1A]

Good insight just wish you would have told us how you were able to get to the set screw! Did you have to remove the engine cover? If so how do you remove the cover. Those are important (critical) details you left out.

[@TheClintmeister]

I did remove the engine guard. I thought I said it in the video. I don't remember that was years ago. But the POS is still running.

[@thesnowdog]

Great video. I have one of these 7000 series motors on a Cub Cadet that’s been driving me nuts. I have a few more things I can try now. It quit on me in the middle of a mow. Started to need oil, though it typically didn’t used to use much. I haven’t seen any major leaks, but I will check that screw.

[@TheClintmeister]

I got a new video out. 6yrs old and complete charging system failure. Later on I will put a car alternator on it. My higher air filter entrance is a great help, my oil stays super clean now.

[@Legend869]

got a Kohler 22hp on my Husqvarna mower. put some cork gasket on my valve covers and it quit leaking. other than that been a good mower. think it's about 4-5 years old with 400 hours or so.

[@TheClintmeister]

I have been looking for cork gaskets and can't find any. Got any info on where to get cork gaskets at. I was looking at getting a sheet and making my own vc gaskets.

[@oibgolfer]

I have a cub cadet ZT1 54. I bought it October 2021 and I have only used it 4 times. And the 1st cut of the year had full oil when I started mowing and made it thru 1/2 of my yard and had a huge white cloud of smoke. Turned my mower out and Hurd something leaking, the oil was leaking out of the bottom of the motor. The mower hasn't have its 1st service. And I didn't catch it in time and the dealer told me that the engine was locked up. Have a oil in my yard. It's 6 months old. Yard is less then a acre. I feel like that I shouldn't be dealing with this at this time. The motor is a Kohler 7000 Series 24HP/725cc Kohler 7000 Series V-Twin OHV 4-Cycle Engine

[@TheClintmeister]

Sorry to hear that. I would have that at the dealers door steps. Lately been having assholes with no problems trolling this post. I told one 99% on here have problems. The latest kohler is a mismash of parts from all over the world, eeekkk! I am trying to get info to do a post of how/where kohler motors were made/history, but kohler is pretty tight with info. Cause theres people who say it's American built. No the label says parts from everywhere, by law that means 1 part can be from America. The newer motors fixed the coil problem and did some inprovements to the air filter, but my filter is still the best design on them.

[@fuzzwahdulin]

Yeah same thing happened to me. Husky z254 about 40 hours service mowed about half acre started smoking and locked up. warranty not covered. Piece of junk

[@TheClintmeister]

Another tip. I have heard the Kohler oil filters are junk and like I had the bypass jambs up. There is videos on KZbin about using a STP replacement filter.

[@TheClintmeister]

STP S3614 oil filter, has more capacity and probably better built.

[@googleuser1036]

I am on Starter #3. Kohler has a 3rd generation starter now that is supposed to be the fix. It is shorter, has 9 teeth on the cog, more power etc. Stay away from that ebay amazon caltric junk. As well, some sellers will tell you that their starter is the upgrade when it is not. Kohler uses the same part number so do your homework. Stay with the oem. I found one online for around 80.00. Not from Amazon or Ebay. Kohler does have canister air filters that run about 150.00 that should have been on there in the first place. Bad Boy should have taken care of that before they contracted with Kohler. Kawasaki for me next time.

[@CLyon-cc9jp]

I am pulling mine out after winter and it cranks, but not well. Maybe a few times then stops. I bought a new higher amp battery and it did not help much. Weak cranking despite all connections tight and battery at 12.9 Volts. Eventually had to jump with my car to get it to crank well enough to start. Do you think it is the starter motor just getting weak? Solenoid? Might try jumping right to the starter motor to see if it cranks better... Might just buy both solenoid and starter motor. That'd be cheaper than having a shop look at it anyway...

[@TheClintmeister]

The stock relay is junk. I have a 150 amp golf cart relay I got off Ebay. The starters are only good for 2-3 yrs, might keep one on hand. Run extra ground cables to the motor and frame that will help. I keep a trickle charger on mine, thats cause the stock charging system isnt very good. It doesnt hurt to put a bigger battery in there too.

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

I have a Husqvarna lgt2554 with a Kohler 25hp Courage engine. I bought it new in 2011, it has around 500 hour's. I tuned it up yearly. It has been a really good mowers, until, recently. It's in the shop now. It needs valve and head work. Around $400 in work. The mechanic said he can replace the Courage 25HP, with a Kohler 7000 25HP for roughly $1200. It's been a good mower. This is the first major work I've had done on it. Would it be best to go the least expensive option of $400, or, a new engine for $1200 ? Thanks, John

[@TheClintmeister]

If you have watched all of my videos on the Kohler you see my heartache with that unit. I have done "over the top" stuff to keep it alive. I have been looking at Kawasaki, around $1500. I will run this motor till it blows up. $1500 spent (my opinion) on a $5000 mower is nothing. I have heard almost all vertical shaft motors have no sealed roller bearings to support the crank and rely on oil pressure bearings (cheap cheap move on MFG"s). I don't know if the Harbor Freight motor can be set up as a vertical motor, if it can be it will be the most economical option. Kawasaki is still at the top of the list for durability. Get one with a cyclone air filter system. Look online for bargains I accidentally found the Kawasaki for that price. Even Briggs is rated better than Kohler and it costs less. Good luck.

[@alansewell7810]

I just today (05/10/2022) bought a Bad Boy Magnum with a Kawasaki engine because the Kohler 7000 on my Gravely caught fire and incinerated the lawnmower. Would have burned down my garage if I'd taken it in there, but by chance I parked it in the yard. I didn't see the flames when it was moving, so it must have flared up when it stopped and was was no longer air cooled. I'd had it for seven years, and it started smoking after about four. I had the dealer rebuild it on January 27, but it caught fire on April 28. The fire was about ten feet high and was impossible to douse with a high-pressure hose. It burned for three hours until everything flammable on the mower was burned up. I have 3.5 acres to mow every week for eight months a year. The Kohler 7000 is not trustworthy to do that job.

[@TheClintmeister]

Glad to hear you are not injured. You won't believe the dumb comments I get from folks about these motors. I told one 99% comments are from problems (negative comments). Hang in there.

[@alansewell7810]

@@TheClintmeister Thanks for the video. It verified my suspicious about the low durability of the Kohler 7000. The Kohler 7000. It is not built well enough to cut my 3.5 acres and should not be mated to heavy-duty machines rated to cut that much. My Kohler engine smoked and leaked after the first couple years, then sparked the dangerous fire a couple months after I spent $391 having it rebuilt. Glad you're bringing this to other buyers' attention. They should buy a machine with the Kawasaki or other engine if they're cutting more than an acre a week.

[@TheClintmeister]

@@alansewell7810 Thank you for the kind words. I try to do the videos to help people who like me payed a lot of money for a POS. Many things I mentioned in some of the videos I have noticed that Kohler has now fixed (are they watching). My best modification is the air snorkle so far, it keeps my oil very clean. Thats a mod that can work on any motor. Take care.

[@robertduncan2742]

So by your post in the earlier stage it seems to me the kawasaki would be better. I'm concerned the zt elite but the dealer won't change decks to my needs

[@TheClintmeister]

Kawasaki is better engine. And Cheaper to buy as a replacement than the Kohler.

[@sofakinggood5829]

I have a kt740. First failure at 80 hours. I'm at 125 hours and the engine sounds horrible when cranking and won't start. $1750 for a new engine not including labor. Not available until October at the earliest. Nobody has any riding mowers until spring. Never Kohler again.

[@bartrowe3705]

Anyone have details on the valve cover gasket that will fix the constant seep from the covers? First repair under warranty and started leaking again shortly after the repair. The 7000 (735 series) leaks oil into the cylinder while sitting and makes a good mosquito smoker when it starts. Got coil ordered as currently only firing on one cylinder however it sounds great until you engage deck and start to load the motor. Surprised how well it idles one cylinder. On a total separate note, who makes the "best" affordable zero turn mower? Are you happy with the bad boy except for the motor?

[@TheClintmeister]

There will be LOTS of rtv on the valve cover. Clean that off with wire wheel and off head. Then use 2 gasket per side, why there thin as hell. If that don't work then the factory has a replacement VC made of plastic with built in gasket. It has crush preventive sleves so one won't overtighten it. Thats a great opportunity to adjust valves intake .040, exsaust ,052. www.kohlerengines.com/engines/onlinecatalog/pdf/English_SM_32_690_03_KT715_KT725_KT730_KT735_KT740_KT745_DATE_10_13.pdf

[@emcllns]

My Badboy ZT Elite will crank and crank but no start. I've checked the fuel pump, spark plugs, etc. So, starter and starter solenoid the most likely culprit? Have yet to remove and disassemble the carburetor, but I hope that to be my last resort.

[@TheClintmeister]

Coils go bad, very common problem.

[@robertduncan2742]

The company should make there aluminum reservoirs smaller to accommodate others

[@charlescoker7752]

You ever find a filter system to replace the original Equipment?

[@TheClintmeister]

I am working on it. I am working on a cooler with a filter system. Will post after I get it all together.

[@TheClintmeister]

I got the air filter video posted on my KZbin channel.

[@alhodge4051]

on my second starter, mower three years old.

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

And my Kohler 7000 series is built in the USA it's a 2021..

[@TheClintmeister]

Go READ the label a lot closer. With parts from China, Elsewhere and USA. By law that means one "nut" from USA and everything else from everywhere. All the parts I have ordered, ALL come from china for this motor. It is a "very well documented" pile of junk motor. My motor (as I say in the video) is a 2016, not 2021. 97% of the comments (on my videos) are negative problems with the Kohler. I do believe that Kohler has seen my video (s) and made some changes, USA sticker, air filter, electrical changes, all I documented on my video "before" Kohler made the changes. Go look at Terryl Dactyl video on Kohler glueing the magnets back into the stator. I never heard any other MFG having that problem.

[@dginta7932]

Wow, never had an issue with my Kohler engines. I’d take a 7000 over a Kawi.

[@dperr338]

I have a 32 year old mower with a Kawasaki. All original except the carburetor that I changed last year. Had a 10 year old mower with a Kohler Courage 17 hp and that thing was the biggest pile of shit.

[@F8lastcallcharger345]

Why can’t Kohler make decent valve covers that will seal?

[@TheClintmeister]

Theres a kit to replace the valve covers with gaskets. There good to replace and adjust the valve clearance ( I think .004). The kit to fix it has a crush proof gasket.

[@aedynt6713]

I think the kholer command series is the best series ever built I'm not a big fan of there 7000 series my kholer command has lasted almost 17 years with only little problems like a carb replacement an simular things wich is normal

[@TheClintmeister]

Folks I got videos of electrical and Air filter fixes/upgrades on my channel.

[@frankoest7165]

My Kohler 7000 runs for about 30 min ^ dies out , does restart , all systems are in check 350hrs on it... frustrating , will idle , put load on it , blades on , cutting grass dies, will idle forever tho :(

[@TheClintmeister]

It sounds like the coils overload above idle. Coils are a common problem on the kohler. The new ones are upgraded. Problem is kohler only one making them.

[@frankoest7165]

@@TheClintmeister New coils , same thing , cutting out sooner as I mess with it , going to try an oil pressure switch, next. lol.

[@TheClintmeister]

@@frankoest7165 I didnt know they had oil pressure switches, I know mine don't have one. Sounds like one of those "dam" switches messing with you. Good luck. Stators have been known to go bad too.

[@frankoest7165]

@@TheClintmeisterMONDAY Ill install it & see what happens ,

[@TheClintmeister]

@@frankoest7165 lately I keep the battery on trickle charging. I have found the charging system ssssooo weak that while driving it wont keep the battery up to stop and restart.