Gentlemen, what are your thoughts on this engine? From the very little bit I know about them, seems like governor and camshaft's have an issue with these. Looking at a Cub Cadet 1811 with this engine. Hour meter says 300+ hours but don't think it is accurate. 1989 vintage.
Kohler Magnum 18 engine
- Thread starter HM12460
- Start date
- Status
Our very old trash pump at work has a Kohler Magnum engine, think it's somewhere between 18 and 22 horsepower.
It's never had any problems besides the starter solenoid and the fact that the carburetor has no priming bulb...
Then again it's 20+ years old and might have 100 hours on it. Maybe. It's always been run wide-open from a cold start whenever it's been used, though.
It's never had any problems besides the starter solenoid and the fact that the carburetor has no priming bulb...
Then again it's 20+ years old and might have 100 hours on it. Maybe. It's always been run wide-open from a cold start whenever it's been used, though.
They are a solid motor, you can expect 1500 + hours with good maintenance. Feed it a steady diet of HDEO and it will thank you.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Some earlier models had lubrication issues leading to catastrophic failure. I don't know which year/models were effected. A google search might yield some info.
The ones I've used were smooth, powerful and VERY fuel thirsty. That's common for all flat-head twins. They run a bit rich.
You can still buy new, old stock replacement Magnum twins, but they're CRAZY expensive. Like $3K.
Joel
The ones I've used were smooth, powerful and VERY fuel thirsty. That's common for all flat-head twins. They run a bit rich.
You can still buy new, old stock replacement Magnum twins, but they're CRAZY expensive. Like $3K.
Joel
Good engine. Wish my Cub Cadet had the Magnum motor, at least it has the Courage V-twin.
should be good, but absolutely a gas guzzler.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Originally Posted By: lexus114
..Wish my Cub Cadet had the Magnum motor, at least it has the Courage V-twin.
REALLY!?
Horizontally opposed flat-head twins are great on old iron beast classics with gear drives. Something to chug along with.
On a more modern hydrostatic drive machine where you basically set the engine at max governed speed and forget about it, no way. OHV single or V-twin all the way.
Joel
..Wish my Cub Cadet had the Magnum motor, at least it has the Courage V-twin.
REALLY!?
Horizontally opposed flat-head twins are great on old iron beast classics with gear drives. Something to chug along with.
On a more modern hydrostatic drive machine where you basically set the engine at max governed speed and forget about it, no way. OHV single or V-twin all the way.
Joel
Amen, my Dad had a Wheel Horse with Kohler 17 twin and that thing was a rattlebox and drank oil. The Command twin is a much better engine.
- Status
Similar threads
