I felt bad for you when you discovered the blown head gasket, but selfishly was glad to see a longer video! This is the first time I've seen that spark gap tester. Cool tool. Thanks!
It was definitely one of those things I wish I didn't see it but I'm glad I saw it before I was done lol. Definitely a good strong running motor now! 👍🏻
Thank Scout! I've been burned too many times to trust anything anymore 😂 it's like you said the other day believe nothing that you hear and only half of what you see 👍🏻
Nice work. I came across a GT6000 last year with the same engine for free. Lady just wanted it out of her yard. Had no deck, fuel lines were rotted out, no battery and both head gaskets were blown. Even after all that work, it’s the best running machine I’ve ever had. The 26hp twin and the 6 speed manual gearbox are true work horses.
I think the owner made a smart business decision to get rid of the unit. It won't be long Before the spindles will need to be rebuilt Because of the start of bearing noise. But, whoever buys the unit will at least be able to get a few more years out of it. I can envision that there are multitude of small problems coming up soon, such as the headlights are fogged over, The bearings on the casters, Wheel bearings, Then whatever else fails including switches. It truly is zero sum game at this severe tractor age and completely understandable that the owner would get rid of the machine. But, if one is a mechanic or mechanically inclined And enjoys working on small tractors, Then this machine is a good deal. Probably not for the average consumer, however. Thanks Hester for an enjoyable video and diagnosing all the problems correctly along with good and solid repairs.
So sorry about the bad head gasket, but I really enjoyed watching you make the repairs. You are very good and entertaining at what you do. Your explanations are spot on. I'm on board with your desire to work on clean projects. I have a bit of OCD. Once I'm finished with a project, the shop gets cleaned up and tools cleaned and put away. Even if I'm ready to begin again. Everything has to be neatly put back together prior to the next project. I feel like at the beginning of a project, I need to know exactly where to find the tools and materials I'll need. Not spend time searching for where I last left them. Thank goodness I only do hobby work! 😭
I have the same engine on a 40 inch murray. I had to replace the head gaskets, I also had a valve job on both heads as well. The engine runs very well now, and uses less oil
Not sure about newer riding mowers but it seems most of the old ones are standard rather than metric. I think the mower builders were just slow to retool to metric. Also I find if I swear at the problem it goes better (; I have a very similar Kohler 20 horse in my Scotts 48 inch. Very solid motors. Thanks for the vid.
Yep I wash them first because I hate a nasty engine or equipment But I look them over good before I pressure wash 😮 Dirt is a engine killer and I like keeping my tools and shop clean as possible ❤
I sometimes check torques before removing bolts just to see where they were at before I start working on something. I’m guessing those lower head bolts were looser because they’re closer to the exhaust and stretched over time due to more extreme heat cycles. Pretty typical, especially on some B&S engines I’ve seen.
There's really no way to answer this accurately. It very much depends on where you live and what time of year you're selling it. I live in Central Massachusetts and this particular Mower would sell for around $700 with the bagger on it
Kohler coils only go on one way upside down. Usually I know it’s weird, but I worked on over a dozen of them seems to be the same common thing they they work only One Direction and upside down
I agree that's usually the case. However on this particular one and other 26 hp kohlers I looked at while researching, one side was upside down and the other was right side up. I also pulled the engine cover off an identical 26 hp kohler motor I have and it was the same as this one
I only did the one side for now, I'm planning on mowing my lawn with it a few times just to make sure there's no other issues with the machine. However I do plan on replacing the other side as well 👍🏻
That's why only service the deck you take that inside single out of the top of the bearings on each side put the bearings back in and grease the f****** hell out of it that makes it greasable I've done in a billion times
Hester 781so Kyle by the crick doesn't go with whether it has a hole in the block or not. I have seen Kyle get the same deal whether the whole mower needs a shebang or not. Doesn't seem to matter to Kyle, doesn't seem to make a difference to him cause he is a young school teacher and can handle whatever happens and still makes money off'n nit like an arab, he just buys it and hopes for the best and it might or might not be. I mean he does teach school so his fall back position is huge. Govvymint work. All the same to those folks as money seems to come to him.
Yes, I’ve purchased tractors for $100 as well. They have lots of problems, and they make for fun projects and for funUA-cam videos. The biggest problem you seem to have with me is that I talk about money sometimes. Yes, I sell the machines after I fix them, and yes I usually make a profit. Also, yes, I am a school teacher. But, no, money does not just come to me. Anyway- I hope you find some joy in my videos Paul Higginbotham Sr.
The myth about the bearings being sealed and greasing doesn't do any good HAS been busted. The seal on the Bearing isn't to keep grease out, Grease goes into the bearing, then once the bearing reaches operating temperature, the seal holds the grease in. So we really need to stop promoting this myth.
There is no myth, only difference between applications. The issue I'm referring to is where the spindle housing has a grease fitting and the bearings inside said spindle are sealed on both sides. In this instance the only thing you are doing when you're adding grease is filling the empty space between the bearings inside the spindle cavity. The seals DO NOT let grease through one way or the other regardless of temperature, if they did they would not be called "seals". Otherwise the grease would never enter the upper bearings and likewise would just leak straight down onto the bottom bearings and then out the end of the spindle during operation.
@@hester781 I guess we will have to agree to disagree, the bearings are not sealed bearings, They do have a seal, but the seal has a thin rubber lining that allows grease to enter the bearing and hold it in. For comparison: The Bearings on the idler pullies are sealed and has no grease zerk
@@hester781 I've never changed a spindle bearing ( over 40 years) but I do regularly grease them. There is several videos about the myth of the bearings not getting grease but Here is one video proving the grease does get to the bearings. In case the link don't work this guy name is Woodchuck Russ the Deck DR. In addition I've tried the same experiment on an old yard sale mower and got the same results as he did. ua-cam.com/video/PwObkilFXN0/v-deo.htmlsi=iJsTJgKx0pM8pYua
Actually, I paid $100 lol. Idk about "crying" but selling anything this old in my area is risky profit wise. Now add the mystery of a dead cylinder and this could've easily turned into a lost cause/parts machine. And there was no "bad valve" so i guess I don't understand a single part about your question 😂
I felt bad for you when you discovered the blown head gasket, but selfishly was glad to see a longer video! This is the first time I've seen that spark gap tester. Cool tool. Thanks!
It was definitely one of those things I wish I didn't see it but I'm glad I saw it before I was done lol. Definitely a good strong running motor now! 👍🏻
I really like the demo on the spark plug tester and the spark quality tester, You did a great job explaining the difference in them.
Thank you! It's a mistake I learned the hard way (a few times) 😂
What a wonderful video that demonstrates the unforseen problems and remedies that can occur during such an endeavor. Simply wonderful!
Thank you very much! 👍🏻
I definitely would have missed the bad coil when it showed spark through the tester. Excellent video! 😃👍
Thank Scout! I've been burned too many times to trust anything anymore 😂 it's like you said the other day believe nothing that you hear and only half of what you see 👍🏻
Nice work. I came across a GT6000 last year with the same engine for free. Lady just wanted it out of her yard.
Had no deck, fuel lines were rotted out, no battery and both head gaskets were blown.
Even after all that work, it’s the best running machine I’ve ever had. The 26hp twin and the 6 speed manual gearbox are true work horses.
Definitely seems to be a strong running motor now!
I think the owner made a smart business decision to get rid of the unit. It won't be long Before the spindles will need to be rebuilt Because of the start of bearing noise. But, whoever buys the unit will at least be able to get a few more years out of it. I can envision that there are multitude of small problems coming up soon, such as the headlights are fogged over, The bearings on the casters, Wheel bearings, Then whatever else fails including switches. It truly is zero sum game at this severe tractor age and completely understandable that the owner would get rid of the machine. But, if one is a mechanic or mechanically inclined And enjoys working on small tractors, Then this machine is a good deal. Probably not for the average consumer, however. Thanks Hester for an enjoyable video and diagnosing all the problems correctly along with good and solid repairs.
You are 100% correct! Things can snowball and cost of repairs can quickly outweigh the value of the machine
Great job! Enjoyed your troubleshooting the spark problem. That tractor should not be scrap yard-bound for many years! Thanks!
Thank you! She definitely has a lot more life left in her! 👍🏻
Another craftsman banger
Yes sir! 👍🏻
It feels good when I put things back the way they are supposed to be......like putting the universe in order.....
Agreed 100%!👍🏻
So sorry about the bad head gasket, but I really enjoyed watching you make the repairs. You are very good and entertaining at what you do. Your explanations are spot on. I'm on board with your desire to work on clean projects. I have a bit of OCD. Once I'm finished with a project, the shop gets cleaned up and tools cleaned and put away. Even if I'm ready to begin again. Everything has to be neatly put back together prior to the next project. I feel like at the beginning of a project, I need to know exactly where to find the tools and materials I'll need. Not spend time searching for where I last left them. Thank goodness I only do hobby work! 😭
Thank you very much! 👍🏻
Great video!! Bummer you had to do a head gasket!!
Thanks! 👍🏻 definitely not the best thing to find but I am glad that I found it before giving it to a friend
Nice work Hester, it never fails though, get it all back together and find another issue. 🙂👍
The more ya look the more ya find! 😂
Very true
I have the same engine on a 40 inch murray. I had to replace the head gaskets, I also had a valve job on both heads as well. The engine runs very well now, and uses less oil
Excellent! 👍🏻
🇦🇺another great video
Thank you!👍🏻
JD starts a video by cleaning the machine first instead of last. It’s a good day! 😂🔧👍
Gotta switch it up every now and then lol😂😂
Not sure about newer riding mowers but it seems most of the old ones are standard rather than metric. I think the mower builders were just slow to retool to metric. Also I find if I swear at the problem it goes better (; I have a very similar Kohler 20 horse in my Scotts 48 inch. Very solid motors. Thanks for the vid.
Yes yes, swearing heavily definitely helps the situation in my experience! 😂👍🏻
You are a awesome guy you should be a teacher show these young guys how to do this
Thank you! 👍🏻
Yep I wash them first because I hate a nasty engine or equipment
But I look them over good before I pressure wash 😮
Dirt is a engine killer and I like keeping my tools and shop clean as possible ❤
Agreed!👍🏻
YUP 👍
I sometimes check torques before removing bolts just to see where they were at before I start working on something. I’m guessing those lower head bolts were looser because they’re closer to the exhaust and stretched over time due to more extreme heat cycles. Pretty typical, especially on some B&S engines I’ve seen.
Agreed, kind of wish I felt them with a wrench first but hindsight is always 2020 👍🏻
@@hester781
Or 25ftlbs. 😂🔧👍
Great video as always, did you replace that missing seat bolt? 😊
Yes! Just realized now with your comment that I never filmed it...ugh lol
@@hester781 😊
I would have definitely pressure washed it fìrst.😮 33:33
👍🏻👍🏻
What does a used one normally cost? I have a heavy duty and I want to do maintenance on it before I sell it
There's really no way to answer this accurately. It very much depends on where you live and what time of year you're selling it. I live in Central Massachusetts and this particular Mower would sell for around $700 with the bagger on it
How did you resolve the coil polarization ? 😮
There was no polarization issue, that's how it is installed from the factory
Kohler coils only go on one way upside down. Usually I know it’s weird, but I worked on over a dozen of them seems to be the same common thing they they work only One Direction and upside down
I agree that's usually the case. However on this particular one and other 26 hp kohlers I looked at while researching, one side was upside down and the other was right side up. I also pulled the engine cover off an identical 26 hp kohler motor I have and it was the same as this one
Coils and carb solenoid has beenproblems i had with kohler engines.
Did you do only the one side if so, you should’ve done both sides at once but it was a good video. Enjoyed it.
I only did the one side for now, I'm planning on mowing my lawn with it a few times just to make sure there's no other issues with the machine. However I do plan on replacing the other side as well 👍🏻
Can I clean the breather like that one
I would imagine you could
Spock is on Star Trek. Engines have spark.
I didn't say either. It's a Boston accent, I said SPAHHK! 😂
Lolololol! Ya gotta live around here to get it. Think President Kennedy accent and you’re here.
kohler 👎 Briggs 👍 Is your first name Tim ? Another craftsman saved !
Negative on the Tim, folks just call me Hester 👍🏻
I've had good luck with both Kohler and Briggs. One thing I like about some Kohler, they have hydraulic lifters. No valve adjustment needed
A spark test light is not a good way to check a coil, it does not show weak spark which can be the problem 😮
Exactly
That's why only service the deck you take that inside single out of the top of the bearings on each side put the bearings back in and grease the f****** hell out of it that makes it greasable I've done in a billion times
Correct 👍🏻
Why u dont check it out before u buy
I did, that's why I paid $100 lol
The main problem is that it's a Craftsman and a Kohler engine.
100% 👍🏻
The grass catcher is worth $100.
Agreed 👍🏻
I would pay you $200 for it and you keep those bags. You stole it but sound like you got ripped off.
In my area this mower is not worth that much. I still think I got a good deal though 👍🏻
Hester 781so Kyle by the crick doesn't go with whether it has a hole in the block or not. I have seen Kyle get the same deal whether the whole mower needs a shebang or not. Doesn't seem to matter to Kyle, doesn't seem to make a difference to him cause he is a young school teacher and can handle whatever happens and still makes money off'n nit like an arab, he just buys it and hopes for the best and it might or might not be. I mean he does teach school so his fall back position is huge. Govvymint work. All the same to those folks as money seems to come to him.
Yes, I’ve purchased tractors for $100 as well. They have lots of problems, and they make for fun projects and for funUA-cam videos. The biggest problem you seem to have with me is that I talk about money sometimes. Yes, I sell the machines after I fix them, and yes I usually make a profit. Also, yes, I am a school teacher. But, no, money does not just come to me. Anyway- I hope you find some joy in my videos Paul Higginbotham Sr.
The myth about the bearings being sealed and greasing doesn't do any good HAS been busted. The seal on the Bearing isn't to keep grease out, Grease goes into the bearing, then once the bearing reaches operating temperature, the seal holds the grease in. So we really need to stop promoting this myth.
There is no myth, only difference between applications. The issue I'm referring to is where the spindle housing has a grease fitting and the bearings inside said spindle are sealed on both sides. In this instance the only thing you are doing when you're adding grease is filling the empty space between the bearings inside the spindle cavity. The seals DO NOT let grease through one way or the other regardless of temperature, if they did they would not be called "seals". Otherwise the grease would never enter the upper bearings and likewise would just leak straight down onto the bottom bearings and then out the end of the spindle during operation.
@@hester781 I guess we will have to agree to disagree, the bearings are not sealed bearings, They do have a seal, but the seal has a thin rubber lining that allows grease to enter the bearing and hold it in. For comparison: The Bearings on the idler pullies are sealed and has no grease zerk
@@hester781 I've never changed a spindle bearing ( over 40 years) but I do regularly grease them. There is several videos about the myth of the bearings not getting grease but Here is one video proving the grease does get to the bearings. In case the link don't work this guy name is Woodchuck Russ the Deck DR. In addition I've tried the same experiment on an old yard sale mower and got the same results as he did. ua-cam.com/video/PwObkilFXN0/v-deo.htmlsi=iJsTJgKx0pM8pYua
Here is a video that shows what I was trying to say
ua-cam.com/users/shortso3r7IzLaEU4?si=_-m0ge-8PUh-Nvaa
you paid 199 for that and your criing about a bad valve? ha ha
Actually, I paid $100 lol. Idk about "crying" but selling anything this old in my area is risky profit wise. Now add the mystery of a dead cylinder and this could've easily turned into a lost cause/parts machine. And there was no "bad valve" so i guess I don't understand a single part about your question 😂
thats laughable
😂👍🏻
Nice work.
Not a she, an it.
Same! 😂👍🏻