blew wb engine is it easy to replace

[bobcatnj]

Engine kawi fc420v exploded today. Is a new engine just a bolt on or is there something special u have to do

[Phil G]

Engine kawi fc420v exploded today. Is a new engine just a bolt on or is there something special u have to do


Straight engine changes are normally okay to do on a diy base. You must me 100% sure that the replacement is the exact same specification. All wiring connections the same, exhaust fitting the same, cable fittings the same.

Have a thorough look at your engine to make sure you are happy to take the job on. There will be the drive to disconnect plus safety wiring.

Just a thought, if you're going to replace the engine see if you can get a couple of extra horse power IF everything will mate up to your chassis. You really don't want to get into re-wiring etc.

Good luck, Phil

[bobcatnj]

i talked to a few dealers and i guess they dont make the 14.5 hp kawi. all of them were going to install the 15hp

[bobcatnj]

14hp i meant

[Tharrell]

You're probably wondering if you could do it yourself?
If so, the answer is yes.
A few bolts, a few belts, a few wires. Nothing to it as long as you get the right engine. What I mean is, if you replace it with a Kohler, you'd robably have a wiring issue but it can be dealt with.
You also have to have the right crank shaft length and diameter. Does your current engine use an electric clutch? Factor that in also.
The simplest thing is, call several places that sell these engines and get an idea of what you need and what it will cost.
The dealer is going to markup the engine and then charge you labor, shop charges, incidentals etc...
You can do this. Tony

[bobcatnj]

yea the engine was around 1000.00 and the labor was between 200-300. they are going to replace it with the kai 15

[chesterlawn]

Very easy to do, just take your time and make sure you put oil in it.

[libby_arts]

One very good idea is to take pictures of everything before you take it apart. A digital cam shot can come in handy later in the day when your memory starts to fade.

[Dr. Godfrey]

An easy install, shop should charge no more than 1 to 1 1/2 hours to do job. Anymore they are rippin you.

[causalitist]

ya, its easy. on my old snapper 48" wb the axles were part of the frame, bunch of bumpy lawns later the axle was coming off. bought new frame.. had to move engine and EVERYTHING ELSE over to the new main frame.

i dont know much about working on cars.. can change filters, oil, plugs etc .. and it was easy. thats why i love these things, its all right there for you to see.
it will take you 5 hours max .. and thats being very careful for a first timer.

just make sure you have a clean workspace and put everything u take off in a bucket. loosing little parts sucks. might want to take a look at the pulley on engine shaft.. to make sure you dont need any tools u dont have .. im thinking maybe one of those C-clip removers possibly.

this time use synthetic oil like 0w-30, an oil filter that gets over 95% of stuff down to 10 microns, and good oiled foam prefilters for the air filter. its known that most engine wear is upon start up, 0w-30 has really no appreciable change in viscosity at different temps.. so at start up(which we do alot) its right there nice and thin lubing up... but at very hot temps, its the same as SAE30. plus we operate these things at angles alot, so in my mind synthetic is a no brainer for those brief moments with no oil on your parts.
and check oil every morning.

[bobcatnj]

so i changed over the motors. it was pretty easy but the bolt for the shaft and pulley was different and the 4 bolts that hold the engine to the deck was different. so those were fun trying to find. so now i'm trying to put the new throttle cable on. but having a problem getting it to work correctly with the carb

[Tharrell]

Good for you! It was pretty simple right? Every time you do something like this, it builds confidence for the next time something needs doing and you're wondering if you should take it to a shop.
With the help of friends on this site, we can do just about anything.
In my opinion, most of the time a shop is for a homeowner or warranty work. Tony
btw-Which engine did you decide to go with and what are you going to do with the old one?

[bobcatnj]

kai fh430v 15 hp. the old one is done. i'll post some pics of what it looked like