Husqvarna RZ4218 Kohler Courage 18HP - DIPSTICK !

[avp27]

:hammerhead: I have broken the dipstick shaft when I was checking the oil and it has dropped down into the oil filler pipe. Any suggestions on how to remove the broken part ?

cheers !

[FIXDISS]

Use a magnet ,long needle nose pliers,one of those spring pick-up tools or just remove the screw(s) that holds the dipstick tube in place and remove the whole thing. Be careful not to lose the seal from end of dipstick tube and you want to be sure to clean around the dipstick tube before removing so not to get dirt in crankcase....Just my half-fast opinion..

[avp27]

the dipstick of the kohler courage (unfortunately) is plastic, and are fragile as I have learned !!! Is a engine strip down required here as I cannot see how the oile filler pipe is removed.

thanks !

[nosparkplugs]

I have two 20hp air cooled V-twin Kohlers both the same model CH20 engines, one is a replacement engine, and that one must have a slight vibration that had quicky wore the dipstick out at the half point, and it fell into the engine case. I was pissed to say the least!!:cry: so I took my concern, to a Kohler engine dealer, and their is no way to get it out minus a teardown, you could spend hours:sleeping: trying a lucky "snag" with a magnet to get the broken portion out. I did look at a torn down 20hp Kolher, and were the dip stick would fall their is nothing it can touch to cause internal engine damage. For me it was better to just leave the old broken dipstick in it's final resting place(RIP). I have since logged 450 hours with zero problems. Logic says get it out; however sometimes you will cause more damage, getting the broken dipstick out, than just leaving it.

[Restrorob]

If you can't see/get a hold of the broken piece through the tube the top of the engine must be opened to retrieve it.


Good Luck

[mowerknower]

The bad news is that you will have to open up the engine,
The good news is that the courage singles are a bucket engine so you wont have to remove then engine from the machine.

[jkason]

Yeah, but it's a B***h to line up the shafts.

[VegetiveSteam]

Yeah, but it's a B***h to line up the shafts.

Are you serious? Lining up the shafts couldn't be easier. Putting the top cover on can be a bit tricky on the earlier models with the guide shoe. Just make sure the long teeth on the governor gear are turned in such a way that they can't be damaged as you put the top cover back on. When the cover stops about half an inch from the block DON'T force it. Wiggle it back and forth and about 90 times out of 100 the top will drop right on.

[avp27]

thanks for the responses. I am going to run it without the engine teardown. Run it for 30mins - change the oil and filter and am hoping that there are now yellow plastic bits in the oil. Very ordinary design from kohler to say the least.