Scotts 1642 tractor. Probably underpowered for my hilly yard.
Recently the sound of my engine changed, and I've noticed increased vibration. But, its a little strange. At idle/lower speed, engine seems normal. At high speed with mower engaged, seems fairly normal. At high speed with lower load (no blades engaged, driving back to shed or towing a garden trailer), that is when it sounds wrong and vibration is higher than normal. At high speed parked, cowl open, I can see more "shake" in the engine than I remember.
The last time I used it before noticing this problem I was mowing high grass/weeds, and a few too many times it started stalling from the load.
I'm puzzled at what might be wrong. If I messed up the connecting rod or crankshaft, wouldn't the vibration be bad regardless of load?
I would appreciate any guidance. I've never opened up a Kohler engine before, but have worked on some tecumseh engines way back.
I struggle with whether to stop using it before problem gets worse, or just keep going. Engine does blow some smoke at startup when hasn't been used for over a week.
I've started contemplating replacing it with a Briggs Intek 19hp, but the exhaust would need rework since that is a side port instead of bottom port. I don't have skills or tools for making my own pipes.
Recently the sound of my engine changed, and I've noticed increased vibration. But, its a little strange. At idle/lower speed, engine seems normal. At high speed with mower engaged, seems fairly normal. At high speed with lower load (no blades engaged, driving back to shed or towing a garden trailer), that is when it sounds wrong and vibration is higher than normal. At high speed parked, cowl open, I can see more "shake" in the engine than I remember.
The last time I used it before noticing this problem I was mowing high grass/weeds, and a few too many times it started stalling from the load.
I'm puzzled at what might be wrong. If I messed up the connecting rod or crankshaft, wouldn't the vibration be bad regardless of load?
I would appreciate any guidance. I've never opened up a Kohler engine before, but have worked on some tecumseh engines way back.
I struggle with whether to stop using it before problem gets worse, or just keep going. Engine does blow some smoke at startup when hasn't been used for over a week.
I've started contemplating replacing it with a Briggs Intek 19hp, but the exhaust would need rework since that is a side port instead of bottom port. I don't have skills or tools for making my own pipes.