Kohler courage question

[ateelander]

I've been trying to get my brother's Husqvarna with a 21hp Kohler courage running smoothly. Problem I have been fighting is I tighten the bolts that attach it to the frame and it smooths out for a test run. Try it again a few minutes later and I get the dreaded sound like it's going to blow up. Check the bolts and one is loose again. Do any of you think using the non permanent loctite will keep the bolts tight? I haven't been able to isolate it to one particular bolt.

 

[sgkent]

Are they bolts, lock washers and nuts, or do the bolts thread into the crankcase/bellhousing? If they are bolts and nuts, I would replace them with new ones and nylock nuts. If they go into the crankcase, even with blue Loctite, they may come loose, especially if the threads are failing. Is there a chance you have a bent pulley, or blades, out of balance etc., that are vibrating it excessively? Also make sure all cylinders are firing.

 

[ateelander]

Thank you. This motor is a single cylinder unit that is notorious for cracked engine blocks. They are also known for vibrating like they are coming apart and mimicking the crank coming apart when the bolts holding the engine onto the frame come loose. The bolts attach through the frame from underneath into the block. I'm considering trying lock washers.

 

[sgkent]

use nylock nuts (and lock washers if you want. Any hardware store should have a package of them. I often change the cheap grade 3 bolts and washers that come with units to grade 5 or Metric 10.8 and nylock nuts to prevent what you are experiencing. Usually even without them they will stay tight a season or two.

 

[ateelander]

I'll give it a try. Thank you

 

[Scrubcadet10]

Can't use nuts, MOST courages use self tappers into the block if i remember right.
i would clean the screws and the holes out, and red loctite them.

 

[MParr]

The engine mounting plates on Husqvarna riders can wear. I would check the mounting plate for wear before you get too involved.

 

[sgkent]

again, if the bolts are thru bolts, with a nut on one side and a bolt on the other, use nylocks. If the bolts thread into the case, clean the threads out with some Berrymans B12 or something, and use blue loctite. Avoid cheap imitation brands. If the threads are stripped, put in heli-coils. Red loctite is next but it will take high heat to remove the bolts or even tighten them next timeif red loctite is used.