Kohler KT-17 Versus M-18?

[Planter Bob]

Howdy from Homer, Alaska. Here's my first post to the group. Last week I bought my first ATV, an '83 Argo 8x8, for $2,000. I got it from a good friend. It has a 2,400 pound winch and an original Argo hardtop. It runs like a dream, with a very strong Kohler KT-17 engine and has no problems.

Two days later, I fell in to a "parts rig". It's an '85 Argo 8x8 with the Kohler M-18 (Magnum). It also runs like a top, and the only problem with it is the idler shaft is snapped.

My question is for the extra one horsepower, is the M-18 Magnum that much better of an engine than the KT-17, and does it make sense for me to swap them over?

Opinions are appreciated. My gut says to leave 'em be.

Planter Bob

[Planter Bob]

I have found the only difference between the two engines is the KT-17 has battery ignition, and the M-18 is solid state. The difference in horsepower is more marketing than anything, and is only about 1/2 HP.

It's hardly worth the effort, so I'm leaving them as they are.

Planter Bob

[Mike]

Thanks for updating the thread. I'm sure this will help someone else in the future.

[racerone3]

i'd leave the engins as is. take the broken jack shaft to a machine and either have a new one made, or the old one welded, and sleeved. the only thing better than an AATV is 2 AATV's