Need new engine

[drslyr4]

I have an 86 argo with a 18hp kohler engine that seems real tired. Have had it in the shop 3 times but it still is hard starting when cold. Seems like the engine is just worn out and would like to put a new engine in. Could anyone tell me what engine I could replace it with? Looking for something to drop right in with out alot of changing around. Any help or direction would be appreciated. A lot of info on this site but need to narrow what I need to do.
Thanks

[racerone3]

anything other than one of the same, is going to require some mods. a Briggs Vanguard, or a Honda would both make great choices, but will require some work on the exhaust, wiring, and throttle/ choke hookups

[drslyr4]

I know there will have to be some modifactions. Just would like one where the clutch and mounting would line up. I heard vanguard would work good.

[Gary F]

why not replace it with another Kohler , they are pretty nuch bullett proof and you wont have to make any mods .

[LarryW]

Are you sure its tired and not just needing some other work? I would try a compression test. If its low maybe look into replacing the rings at least. It could be as simple as head gaskets or maybe valves too though. Not sure about your 18 kohler but a kohler m18 rings are around $60/70 bucks on ebay last I looked. If its not knocking then dont worry about the lower end. Of coarse measuring it all out and making sure its ok wouldnt be a bad idea either.

[drslyr4]

I thought about rebuilding it, but figured with a new motor it would just work better. it is a magnum 18. This argo was on a farm its whole life and has alot of hours on it. I think i was the first to really do some maintence on it. It works real good when i can get it started. I just wanted to know where to get a new motor and what kind so there aren't too many head aches swapping it out.

[Argo guy]

If you decide to install a new engine you will need to do a little research and make sure you find an engine that idles at a low RPM ( 1100 - 1300 ) also you need to make sure that the engine can produce enough torque when under load.

[drslyr4]

Thats why i was asking on here. I know motor replacements have been done.Someone must of replaced a motor and know what works. Should i just contact an engine place and see if they can match a serial number of the old one?

[handbrake]

Boy, that Kohler 18 HP is a fantastic engine, and a very efficient cold starter. I've got it in my Magnum.
If your engine, once started and hot is running good and strong on demand no smoke, I would maybe change mecanic or dealer. Check for fuel piping leaks and fuel pump that's the tricky part. Being first hand with the engine you must go back to all original settings , new spark plugs, clean carb, good wiring. I've runned mine with synthetic oil for years, no problemo!

[handbrake]

Forgot, the air filter (new?) and the choke linkage. With the air filter off check how your choke fonction, this engine needs to be choked properly for quick start but without overdoing it. Can you easely restart the engine when you kill it?

[drslyr4]

When the temp is in the 50s it starts good. Below that for get it. The carb has been rebuilt 2 times in the last year from 2 different professional shops. new plugs, air filter, fuel line from the tank. Fuel pump work good. Choke seems to operate properly. I did change the oil in the spring. When it runs it does work but seems sluggish. I gave up trying to get it started. I am going to bring it back home to work on it. Will most likely pull the engine to put something newer.

[mike bar]

Hi guys, its been a while since i've been on here. I had to put my 2 cents in here about the magnum as i have one. They are a great motor but mine does not like warm days as it heats easy. I might try to hook up another fan somehow or an oil cooler so
As far as cold starts I find mine starts best in cold conditions with full choke and throttle wide open until she fires then go right to half choke and fine throttle. Hope this helps and its nice to be back with you guys again.

[drslyr4]

It does restart once i get it running. just a lot of heaaches getting it started. It's just not dependable.

[JohnF]

You ought to add your location to your profile. If you were near me I would come take a look. To me, your complaint here and in the other thread sounds like a carburetor problem. I know you've had it looked at twice already - I've had my carb apart at least a dozen time not including jetting changes. A couple time something plugging some passage and the rest something sticking that darn anti-afterfire solenoid.

Of course if you want to replace the engine - that's a whole different thing. I want to replace mine too with a bigger one like RD did. The 20hp is kind of marginal at 10K ft uphill turn with tracks in deep snow.

But I bet that if you are willing to subject your knuckles to the skinning and the compression checks out that we can fix this.

[North Country Tough]

Spark,compression,fuel,thats it thats all it needs to run,something is missing,I had three magnum 18,s,they all went north sat in 10 to 20 plus below weather and all started fine,if you have good compression then its a easier fix,fuel or spark,find out what the compression is first before wretching the motor.