27-30 hp Kohler

[fmints]

Hello gents, I need assistance. I have an opportunity to score a 27-30 hp kohler but the issue is that the shaft is huge, almost 2 inches in diameter. I was wondering if the cranks among that size engine block are compatible with each other. Meaning, i can buy a crank or take a crank from another 27-30hp kohler, with a 1 1/8 shaft to mate with the clutch. I was also considering if i can mill the shaft down from 2'' to 1 1/8 inches but fear that this will mess up the balance of the crank and the engine will vibrate like crazy. Thanks guys for your help in advance!!

[jpswift1]

The clutches for a huge shaft like that cost an arm and a leg......probably more than the entire engine. Talk to Bob (Freq42), he was in the exact same situation that you're looking at. I think he was going to buy a smaller crank (1-1/8") to get his engine to work with a smaller, and less expensive clutch.

[thebuggyman1]

You can pull the crank out and send it to an engine machine shop that does crank "grinding"......turning it down on a lathe can be inaccurate.

[coosaridgerider]

I put a 27hp honda in a maxll,I had a machinist make an adapter to slide over the 11/8 shaft that fastened on with 2 set screws to a 1" shaft.I had to move the motor over a little but it worked.

[spookum]

If you can get somone to turn it down to a 1:10 taper, you can use most standard snow mobile clutches

[jpswift1]

If you can get somone to turn it down to a 1:10 taper, you can use most standard snow mobile clutches

The only problem with that would be that you'd have to recalibrate your clutch since snowmobile clutches are mostly for 2 stroke engines that rev and engage at much higher RPMs than a 4 stroke V-twin. Your best bet would be to do a 1-1/8" with a 1/4" keyway.

[fmints]

Thanks for everyone's advice, i think that grind it down to a 1-1/8 with a 1/4 keyway will be the cheapest and best alternative. Now i just have to find a machine shop that can facilitate my need.

[Noel Woods]

It shouldn't be that big a deal to machine down, where I live in the Dallas, TX market area, the standard fee is around a $100. Good luck, let us know how it works out.
FYI, go for a quality clutch made for a high hp/4 cycle engine. You might be able to utilize a clutch off a side-by- side like a Polaris Ranger, these can be tuned to the particular power/driving style for an amphib. The alternative would of course be something like a cv-tech clutch.

[fmints]

Ok, it seems that this new to me engine that i scored is really a 23Hp Kohler with a 1 7/16 PTO shaft for the engine clutch. My question is, are there any internal differences between the Kohler CV 22 crankshafts and the CH 23 crankshafts. I called Kohler and they couldn't give me any help besides, the normal, "I can sell you another 23 hp Kohler with the crankshaft specs to your liking-- kinda talk". If there is no differences, looks like I will getting a crank for my 23 hp for about 25 bucks at a local junkyard! I do appreciate everyones input. Thanks!!

[fmints]

well, i've looked and looked, and i found the answer. The CV22(Command Vertical 22 hp) and the CH23(Command Horizontal 23hp) share the same stroke, which means that they share the same crankshaft. For anyone who wants this information here is a manual.Kohler Engines: Command PRO: Series Landing: Engines

[lewis]

Call Midwest Super Cub. They may have a crank on hand that will fit you engine or give you a recommendation..........or make one. They are pretty darn good with the Kohlers. Here is a link to their web site.

Midwest Super Cub

They are pretty good people, so talk with them and see what they may can do. Hope this helps.

Lewis