O/T Kohler Command 18hp Crankshaft Question

John B. · Dec 28, 2014

I have an 18hp Kohler Command Engine CH18 (horizontal Shaft).

My question, is the timing gear on the crankshaft pressed on and keyed or just pressed on? The way this one looks on ebay that it is pressed on but I don't see a keyway.

The reason I ask this is I believe my engine is out of time and believe the gear has turned a little on the crank if it's not keyed.
Ebay pic

88-1175 · Dec 28, 2014

its pressed on,i highly doubt its moved the valve springs are really weak.the last two ive done had bad cam lobe wear,that was the problem.if its ignition timing the flywheel keys tend to shear then the timing is altered

Brian Dan · Dec 28, 2014

The timing gear is pressed on. I had to replace one and the only replacement is a crankshaft. The timing gear splits. there is no other fix.
Brian

JayinNY · Dec 28, 2014

Just as Brian said below, it's pressed on, and it will split, you need a new crank, but I did that put in a $300 some dollar crank 6 hours later it went again, in my case there are no bearings to support the crank just the aluminum housing so it wears, your better off getting another engine. Here's a pic of my crank gear off a 27 hp command, you can see the split in the back, I hate kohler engines!

markct · Dec 28, 2014

Looks like Kohler has become another fine American brand that has just wasted away there name to get every last nickel

Billy J Shafer · Dec 29, 2014

It is a pressed on fit. From what I have seen with them. Better off just getting another engine.Kohler and Onan are not what they used to be.

John B. · Dec 29, 2014

Thanks everyone for you replies. It has been a big help.

Geo-TH,In · Dec 29, 2014

JohnB
I recently purchased a used ch18 command horizontal shaft. It came off a cub. The guy said there was an issue with engine and they just junked it. Oil filter said the last oil change was done with under 400 hours on it. When I got it home, I noticed all the cooling fins on head were totally blocked with grass clippings.

I think the command has hydraulic lifters too. You may have lifter issues.

I have no need for the engine. I bought it for the coils, starter and the adjustable carb. So, if you are interested in the rest of the engine, I'll leave my email open. It would cost way too much to ship. I could take it apart and send you pics of the parts you may want.
George

O/T Kohler Command 18hp Crankshaft Question

John B.

Well-known Member

88-1175

Member

Brian Dan

Member

JayinNY

Well-known Member

markct

Well-known Member

Billy J Shafer

Member

John B.

Well-known Member

Geo-TH,In

Well-known Member

Similar threads