Kohler KT17 series 2 leaking oil drain plug

[Bull 35]

Hello,

My Wheel Horse KT 417A w/ the Kohler the KT17 series 2 motor has an oil leak at the drain plug. I believe it is a 3/8" pipe nipple. It's hard to tell if it is leaking at the short nipple off the block or at the elbow. The elbow is somewhat loose. Anyway it appears that I will have to drain the oil and remove the pipe fittings to the block, clean and then retighten them.

Should I apply plumbers tape to the pipe threads or something else? Hopefully, I will be able to remove the nipples without having to move the block. Has any of you run into this issue before.

 

Regards,

Bob

[mrc 960]

plumbers tape or pipe dope will work.

[My_horse 23]

I’d definitely use a pipe dope. It will sort of lock in the threads when it dries. Had the same issue with my 314-8 command. 

[grinchsr 648]

Been there before you will find it a lot easer if you unbolt the motor and turn it.   There is not much room to get any tools in there

[953 nut 60,348]

My 417 and 310 both have the drain pipe drip you are experiencing. After draining the oil I just turn the 90 and pipe clockwise a quarter turn to tighten the 90 and no more dreaded drip.

[lynnmor 7,858]

If the pipe has been loose for some time it will wear the threads.  Best option is to run a tap in to freshen the threads in the block and then replace the plumbing with new using either red thread locker or a hardening pipe thread compound.  If there is room, consider a Fumoto oil drain valve.

[JoeM 8,429]

Just now, lynnmor said:

hardening pipe thread compound

I have had good results with MotoSeal I know it's a gasket maker but it locks into threads and works great. As far as the cap or plug just plain thread tape for those. 

I also used it on a couple old briggs carb bases that mount to the tank. The early ones have one less mounting screw and can be hard to seal. Resistant to gas.

[lynnmor 7,858]

2 minutes ago, JoeM said:

I have had good results with MotoSeal I know it's a gasket maker but it locks into threads and works great. As far as the cap or plug just plain thread tape for those. 

I also used it on a couple old briggs carb bases that mount to the tank. The early ones have one less mounting screw and can be hard to seal. Resistant to gas.

 

I use Motoseal, it is good stuff for some applications.  The problem with the oil drain pipes is vibration and usually the pipe is hanging in a position that will loosen it.  Once it moves a bit, that is the beginning of a failure.  That is why I use a more permanent compound to lock it in place.  The red thread locker can be loosened, if necessary heat with a torch.