xi mouse

[fatboycowen 31]

So, i think my recently acquired 518xi was home to a mouse, or several. The last time i mowed (only the 2nd time), the temp gauge was just past 3/4 by the time i was finishing up. It was a pretty hot and humid day. But, i started researching, and it seems that's a bit on the hot side. So, i started pulling stuff off the motor. I pulled off the filter assembly, then the gold colored plate on top of the carb. I found some of what looks like mouse bedding. Blue thread mixed with mossy stuff. I started digging deeper, and found more. I took my air compressor out, and got the air gun going. I blew everything out as best i could. It took forever. Covered my garage with dust. Got tons of crap out. I even found some mouse fur, attached to what might be a piece of a mouse. So, do i need to pull the motor and clean this thing real good? How urgent is it? I don't have a lot of free time at the moment. I also don't have a hoist. Thanks.

[Geno 1,929]

Can you just remove some covers?  I know you can on the older ones.  

[km3h 543]

I had to remove the engine to clean the old grass and grease from the rear cylinder. Just too hard to get all the covers off that Onan of mine. I believe the Kohler is a bit easier to clean though. Removing the engine is not really that much trouble and while you are at it you can decarbonize the pistons and valves. Onan recommends that you do this every 500 hours.

[shallowwatersailor 3,214]

I won't say that it is simple but not overly difficult. The engine needs to be lifted up and out because of the oil drain extending through the engine mounting plate. It is just a matter of disconnecting everything (mark the driveshaft couplings)and once it is out you can access the bolts holding the shields in place. Kohler sells access panels that can be installed while the engine is out so that you don't have to remove the engine next time it needs cleaning in that area.

 

Here is a recent thread on the 5xi:

Edited September 14, 2014 by shallowwatersailor

[fatboycowen 31]

I did read that recent thread. Is there any info about pulling the motor available? Shop manuals? I could probably figure it out, but if there is a how to, it would be easier. How much does the engine weigh? Is there a shop manual for the motor itself? What should i plan to do while i have it out? It might be a while before i'm able to pull it, but i'd like to start planning. I'll probably end up buttoning it back up and giving it a try, to see how much changed from what i cleaned. Thanks.

[semperfi8185 56]

I had this problem with a mower that I picked up for free.  Had to pull off all of the engine shrouds and clean every nook and cranny.  It was packed!  This is a big deal and you need to take care of it.

 

Greg

[RMCIII 838]

Fatboy - all us "XI" owners are hoping that Challenger has the time to do a video on the next "servicing" of an XI. As you may have read in a couple threads, this is starting to become more of a topic, simply becasue , the hours are starting to creep up there for us XI owners and also becasue not a lot of XI's are around so not many individuals have had the pleasure of cleaning out the left side of the engine.

 

Challenger probably has the most knowledge when it comes to the "XI" line that I have found, aside from a Toro/WH service center. But then again, if the techs are in there 30's they would not have the in's and out's on these garden tractors.

 

Rob

[km3h 543]

Removing an engine from any tractor is usually fairly easy. First and foremost, take pictures each step along the way. If you have not done this before the major confusion arises when you start to put it back together and have several wires that must go to the right connectors. Good photos will eliminate getting them on the wrong post. You will most likely have to remove some of the tin that covers the engine to disconnect some of the wiring. Again take photos. Even though it looks simple it is sometimes confusing trying to figure out the right angle a tin goes on an engine.

Typically on a twin cylinder the engine will weigh about 90 lbs. Most folks can handle this amount of weight. If you do not have a work bench to sit the engine, you can simply leave it on the frame in most cases and turn it to the position you need to work on it. I have a metal dolly I put mine on so I can take it out of the garage and give it a good degreasing with a power washer. Make sure you cover the carburetor with a plastic bag and rubber band to keep the water out. As long as there is no power on the electronics, and they are completely dry before you hook them back up, they won't be hurt by the water or cleaning solution if rinsed properly.

Evan the newest novice can do these things with a rudimentary amount of tools so go at it. If you get into trouble there is enough experience on this forum to get you back on track.

Remember a lot of photographs are your best friend. I use my cell phone in the shop then download them into my computer.

[fatboycowen 31]

Good info. Thank you.

 

I'm pretty mechanical and have a ton of tools. I've done cylinder heads on BMWs, and all kinds of other stuff, so i should be capable. But, i'm a noob to tractors. But, i'm not scared.

 

Maybe i'll even document it when i do it.

 

But, if i'm decarboning the motor, and doing other maintenance things while it's out, i'll need some resources. 

 

Thanks for the help.

[km3h 543]

Sounds like you will indeed have no trouble with this project. Keep us posted along the way.