Looking at a 522xi

[slammer302 2,154]

My first 520xi would run in the red on the temp gauge. It ended up ruining both crank shaft seals. I had to pull the engine twice once to clean and another to replace seals.

[DennisThornton 4,769]

I've read that the Kohlers have to be pulled in order to remove the shrouds and clean out the debris to prevent overheating. 

 

Hoping others will chime in and perhaps use mine as a demonstration. 

[Spook345 22]

Looking at posts on multiple sites, that appears to be the likely culprit Dennis. But I haven't found the answer to accessing without pulling the engine.  Many have had this same issue.  Maybe someone will chime in.  If not, I'll look into when I get back home next weekend.  

[clueless 2,898]

10 hours ago, slammer302 said:

My first 520xi would run in the red on the temp gauge. It ended up ruining both crank shaft seals. I had to pull the engine twice once to clean and another to replace seals.

Kohler make an access panel kit for the command, Kohler # 2574420-S. You have to pull the engine and remove the blower cover, a good time to really blow out the whole block. You have to cut the housing and drill some holes in it, not that difficult, and then bolt the panels on. You can then remove the panels without having to remove the engine, then use an air compressor to blow everything out. I put a set on one of my commands a few years ago, works great .  

 

 

[Spook345 22]

Thanks clueless.  

Read on another forum where a guy tached his engine and found it turning only 3400 at WOT.  He said once he adjusted to 3600 his cooling issue was solved.  If only it would be that easy.  Very effective 200rpm.  

[slammer302 2,154]

I've removed the covers around the spark plug area and pull starter off and was able to give a pretty good cleaning. If It was one I have just bought I like to pull the motor and make sure it's good and clean then after that I do above way. 

[fatboycowen 30]

Here's my story about cleaning the engine.

When i bought mine (518xi), there was evidence of mouse nests and other debris in all the cooling fins. The engine also ran hot. I didn't want to take the time to pull the engine, at the time. So, i used a compressor and air gun to clean it. I got the little nozzle into every little gap i could. I couldn't believe how much stuff came out. Piles.

The engine cooled down when mowing. It was maybe 5/8 to 3/4 of the way to red on the hottest days.I figured i got most of it, but not all.

 

About a year later, i finally had time, and pulled the engine. It really wasn't that bad. Several hours of work, but nothing too complex. However, there was almost no junk!!! It was pretty damn clean. There really wasn't much cleaning i had to do. Definitely not worth removing the engine, in my case. I believe i posted photos and a description of how to do it. The hardest part is physically lifting it. I used my other tractor's back hoe and a chain, but an engine hoist would be easier.

 

So, in my case, the junk was able to be cleaned with an air gun on a compressor. However, if you have caked in mud, the engine has to come out. I'm still glad i did it, just to know it's not nasty in there.

[Spook345 22]

Thanks for the suggestions.  Back home after a week away.  Experienced some separation anixety.  Ha.

I won't have time to pull the engine this weekend but I'll remove the starter and blow out with compressed air.   

[Spook345 22]

Slammer302, I pulled the plug covers and starter.  Cooling fins behind the starter were caked with mud as well as the area where the starter and fly wheel meet.  Mowed after a good cleaning and the temp never got above 50% green on a 92degr day.  Glad you shared!