Cee245 753 #1 Posted October 1, 2018 Hi all, Looking at a 1986 417a with the Koehler series 2 motor which has 750hrs on it. Runs good but needs charging system looked at since it doesn't charge battery. Comes with nice 48 deck. Seems like a decent machine and it's priced right. I CAN'T go wrong for the price of this package but what should I look for tomorrow when I see it in person? I know the usual suspects like plugs and compression test, but any info is greatly appreciated! Thanks Cory 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dcrage 621 #2 Posted October 1, 2018 A usual watch out is checking the strength of the transmission. If allowed see if you can make the tires spin when the fromt wheels are stopped against an immovable object. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 16,923 #3 Posted October 1, 2018 417-A is a great machine. Chances are the voltage regulator is bad. You can download a kohler manual if you get it. Good luck. I love mine. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 35,708 #4 Posted October 1, 2018 The 417A should have the Eaton 1100. One of the best hydros made. My 417s feel and sound as strong as the 520s. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,611 #5 Posted October 1, 2018 My 418-C was not charging when I bought it, turns out the wires to the regulator fell off, plugged it in and all is well. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skipper 1,788 #6 Posted October 1, 2018 (edited) What they said, and....... Look for leaks in the hydraulics. Test hydro unit as mentioned (a strap around a tree will do just fine). Test engine and observe the oil. No filter, so they like it fresh and brand new. Look for leaks around the transaxle. I had a 417A, and it was the best classic WH I have ever had, and I have had my share Many ain't fans of those old Kohlers, but I just adore them. Take good care of em, and they will just go on and on and on......... Edited October 1, 2018 by Skipper 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slammer302 2,154 #7 Posted October 2, 2018 Take a voltage meter with you the charging system is fairly easy to check out. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shallowwatersailor 3,213 #8 Posted October 2, 2018 Another way to check the transmission and transaxle is to place it against a curb. It should spin the tires on the asphalt/concrete. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cee245 753 #9 Posted October 2, 2018 Well, I went to look at the 417 today. Seems in decent shape but it is not currently running. The Model tag is worn off but I did take a pic of the engine serial #. I know it's a series 2 Koehler. The seller wants to get rid of a lot of parts as well. Very Nice 48" deck. 2 seat pans one being excellent shape. A complete front end off a 91 520 (without gear reduction) 2 rear rims and nice tires. Complete Eaton 1100 from 91 520. Lots of misc parts. The engine runs but doesn't hold a charge. Cory 350 for all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cee245 753 #10 Posted October 2, 2018 Also a 12hp magnum Kohler. Here's a couple more pics... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pollack Pete 2,273 #11 Posted October 2, 2018 All that and you didn't buy it???? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #12 Posted October 2, 2018 Send me his contact info. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skipper 1,788 #13 Posted October 2, 2018 (edited) Thats a no brainer.........SAY YES!! Edited October 2, 2018 by Skipper 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #14 Posted October 2, 2018 I will. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 16,923 #15 Posted October 2, 2018 I wouldn’t have taken pictures of it until I got it home 👍 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cee245 753 #18 Posted October 2, 2018 (edited) Ok, ok, ok! I bought it! Lol It's 40 mins away and I'm getting him an oem oil filter for his 97 520h.(i live close to a dealer here in Erie Pa). His oil filter boot wasn't around the oil filter. This was a great trip to see this tractor, the seller is a WH fan like us and is looking to downsize a bit. I had a great time talking with him. Should be here next week as the seller is out of town until Tuesday. Cory Edited October 2, 2018 by Cee245 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cee245 753 #19 Posted October 2, 2018 I have tons of questions about the kohler motor. Doesn't it look like it has a points ignition? I personally haven't had to deal with that before. Any ideas about the year of this tractor? Cory Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 35,708 #20 Posted October 2, 2018 1985 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cee245 753 #21 Posted October 2, 2018 Thanks @Ed Kennell Is this considered a good motor? I have only dealt with the Onans and no Kohler engines. Cory It looks like it has points... I think I see a condenser in the pic of the top of engine Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,611 #22 Posted October 2, 2018 13 minutes ago, Cee245 said: Doesn't it look like it has a points ignition? Yes it has points. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
520hC-120 136 #23 Posted October 2, 2018 I’d say that those engines are great. The gen 2s had a better oil system for longer engine life. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cee245 753 #24 Posted October 2, 2018 Thanks @953 nut It looks like a condenser just lower right of points right? Cory Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,611 #25 Posted October 2, 2018 46 minutes ago, Cee245 said: Thanks @953 nut It looks like a condenser just lower right of points right? Cory Yes, that is the condenser. I have a few of the K Twins to be used in future projects and one in my 418-C. Love the power and quiet operation. The fuel pump on the twins is located on top of the engine (just under the coil) and can be a problem area, takes a lot of suction to lift the gas that high. I installed an electric low pressure fuel pump on mine and it starts a lot better than before. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites