WheelhorseBob 1,550 #1 Posted September 24, 2020 I see a C-175 local to me. It has the twin Kohler 17hp. I know there are two versions of this motor. One good and one very bad. Did the C175 have both or only the good one? BTW it is a Black Hood. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,909 #2 Posted September 24, 2020 Depends on the year but Yes Bob the KT series was made in what is called the series II ... much better as it was pressure oil fed whereas the orginal was not and subject to oil starvation on inclines. If it's got the series 1 good dickering point on the price. Series II go for it. If series II it will be labeled as such on the air filter cover I believe.. My '84 C-195 has a series 1 and smokes like a bandito. Bad rings I suspect. Hope this helps. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelhorseBob 1,550 #3 Posted September 24, 2020 Series I or Series II. Can't you tell from the picture? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,909 #4 Posted September 24, 2020 (edited) Just guessing here but looks series 1. Not much external difference but the engine tag tells all. Will tell your what else I see tho looks like voltage regulator has no landings on it and kinda shiney... might mean new. Could be just the pic tho. Edited September 24, 2020 by WHX24 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
midpack 1,011 #5 Posted September 24, 2020 I'd guess series I as well, looks pretty clean and well maintained, heck even the fender looks unbroken I have one in a C-175 and it's truly a great motor <-- maintenance is key. Love the sound it makes as it's eating up the wet heavy snow at the end of my driveway! I also have 2 Series I motors (in boxes) with broken rods. One has a hole in the block from when it let go.Plenty of spare parts! lol check the oil, make sure it's at least to the top line, look at the yard it worked in (flat or hilly), and the overall condition of the machine. make sure it's cold, then have it started, look for smoke Looks like a 42" RD deck. see how much it needs for repair (patching) for the right $$$ you should grab it. Make a (no way I'm leaving without this) offer, all they can say is no, right? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pollack Pete 2,273 #6 Posted September 24, 2020 Why be afraid of a series 1?Hell,the tractor is around 40 yrs old and still running.Just how bad can they be? I have two C-175's.One has a series 1.One has a series 2.I'm not afraid of either one of them.BTW,my series 2 has a series 2 decal on the flywheel tin cover.Others here have said before,on a series 1,keep the oil level a little on the high side and you'll be fine.I'd say,if the price is good on the one you're looking at,go for it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,348 #7 Posted September 24, 2020 If the engine Spec # is 24299 or below it will be a series one, if higher it will be a series two.As has been said, if well cared for and not used on steep hillsides the series one will be fine. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,909 #8 Posted September 24, 2020 1 hour ago, Pollack Pete said: Just how bad can they be Bad enough I can't stand within 10 ft. of mine it smokes that bad not to mention blowing oil into the air cleaner. May have had a rough past life who knows. Thing that scares me is I have already started researching rebuild parts that they aren't exactly giving away. From what I hear tell a series 1 is not worth rebuilding. That's ok too I guess when she goes she'll get a repo of sorts. That being said the 175/195s are beasts and I wouldn't be afraid to own another. Passed on a 175 for 500 with a series II & wheel weights all around that was worth the price right there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
midpack 1,011 #9 Posted September 24, 2020 Also, any other Kohler K series is plug and play if the series I let's go. Don't need to ask how I know that. Lol 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnD 145 #10 Posted September 25, 2020 I have a '83 C-175 with a series 1 that is running strong (#24223). The engine manual says to not run it at more than a 30 degree tilt. Less than that is not an issue. The engine serial number should be on a label right at that shiny spot on the lower left corner of your engine photo. Mine has a different air intake, but other than that they look identical. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnD 145 #11 Posted September 25, 2020 Here is the link the KT-17 manuals - https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/topic/74050-kt17-ii-overhaul/?tab=comments#comment-713820 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnD 145 #13 Posted September 25, 2020 Don't try that at home! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelhorseBob 1,550 #14 Posted September 25, 2020 Thanks for the advice and insight. My yard has 30 degree slopes....I’ve reached out to look at it. We shall see. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
