T1760 Engine (Kawasaki FD501v) Swap recommendation

[Jdthirteen]

Hi everyone,

Brand new to the forum and to the world of Kubota tractors. I recently picked up a 1997 t1760 with coolant in the combustion chamber. The rest of the tractor is in mint condition. I was told by the seller that it would be an easy task to swap the motor for a Briggs.

I have began disassembling the engine, so that I may have a closer look. If the block is not cracked, and the cylinders aren't scorched up, I plan to rebuild the top end for a quick flip.

My question is how would I go about finding the correct fitting engine? Also would there be any alterations necessary besides mounting to the frame?

I've worked on many small engines but this is my first Tractor.

 

[rentthis]

I have managed to replace one engine with another brand. I changed from a Kohler v twin to a Vanguard v twin. There were several modifications required. Over the years, I have attempted to do what you are thinking of doing. 30 years into this thing, I have figured out that the best thing to do is to save yourself the grief and replace it with what you already have.

 

[lugbolt]

The ENGINE is what sells that mower.....it is a sweet running engine and those who know mowers will pay top dollar for about anything with a water cooled kawasaki. They are not quite bulletproof, but probably one of the best gas engines ever made....

I've had a Deere LX178, 188, 320, Bad Boy Lightning, and for a very brief time a TG1860G (also liquid cooled kawi). So I'm speaking from experience with them....the engine (alone) sells the entire machine as long as it's in good shape.

i.e., I wouldn't suggest swapping some old briggs & scrapiron or worse yet a Kohler to it. Rebuild the one that's on it. That or find a John Deere LX178 or LX188 and rob it's engine and pray to the Lawn equipment Gods that it's not FUBAR as well. The LX188 uses a FD501V, the LX178 is a smaller engine, FD440 as I recall-but they are interchangeable. I think that the LX279 might also have a FD501V, but I do not remember with enough certainty to tell you it for sure is.

water in coolant is most likely either a head gasket leaking OR a leaking water pump. Could also be an intake gasket but that's not very common in my experience, UNLESS someone's been "into" it at some point and got the gaskets out of shape, or attempted to re-use them (that's no bueno). How to you tell which one it is? Grab your cooling system pressure tester, pressurize the system (with coolant in it), let it sit a while. After a while sitting with pressure on the system, pull the spark plugs and crank the engine. If you get water (coolant) out of the plug holes, you have most likely found a failed head gasket. If it's just going into the oil, most likely a failed water pump. Yes you need the tester kit to properly diagnose them...well, that or just start throwing parts at it.