Well, I was going to wait for the first 3"+ snow fall and real test of the tractor to wrap up this thread but I have given up waiting. Above average temps and no snow is expected for the next 2 weeks.
First, I'd like to thank everyone who has posted here. Almost all the massages helped in some way or another. Special thanks to George A Ansley, Herald Goff, Joe Schleppenbach, Tom Ingles, Bill George, and Mick Gibson. I remember you guys from the beginning of this thread and from my original post from last year. I have learned so much from everyone and this site in general. I can not express my thanks enough. THANK YOU ALL!
Secondly, my future plans. Probably in April, I'm going to tear apart, rebuild, and paint the mower deck, snow blower, and mule train (I think it's called). After all the problems with the engine they look like they should be child's play to deal with. Also, I'm going to give the tractor a proper paint job. My first attempt looks okay but thanks you to guys I know how to do it better now.
I'm going to get the lights working again, need a new lights and lens on the front for that and I'd like to replace the dash panel (if I can find a good one). I'll post some pictures when I get all the painting done.
I lost the mower deck level adjuster during this rebuild. Going to keep an eye out for one of them and a decal kit and sand paper foot rests.
All my pictures, notes, and manuals I had for this got deleted accidentally. I'm not sure if that a good thing or not. I miss the parts manual and Kohler manual someone emailed me but there is no longer any pictures of all the mistakes I made.
I'm going to type out a list of the parts that are needed to convert a Kohler KT-17 engine from series I to series II. I wish I could have found a list like this when I was looking. It would have saved me a couple of months of time. Hopefully, someone will find it helpful in the future.
Parts needed to convert a Kohler KT-17 series I to Kohler KT-17 series II engine:
Engine block,
Crankshaft,
Camshaft,
Flywheel,
[Highly recommended] Camshaft plug (it should have a rubber ring around it)
I seem to be doing fine with a series I camshaft plug but it is the part I have the least confidence in with this rebuild.
Well, this project has been quite the experience. A two-month project turned into a 14-month one. I learned so much, including driving home just how stubborn I apparently am.
Once again, thank you all, this tractor probably would have been just left to rust if it weren't for your guys' expertise.
Thanks,
Eugene.