[green_with_envy]

We'll after pricing out parts for my k532, I have decided it was going to be money better spent on a repower. I have searched WFM on repowers and I am kind of leaning towards the 25HP Kohler kit from http://www.repowerspecialists.com/johndeere400.php.

The reasons that I have come up with for going that route are:
Except for the generac kit (that also looks like they don't make anymore) the kohler has the most HP.
Tons of accessories for the motor available if needed
It is the same brand john deere used.

The cost is roughly $2200 with free shipping to the US ( have a cousin that lives near boarder where I can have it sent and then I pick up). What are your thoughts on the kit/company? Is there other reasons to use another engine kit? Thank you

 

[rapshee]

The Kolher is a good engine. And you should be pleased with it. However, I would lean towards a 23hp Vanguard engine if I repower. I have 7 machines with 16/18 hp Vangaurds at work with 4000+ hours on them and have never been opened up.

 

[melloyellokidd]

IF they are mounting the Kohler in the same position (crankshaft height) then the valve cover with the oil filler cap will have to be replaced with a regular valve cover, thus eliminating a way to add oil to the engine. The oil filler cap interferes with the side panel. My brother and I are in the process of repowering 2 400s with the 27HP version. We have dropped the engine as far down as we could possibly drop it so that the valve cover with the filler cap can remain in place as well as making the stock muffler fit better.. We are having to reconfigure the PTO tension pulley but I think we have it figured out. Should know for sure very shortly. We are also looking at eliminating the manual PTO in favor of an electric unit. It is doable with a little bit of machine work.

 

[jimmystractor]

You might try searching for 7CMZ21-RV or Kohler 7000. That genset came with the K582 and most have very low hours. After you install the engine you can get good money for the quality Kohler powerhead.

 

[T-Mo]

T.H.E Company offers a Honda repower kit for the 400. http://www.the-co.com/home.html

 

[green_with_envy]

I have been doing a lot of research on repower and looks like there are good and bad with all the repower kits/engines. The kit from SEW is actually on sale right now and with shipping direct to my door is just shy of $2000 which I was shocked to see. I would like a solid engine that I don't have to worry about but also an engine that won't be obsolete any time soon.

 

[tfgaasch]

If I had to do it over I would probably buy one of the k582 mini blocks. Unfortunately I did not know about them when I did my k532. But I am happy with the one I rebuilt, it was a fun project even though I was pressed for time, I finally got it all up and running 3 weeks later then I wanted. Well at least it's mechanically sound for next winter. Now I just need to make it look good from 20 feet, oh and need to sort things on my new cab too.

 

[newbold]

I know repowers are popular and have their advantages but dont overlook the k582, they are powerful motors that have really gone the distance. All of the single cylinder Kohlers have proven their longevity, mine was 37 years old when the balance gear finally went to pieces taking out a piece of the block. It still had the standard piston in it. Jake Walter on this site rebuilds the single cylinder Kohlers to way beyond stock HP and they run smooth. I bought a K341 for my 300 from him that is pushing out 24-25 hp (was 16hp stock) and it still hooked right back up with none of the problems associated with a repower. Just something to think about. He has done 582s up into the 30+ hp range and is reasonable with his pricing. There are probably others as good but I can recommend him.

 

[ab318]

For an engine that won't be obsolete any time soon, all Honda V twin are totally new since 2009:
http://engine.honda.ca/v_twin/horizontal_crankshaft/gx630/specifications

One of them is used by John Deere on their big home generator:
http://www.deere.ca/wps/dcom/en_CA/products/equipment/home_and_workshop_products/generators/agricultural_commercial/industrial_series_wheel_mount_14000/industrial_series_wheel_mount_14000.page?

A kit is available for the 400 with the new GX630 from a business rated A+ by the BBB:
http://www.repowerspecialists.com/johndeere400.php.

Andre

 

[jimmystractor]

I needed a good powerhead to make into a 3pt attachment. The K582 that came with ran great and looks pretty good inside. Another note if you find a low hour generator- They only run at 1800rpm and at full load(7Kw) only take 10.5hp(90%=9.45=~7Kw), so they are not asked for much. I would expect to get over 2X the hours on a K582 in a 7Kw gen vs JD400.

 

[7dad34]

I'm still a fan of rebuilding the engine that was original. I know I didn't spend that kind of money for my rebuild. I did all the labor but paid to have it bored over and the crank ground. Do what you want but the K532/582 motor has plenty to give.

 

[dustinp]

Jake Walter engine rebuilding?

I know repowers are popular and have their advantages but dont overlook the k582, they are powerful motors that have really gone the distance. All of the single cylinder Kohlers have proven their longevity, mine was 37 years old when the balance gear finally went to pieces taking out a piece of the block. It still had the standard piston in it. Jake Walter on this site rebuilds the single cylinder Kohlers to way beyond stock HP and they run smooth. I bought a K341 for my 300 from him that is pushing out 24-25 hp (was 16hp stock) and it still hooked right back up with none of the problems associated with a repower. Just something to think about. He has done 582s up into the 30+ hp range and is reasonable with his pricing. There are probably others as good but I can recommend him.

My brother has a JD 400 with a Kohler engine that just stated blowing a lot of smoke. I told him I would do some checking on possible solutions, and ran across this thread. So now that it has been idle for awhile, I was wondering if anyone knows if having Jake Walter rebuild this engine is still an option (I haven't been able to find any contact info for him when I search the website) or if re-powering with one of the re-power kits is the way to go. If re-powering is the preferred solution, what has the consensus been about which engine has performed best? B&S Vanguard, Honda, Kohler??

Thanks in advance for any up to date info you can provide.

 

[ss313]

You are going to find two groups of opinions on this. There are those that will say that rebuilding is the only way to go and then there are those that say repowers are the only way to go.
I personally like rebuilding and keeping the original engine. The old Kohlers will outwork the newer v-twins in my opinion. You can probably find a local machine shop that can rebuild it or at least machine it for you to reassemble.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jfh9026]

try this, i've done a repower on a 420. Here is URL for 400 repower , save some money.
http://www.wfmachines.com/forums/sh...or-670-engine-swap?highlight=predator+repower

 

[dustinp]

Thanks for the quick replies, and the link. The Predator looks like a tempting alternative at a very significant savings. Is there anyone who has the necessary parts (mounts, belts and pulleys, etc.) to do the swap available? or are you pretty much on your own to fabricate / procure these on your own?

Thanks again!

 

[1973scamp]

I have been seeing the 33hp Generac/Subaru repower again on Ebay for $2400 if memory serves,used to be Generac now made by Subaru.Now rated at 36hp?
Someone should build a few thousand connecting rods for the 532 at a reasonable cost,used ones are getting costly.