Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Hi Guys!

Haven't posted this until now because I wanted to know the "ending" first.

About 6 weeks ago on the second cut of the season my Kawasaki powered Toro 22177 Proline that I bought last year seized. This mower had  fewer than 50 hours and the oil had been changed at the required intervals including the first one. The filter was also changed with OEM Kawasaki filters and the crankcase was filled when it locked up. It did not throw the rod but could not be moved with the starter rope at all. Needless to say I was furious. I bought the thing over the net because I wanted the BBC  with the oil filter and Toro would not ship that model to a NY dealer early last season. The Proline is only guaranteed by Toro for 1 year even if you aren't using it for commercial applications. I thought I'm $hit out of luck!! Then I read the warranty and discovered that Kawasaki covers the engine for 2 years.

After relaxing a little bit I began to review the circumstances regarding the operation of the mower. Twice I cleaned the deck by tipping it forward and wondered if I had in someway damaged the engine. I called Kawasaki tech support and asked them about this issue. They said in no way would that have caused a seizure. The only problem associated with that would be oil running into the breather compartment in the air box and causing a smoky condition the next time the engine ran. Then they delivered the news-Seems as if a number of the Kawasaki FJ180-AS09 powerd mowers have been seizing their upper connecting rod bearings due to insufficient lubrication caused by a design flaw. If I would take it to a local Kawasaki dealer they would tear it down and if that was the problem they would replace the engine. In addition the tech told me that the head gaskets on the AS09 were also a problem!

I was speechless! I researched this purchase and was sure I was buying the "best"  engine available. Regaining my composure I asked if the replacement would be another FJ180AS09. No I was assured, the AS09 has been redesigned and replaced by a new unit designated FJ180BS09. Great!! At least they have addressed the problem. Tuesday I get a call from the local warranty center that my mower is ready with the new engine installed. I drive over and the first thing I look at is the specification tag on the engine.  FJ180CS09. I called Kawasaki when I got home and inquired as to the reason for the CS09 . Seems as if there were some issues with the BS09 that required some additional design changes. I sure hope they finally got it right!

In addition I found out why we sometimes have difficulty getting warranty work done at our local dealers. The total payment for the work done by the dealer for my unit was 10% of the price of the new engine. Even if the engine was $750.00 (which it is not) the shop would only be paid $75.00. This is supposed to cover the teardown inspection, communication with Kawasaki , installation of the new engine and boxing up the blown engine and shipping it back to Kawasaki. This information was given me over the phone by Kawasaki not over the counter at the dealer. I am ammazed that the dealer would do that ammount of work for $75!

During the 6 weeks without my mower I called my 31 year old Snapper back into service. It has a replacement engine I put in about 15 years ago . It is very tired and smokes a bit but didn't let me down. I am going to do a complete deck  and drive train restoration. I have already bought a new engine and bolted it in for a trial run. Tecumseh 2 stroke TVXL840 . I'll post before and after pictures when it's done.

Marc 

Marc,
ROFLMAO! ...........(Not really.)

"In addition I found out why we sometimes have difficulty getting warranty work done at our local dealers. The total payment for the work done by the dealer for my unit was 10% of the price of the new engine. Even if the engine was $750.009 (which it is not) the shop would only be paid $75.00. This is supposed to cover the teardown inspection, communication with Kawasaki , installation of the new engine and boxing up the blown engine and shipping it back to Kawasaki. This information was given me over the phone by Kawasaki not over the counter at the dealer. I am ammazed that the dealer would do that ammount of work for $75!"

There isnt as much money in warrenty work as people think.
If I didnt have too do it......I wouldnt do very much of it.
But if a dealer wants too sell products and parts....the service departments get sucked into the mix.
Some manufactures are better than others...Toro and Tecumseh are my favorites. Stihl is the worst. (IMHO)
The real grind is doing work from the big boxes....they can sell product and use us as thier own personal problem-solvers. (Helping the competitor out.)
Makes us one big happy family in OPEland.

Dang! Mark thanks for the info. Glad you're going again.

Glad it's worked out !

Not a nice experience...

Seems even great engine designs are  not good enough... like most things they change...  and some break... and let the designers learn from their errors...

In America... good or great is not good enough...  just cahnge it !  

Dave...

Marc,
Sounds like a guy that works for me. First time he makes something, it's wrong, not even close. So it gets cut apart so he can try and use the same parts to make the assembly correct on the second try. The second try is usually pretty close, but looks like he11. The third try, someone semi-competent helps him with every step and makes sure it is right, and it usually turns out pretty darn good. Better than expected as a matter of fact. Costs me about $500 for something that I sell for $100, but at least I can sell it. So if the third time can be a charm for some bohumps like us, it should be no problem for a respected, worldwide aspiring industry leader like Kawasaki. FWIW, I can understand how and why you prefered the Kawi with the BBC over the Briggs choice. I did almost the same thing but opposite. I could have had a Kawasaki or a Kohler, I picked the Kohler. I guess a rod will shoot out the side of mine tomorrow.

Glad it has worked out so far. Good luck and my fingers are crossed that the C version will be just fine. If there is a problem I'm sure they will stand behind it. I mean if you can dupe someone into putting on and going through all the warranty crap for $75 or less, why not. It will be fine Marc. Companies like Kawasaki and Toro do not need a visable, widespread problem like that. I'm sure it is a brick outhouse.

Hi Guys!

Used the new Kawi today for the first time. Ran very well. I don't trust it. I feel it's been unfaithful to me. Me and my Toro need OPE counceling!

Marc

mml4 wrote:
It'll build it's trust back in no time, you're an understanding and accepting man.

mml4 wrote:
hahahahaha... LMAO

Dr. robmints recommends a healthy dose of exposure therapy. The more you use it, the more confident you will become.
You can go arond thinking it will break, or go around thinking it won't. One thought process causes angst, the other will bring confidence, and pride. It is up to you to choose, but I highly recommend the former.

How do you feel about that?

This sounds like something I'd have to go through when I buy stuff.  That made for some interesting reading. 

Glad to hear it has a happy ending! It's never pleasant to have a fairly new piece of equipment crap out, but it is nice to hear that the dealer and Kawasaki made good in the engine. I've never been a big fan of Kawasaki engines (just my personal opinion), but your story actually raised them up a notch in my eyes, by showning me they stand behind their product. Thanks for posting your experience.