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

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