Which Kohlers blow head gasket

[Boyd in Mn]

About a month ago I talked to a guy who works on mowers a lot. He told me there is a series of Kohler engines that were assembled with head bolts that were too long and they typically blow head gaskets. Does anyone know what series this is?
 

[steve_in_mo]

I don't think those engines came from the factory that way, but some models use different length head bolts in different positions and they can get mixed up when someone works on them.

The primary reason for head gasket failure is improper torque in the bolts on installation and failure to re-check torque after a warmup.

People don't always tell a repairman the truth about how something got broken. "I was just mowing the yard, see, and..."
 

[DiyDave]

I think the 25 HP vertical shaft ones were the lemons. not sure of part #'s
 

[DiyDave]

I think the 25 HP vertical shaft ones were the lemons. not sure of part #'s
 

[dhermesc]

It seems every kohler built in the last 45 years has that issue. I've dealt with it on all years of Cub Cadet.
 

[WillieG]

Our 2005 25 hp vertical shaft Kohler has blown a few head gaskets. I'm not really happy with it, but it does the job.