Kohler Command Engine Oil Leaking Problems [7 Easy Fixes]

Kohler command engine oil leaking problems can be caused by a broken crankshaft seal, blocked breather, broken valve cover gaskets, blocked filter, cracked oil pan, broken head gasket, or a fouled cylinder.

The issues can be fixed by replacing the faulty parts in most instances. Tightening the fasteners, bolts, replacing the oil seal, breather, gaskets, etc can solve the problem. Keep reading this article to find out more about these problems in detail.

Kohler Command Engine Oil Leaking Problems [7 Easy Solutions]

We’ll find out the most common causes that cause Kohler command engines to leak oil in this section. The solutions to each of these problems will be provided and we’ll also discuss how to replace the oil seal on the Kohler engine.

Note: You can also read how to fix Turbo leaking oil into the intercooler.

1. Broken Crankshaft Seal

A broken crankshaft will cause oil leakage in a Kohler engine. Notice if the leak is coming from the area where the fan and flywheel are located. The pressure from the fan and flywheel causes oil leakage when running the engine.

This leak is most likely to happen while driving. Because when the engine is idle, the fan or flywheel won’t blow it around. The main crankshaft wearing may also be worn-out which can cause the leak.

Solution:

You need to replace the crankshaft oil seal if it’s broken. The oil seal is easy to replace but you need to open up other parts to get to it. 

How To Replace Oil Seal On Kohler Engine

You can replace your Kohler engine’s oil seal on your own. Follow these steps to replace the oil seal:

• Unscrew the front of your lawnmower to get access to the engine.
• Take out the spark plugs.
• Unscrew all the other screws that attach the engine to the vehicle.
• Remove the pulleys and the tabs covering the oil seal.
• Clean up the dirt and debris using compressed air.
• Tap between the oil seal using a metal object.
• Pull it out once it becomes loose.
• Put grease on the inner surface of the new oil seal.
• Put any anaerobic adhesive like Loctite 515 on the outside of the seal.
• Place the new oil seal and tap it to make sure until it’s completely inside.
• Put everything back together.

The oil leakage will stop if the oil seal was the problem. Check that the wiring is okay when you open up the engine as rodents can bite on them and damage them. Use liquid tape to fix broken wires.

2. Blocked Breather

The flow of oil will be diverted if there is a blockage in any of the breathers. The oil is most likely to end up near the cylinder walls if this is the issue. The issue can come from the breather valve or the breather gasket.

You can inspect the breather tube in question by passing air through it and see if it’s flowing freely or not. As for the breather gasket, check for signs of damage.

Solution:

Remove the dirt from the breather tube by applying compressed air. If the blockage is serious, it’s best to replace it with a new one. The breather gasket also has to be replaced if it’s broken or damaged.

3. Broken Valve Cover Gaskets

A common cause for oil leakage in Kohler command engines is faulty valve cover gaskets. You’ll notice smoke coming out from the exhaust pipe if this is the issue.

Solution:

Valve cover gaskets are easy to replace and don’t cost much. You can replace the valve cover gaskets and it’ll solve the oil leakage problem.

4. Blocked Filter

The flow of oil will be interrupted by a blocked filter. The filter needs to be tight to seal the oil from leaking. The filter should be changed frequently as metal pieces and dirt can get into the filter.

Seeing a puddle of oil around the filter is a good sign that the filter is causing the oil leak issue.

Solution:

Replace the old filter with a new one. Make sure the new oil filter doesn’t have any cracks or holes in it.

5. Cracked Oil Pan

It’s simple enough but most people don’t care to check the oil pan. The oil pan can cause the leakage of oil if there are cracks in it. You’d lose a lot of oil if this is the issue as the oil sits on the oil pan and it’ll be a direct leak.

Solution:

Replacing the oil pan is the only solution if this is the case. Oil pans are expensive but you can replace them on your own if you have the tools available.

6. Blown Head Gasket

Oil leak problems can be caused by a blown head gasket. Vapor coming out of the dipstick tube is a good indicator of a blown head gasket. 

The oil leakage can also come from warped cylinder heads. New valve cover gaskets won’t help if the leak is coming from the cylinder heads.

Solution:

Replace the head gaskets if you suspect they are causing the problem. Check if the cylinder heads have warped and fix it if necessary.

7. Fouled Cylinder

Several factors can contribute to a leaky cylinder. Nuts and bolts in the cylinder could get loose. Faulty valve seals, head gaskets, etc can all together cause a cylinder to leak oil.

Solution:

Clean the cylinder head using a brush and use a 3M pad to remove any existing carbon from the valves. Replace the seals, gaskets that are faulty and tighten the bolts that have gotten loose.

FAQs:

Conclusion

Now you know what causes Kohler’s command engine oil leaking problems and how you can solve them. Solve this problem as early as possible as the problem starting with an oil leak can soon expand to other parts of the engine.

We hope the tips we shared will help you figure out what’s causing the oil leak and how you can fix it. Let us know if you have any questions for us by leaving a comment below.