From what I've seen, a lot of those older CC's came with a CH series Kohler. I've also seen them with a Briggs Vanguard. 2,000 hours is indeed possible with both of those engines. Both the hydro-pump and the transmission were also reliable. The weak point of the whole machine was the "Drive Shaft Barrels". There are eight (8) little plastic inserts that look like barrels on each end of the driveshaft. They kind of act like a U-joint. They wear out over time and will "shear" if you smack into something, like a hidden stump", at mowing speed. They're fairly cheap as parts go, a complete set of 8 (one end) is around $20. The problem apparently starts on the assembly line.... In my opinion, they must have started out with that driveshaft and proceeded to build the entire mower around it.
It is a true PITA to change those 16 little plastic barrels if they get worn, or shear. When I get around one of those "driveshaft" CC's, I've learned the first thing to do is "Shake Hands" with it. Grab each end of the driveshaft and try to wiggle it. If it "shakes hands" back, it's not your friend, you're eventually going to cuss it like a drunken buddy that won't give up his car keys. Here's a You Tube knucklehead, wanna be, mechanic stumbling around trying to figure how to just get those PITA barrels back IN in and he's already got the driveshaft out and on the bench. I'd loved to see the one of him actually pulling that driveshaft OUT.....
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