Nathanielperz 150 #1 Posted July 13, 2014 Hey everyone my 1276 has its original K301 on it and I noticed that when the tractor is sitting idling there is a knocking sound coming from the engine? I am kind of concerned... I just want to know what this is. Please bring me good news!!! (i will accept the bad news if i have to... ) Thanks in advance, Nate Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gregg'shorses 77 #2 Posted July 13, 2014 (edited) Probably from the connecting rod with the large end on the crankshaft being worn. Best to take apart and mic the parts and compare to specs in the service manual . http://www.kohlerengines.com/onlinecatalog/pdf/tp_2379.pdf If the connecting rod lets loose it will cost more to fix. Edited July 13, 2014 by gregg'shorses Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WH nut 553 #3 Posted July 13, 2014 Knocking is never good, time to open her up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nathanielperz 150 #4 Posted July 13, 2014 I was afraid of that... should I not run it anymore until I get it fixed? To be honest I have NO idea what im doing when it comes to the inside of an engine... Im gonna need everyones help and possibly a video/ step by step instructions... Thanks again , Nate Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nathanielperz 150 #5 Posted July 13, 2014 I read the trouble shooting and it says "low crank case oil" and/or "excessive engine load" I just put new motor oil in it in April or May... The tractor was stopped so it wasn't under load... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fordiesel69 188 #6 Posted July 14, 2014 Please make a video. We can then tell you with better accuracy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MalMac 1,328 #7 Posted July 14, 2014 Not saying it is, but it has been my experience that a knock at low RPM has been a good sign of Connecting Rod starting to go south. Like said before tear it down and check. Kohler's are very prone to when the rod wears well past the accepted limits the rod will decide to exit the block. I am not saying that's what it is for sure, but if it were me I would check it. The Kohlers are very simple engines to work on and all the help form Red Square will guide you right a long. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WH nut 553 #8 Posted July 14, 2014 One thing is for sure. If it is a rod and you continue to run it you will find out soon enough. It may even put a window in the block so you can have a look inside. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nathanielperz 150 #9 Posted July 14, 2014 Ok i will try to make a video today and i will post it on my channel.. Thanks, Nate Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nathanielperz 150 #10 Posted July 14, 2014 (edited) Here is the link to a video of the knocking its kind of faint but once you hear it... its clear as day... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJlY_LO5j8o Be sure to check out some of my other videos as well... Thanks, Nate Edited July 15, 2014 by Nathanielperz Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fordiesel69 188 #11 Posted July 16, 2014 WoW!!! yes that is a knock worth a tear down. Its old, tired, but very rebuildable. The rod is most likely the issue, but there could also be piston slap as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nathanielperz 150 #12 Posted July 16, 2014 So how do I fix it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jparkes43 329 #13 Posted July 16, 2014 (edited) Well to start off a tear down take the engine away from the tractor then take it apart and look for worn or scored parts or parts that are loose then buy a rebuild kit and rebuild it. James Edited July 16, 2014 by Jparkes43 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C-101plowerpower 1,589 #14 Posted July 16, 2014 first of, that is one hell of a knock, second, take the engine off of the tractor, or leave it on and clean it, then, if you haven't taken the engine off the tractor take it off and put it on the workbench(make sure you've got the oil drain on the edge of the bench) and drain the oil, while draining the oil you can start taking some sheet metal off, take everything that may get damaged when you lay the engine on it's side or upside down off, get the sump and head off, may be easy to clean the inside of the engine now, turn out the bolts that hold the con rod in place and push the rod and piston out, then post some pics here hope this helps a bit Koen Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nathanielperz 150 #15 Posted July 16, 2014 OK thanks everyone I will let you know when I start taking it apart... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JustinW.73 224 #16 Posted July 23, 2014 (edited) Before you take it apart try this. Take the points out completely with the push rod. clean them with a rag and put it all back in. Try gaping the points to .17 and try this. I have a raider 12 with a knock and so I did this and it had no knock anymore. Sounds brand new and its really easy and worth it before you tare into it. Edited July 23, 2014 by JustinW.73 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nathanielperz 150 #17 Posted July 23, 2014 ok I will definitely look into it but im restoring the tractor so I figure while its all apart I will go through the engine and replace all the seals and piston and the connecting rod with a rebuild kit on ebay... Thanks, Nate Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Molon_Labe 731 #18 Posted July 24, 2014 Nate, if you buy a rebuild kit off ebay I'd suggest you get one with the 3 piece oil ring. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nathanielperz 150 #19 Posted July 24, 2014 Ok I will... Before you take it apart try this. Take the points out completely with the push rod. clean them with a rag and put it all back in. Try gaping the points to .17 and try this. I have a raider 12 with a knock and so I did this and it had no knock anymore. Sounds brand new and its really easy and worth it before you tare into it. What is the push rod? What does it look like? Can I get some pics please... Thanks, Nate Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 14,804 #20 Posted July 24, 2014 The push rod is the little rod that comes out of the block to push the points open. Item N below: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fordiesel69 188 #21 Posted July 25, 2014 Keep in mind the crankshaft may need to be machined. I would bet money it does. Do not just "slap" a rebuild kit into an engine as good as that. A starter generator K301 is quite a bit more rare than a gear starter version. Worth doing right for sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites