Valve rotator pros and cons.

[gt14rider 1,158]

Hi all, got a question about valve rotators. Doing a valve job on a k181, is it worth changing springs and adding rotators or just leave it alone.

[ebinmaine 78,298]

Seems to me I've read that an exhaust valve should be rotating. Intake is optional.  

Heat patterns perhaps?

[Achto 31,582]

17 minutes ago, gt14rider said:

is it worth changing springs and adding rotators or just leave it alone.

 

IDK the engine probably ran for 50 to 60 years with out them before. 

[gt14rider 1,158]

The reason is I'm right there, had to change the cam(broke in half). Got new valves, replacing valve springs 230010. springs are shorter for the rotator 230168-s

[ri702bill 11,866]

The use of Rotator(s) explained on page 12.14.

KohlerKseriesManual.pdf

[WHX?? 56,108]

Bigger question is how did you bust the cam?!?!?  

[gt14rider 1,158]

@WHX??  the tractor was running, had a tick and geting loader. Pulled apart and found this, chunk of cam missing, found it in the pan.

[WHX?? 56,108]

11 hours ago, gt14rider said:

had a tick

Ah I think you mentioned this before Rider. Here i was worried a rod snapped, holed the block and all that carnage. Odd that it broke must have been just a weak spot in the cam?

[gt14rider 1,158]

@WHX??Had another post (k181 ticking sound). Well I started peeling the onion, new rings,dingleberry hone,both valves, new valve spring,glasses the head and deck,new bearings, seals,and carburetor and fuel pump rebuild.  Had crankshaft and block checked,  .0015 tapper on crankshaft (in spec)  .0025  in the middle of the bore ( should be ok new Kohler  .020 over rings ).  I got it apart might as well get it done.

That's why I asked about the rotators, I would have to replace the springs if I use the rotators. Like @Achto said it ran 50+ Year why mess with it.

 

[squonk 46,117]

I try to put in what came out. Little trickier getting that rotator in with the limited room.

[gt14rider 1,158]

@squonk you are so right, it was a pain in my a$$ to get the exhaust valve spring out, that's why I'm baying the new valves springs. Exhaust Valve spring is tweeked 

 

Edited March 5 by gt14rider

[gt14rider 1,158]

Good afternoon, been waiting for parts and clean up. Got new valves and lapping the valves. Question (see pics) take a look at valve and seat not pitted, they looks good from a foot away, but look close , they have rings on the seats. Valves seem to be centered on the seat. So do I keep lapping ? Thanks 

Edited March 8 by gt14rider

[lynnmor 8,744]

The service manual is available here.

 

Here is the information on valve seats:

 

It is best to grind the valve till it cleans up and then cut the valve seat to get the proper contact area.  After doing that, lapping should be kept to a minimum.