97 Kohler CV18S What's that Sound? Ringing

[ROK2024 0]

Hi all, 

Hope maybe someone will take a listen and recognize this sound.

I first heard this ringing late last fall on the last couple of mows as I went to put it in the shed.

Seems loudest around the muffler.

 

I was able to record the ring and posted in online here.. (no sign-in needed but let me know if it doesn't work for you)  Here's the link.

  https://jumpshare.com/s/DPVlFyns8sqZdEQXOKAl

 

The engine runs well and I only hear the ring briefly at idle and usually a quiet ting. When running it sounds normal to my ear. Compression is 175 lbs in the left cylinder and 160 in the right.

 

I bought it in 2009 w 340 hrs, as far as I know the engine hasn't had any work done except for minor maint (air filter, oil change & filter)..

Wheel Horse 267 A Model 72085, sn# 7900388 (1997).. 929 hrs

Kohler 18 CV18S    Spec 61528 Serial No. 2631409677    Family SKH624U1G2R

 

Not having been intimate with small engine internals my guess would be  to look at a valve or hydraulic lifter, maybe a crank push-rod  cap? 

Thanks,

Jay in MD

Edited 5 hours ago by ROK2024
Add sound location

[JoeM 9,672]

At first it sounds like a muffler ting. 

Might have to do the old screwdriver to the ear trick to pin point. 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 12,063]

Can you run it without the muffler? You may have a loose baffle inside it.

See if you can duplicate the noise by tapping the muffler with a rubber mallet.