mflowers 85 #1 Posted March 9, 2010 I am just starting on to tear down my '75 160 to restore, after looking at the engine I am wondering if I need/should rebuild it at this time. The head gasket was leaking but other than that the thing looks good, still has some noticable cross hatch in the cylinder wall, also needs fuel pump, carb refresh and tune up. The motor ran good before fuel pump leaked and filled crankcase with fuel, even with leaking head gasket! Any advise is welcome.. B) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brrly1 1,146 #2 Posted March 9, 2010 I wouldn't stop now. It sounds like you have a good start. If you get bored you can always drop it off at my house. Good Luck See Ya, Bye Burly :party: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mflowers 85 #3 Posted March 9, 2010 I won't get bored with it, this a project for my son and I and we are havin a blast so far...of course he wants to know how fast it will go! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Roger from southern Iowa 1 #4 Posted March 9, 2010 My opinion...rebuild. I would resurface the head, hone, install new rings, check condition of valves. Lap or resurface valves and seats if needed. Also check valve guides. Hone cylinder and reassemble. Be sure to torque head bolt in proper sequence to spec, run engine up to operation temp and retorque head bolts again. That's the way I do them and it works for me. Just my opinion. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rickv1957 73 #5 Posted March 9, 2010 You can disassemble engine and check the internals condition and go from there,Rick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim_M 179 #6 Posted March 9, 2010 I'm with Rick, see how it all measures out before you start spending money. It might be just fine as it is. If you pull the piston out of the bore you'll need to hone the cylinder and put new rings in, you can't re use them, but you can pull the rod cap off and measure the crankshaft without pulling the piston. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markslawnmowerworld 4 #7 Posted March 9, 2010 If i were you i would down-load a copy of the k-341 service manual so when or if you do decide to rebuild, you will not be in the dark so to speak... and alot of your questions will be anwsered there..... put up some pics as-well if you get stuck.....there are alot of guys on here who know there stuff..... B) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwgdog66 23 #8 Posted March 10, 2010 Hind sight is always 20/20. I had the opportunity to do this several years ago, and opted not to. 150 hours later the Governor gear let loose, and the rpms couldn't be managed. The rod broke and cracked side of the block. I could have spent $350 to rebuild it when I had the chance, but Murphy's law got into my wallet for $750 for a new short block. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shuboxlover 479 #9 Posted March 11, 2010 I could have spent $350 to rebuild it when I had the chance, but Murphy's law got into my wallet for $750 for a new short block. Public Enemy #1.......................Murphy B) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Docwheelhorse 2,690 #10 Posted March 13, 2010 I would freshen it up with a new head gasket, fuel pump etc... and run it. If it sounded good and didn't smoke before then why does it need a rebuild---it could of been rebuilt not too long ago and thats why it still has a cross hatch. Brand new and rebuilt motors have been known to blow up----so the idea that we better rebuild it now because something might break just doesn't work for me. My argument against murphy is---If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Tony P.S.---I'm not certain---but I seem to recall that there are different torque specs for new and good used rods.... If you do loosen the cap you will have to find the different torque spec to re-use it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim_M 179 #11 Posted March 13, 2010 P.S.---I'm not certain---but I seem to recall that there are different torque specs for new and good used rods.... If you do loosen the cap you will have to find the different torque spec to re-use it. Tony is absolutely correct. The Kohler service manual gives 2 torque specs. One is for a new rod and the other is for a used rod. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mflowers 85 #12 Posted March 14, 2010 Well closer inspection seems to be a constant theme, so for now my goal is to see exactly what I have to work with, althouhg I am leaning toward the rebuild. I know for sure nothing has been done to the motor since my Grandfather bought it new in '77, and besides it will be fun! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites