K301 won't start

[B-8074 20]

It was running a bit rough and would hesitate when it got warmed up. I haven't had that long and not sure when anything was done to it so I did what I usually do. I rebuilt the carb, took the head off and cleaned it up and check the valva lash, took the breather off and cleaned it all up and put new gaskets and breather filter. New set off points gapped at .020 and new condensor. Now it won't start, it's getting fuel ( spark plug is wet ). I have no spark. Tried a new coil, tried different condensor, different plug wire. And it still won't start. Got any ideas?

[rmaynard 16,326]

Here's a couple of basic troubleshooting questions.

First remove the spark plug wire.

1. When you turn the key to the on position, do you have 12V at the coils (+) side? If yes, then;

2. Did you make sure that the condenser body is grounded? Is the lead hooked to the (-) side of the coil? Is it the correct condenser? If yes, then;

3. With your meters test leads hooked black to ground and red to the (-) side of the coil, do you have 12V. If yes, then rotate the flywheel by hand. Does it drop to zero at some point?

Bob

[B-8074 20]

1. Yes, 12v at + side of coil

2. Condensor is grounded and hooked to - side of coil

3. 12v to - side of coil with no drop when flywheel is rotated by hand.

Now what? :thumbs:

[rmaynard 16,326]

You should get to a point where you have little or no voltage as you rotate the flywheel (when the points close). If not, the points are not installed or adjusted correctly.

Bob

[B-8074 20]

ok I'll check the pionts again. Thanks for the help, i'll keep you posted.

[rmaynard 16,326]

Make sure that the wire has continuity from the (-) on the coil to the wire attachment screw on the points.

[B-8074 20]

:thumbs: It was the points, I've done several Kohler tune ups and rebuilds and I can honestly say I've always had them start. They may have ran rough at first, but they atleast started. Now I have a new one problem, it runs good now but it is blowing light grey smoke from the breather. I have'nt seen this before. Any ideas?

[tommy3horse 3]

Hello;

If you have a Kohler book, check to see that the breather components are assembled correctly.

**** luck!

Tom

:thumbs:

[B-8074 20]

Well I double checked everything, took the breather off and checkrd to make sure it was on correctly. I even rechecked the valve to tappet tolerence. Every thing looked good. Started right up and BOOOOOMMMMM!!!!!!! it blew up and slowly came to a stall. If it was'nt for bad luck I would have no luck at all. I would gladly give all my tractors for one good running one. It makes me sick. The only living horse in my stable just DIED!

[rmaynard 16,326]

When you say "it blew up" what exactly happened?

[B-8074 20]

It sounded like a gun went off. I didn't tear it down yet, I was to mad to mess with it tonite.

[hoppy 0]

was it a backfire?

[rmaynard 16,326]

Sounds like a full-throttle shutdown and subsequent backfire. Like you lost spark while loaded with unburned fuel in the hot muffler.

As long as nothing actually broke, I would go back and check everything again with fresh eyes today.

Review the thread on timing and start again from there.

http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?...l=static+timing

Bob

[B-8074 20]

I did like you said and checked the timming. But it still won't start. It feels like I lost all compression, it was really easy to turn the motor by hand. And I didn't hear it suck any air or relieve any pressure. I'm not sure what to do with it now. What do you think it would cost to rebuild a K301? This would be my first 12hp rebuild, I've done several 8hp.

[rmaynard 16,326]

Before we start talking rebuild, let's find out what happened.

Since you really can't see anything by removing the spark plug (I think yours sits in-between the valves, the first thing I would do is pull the carb and the breather cover. See what's going on in there. Are the valve springs in place? Did you break a valve? As you rotate the engine are the valves moving up and down properly? If all looks well in that department, the next thing I would do is pull the head. Remember, you can't reuse a head gasket, but you will be able to see if you blew the gasket or blew a hole in the piston.

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

It feels like I lost all compression, it was really easy to turn the motor by hand.

Sounds like a connecting rod failure to me.

You already had the head off of it once. You might as well pull it again and see if the piston is moving.

What do you think it would cost to rebuild a K301?

If you do it, do it right...... which could mean spending $300 or more - depending on what has to be done or replaced.

Sometimes it's actually easier and cheaper to buy another complete running engine or tractor. :thumbs:

[B-8074 20]

Well it's a busted connecting rod. Took the head off and the piston won't move, and there is play in piston in the bore. I would rather spend the money and have a fresh motor than get another used one and not know how is was maintaned.

[rickv1957 75]

Well it's a busted connecting rod. Took the head off and the piston won't move, and there is play in piston in the bore. I would rather spend the money and have a fresh motor than get another used one and not know how is was maintaned.

Good idea!,Rick

[B-8074 20]

Stopped by my buddies engine/machine shop today to see how busy he was. He said bring it on over, he's "in boreing mode" . Has a few K301's to do so what's one more. Till then I'll throw my K241 on it to get something running.