Kohler K321S / 14 HP Head Gasket Gone / Pinging

[nekovt 0]

Hello - I was wondering if anyone has heard of a problem with a 14 HP Kohler engine "pinging". I bought a 1984 314-A a few months back and now I know why they were selling it .

I used it to mow the lawn for the first 2 times and after about 40 min or so, it would start to die out and lose power. I got on this forum and we talked about maybe the fact I was using high test fuel could be carboning it up and other ideas.

I checked the Gap on the points and they are .020, I checked the spark plug and it's .035 like it should be. I eventually started it up and gave it some gas to see a little smoke come outside the head gasket - aha!

Some people asked me if the condenser was good, I don't know -

Now that I have to replace this head gasket, I've heard that I should check the timing - How do you do that on these engines? I heard the replacing the condenser and the points is a good idea to.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Brad

[nekovt 0]

I'm also wondering if the gas octane would cause this pinging then head gasket detonating. I've heard rumors about the fact that it's a good idea NOT to use 87 Octane. I'm using 93 in all other tractors and they're fine except for some carbon build up.

I also found a crack in the rubber at the top of the condenser, is that enough to cause a problem? Is there a way I can put a meter on the condenser to see if it's good?

thanks!