how crucial are the engine tins on smaller engines?

[JUSS10 250]

The reason i am asking is i picked up a k91 for an rj project and got it running really well but it only has the fan shroud sheet metal. It was a model that had the top mounted tank and i think i still have the tank mount so the side tins are built into that but I'm just curious how crucial the side tins and engine head tin is. The Clinton engines i got with it don't have a tin on the head and i know of other engines that don't as well. I don't plan to work this tractor hard, just putt around with it most likely. 

 

Justin

[Jim_M 179]

It will probably survive but it would be better if you had all of the tins on it.

[scWHhauler 96]

Just rember that it is a air cooled engine.

[SousaKerry 503]

I have had several larger Kohler engines with the top piece missing, never had a problem yet. 

[JUSS10 250]

right, but the fan shroud still shoots air over the head and sides of the cylinder walls, I just don't have the tins that keep it from moving away from the fins. I still have the fan shroud. Guess I'll see if i can track down some tins

[Jake Kuhn 1,579]

the side tin piece is still available on parts tree, but the top  tin you will have to find used if you are looking for them. ~Jake

[JUSS10 250]

i may just draw them up and have them laser cut at the local shop that does that for us. should be pretty cheap

[Jim_M 179]

The side tins are the most important ones, you still get a good amount of air over the head with the top tin missing. Having all the tins is still the best though. After all, Kohler put them on for a reason.

[Jake Kuhn 1,579]

side tins are 7 or 8 bucks on parts tree, so most likely cheaper to buy that one than have it cut out.