need help with a k301

[kodiak 5]

I have a k301 that I pulled off a tractor because it started knocking. Today I pulled the head off and noticed when I turned the flywheel to piston seemed tight to the rod. I have heard alot about the balance gears coming apart. Could the gears cause the sound of a rod knocking. I haven't split the case yet but probly will next week. Any thoughts would be great and appreciated

[rmaynard 16,363]

Open it up, take out the balance gears and throw them away. Remove the piston, rod and crankshaft and have it measured. Also have the bore mic'd. That's the only way to know for sure.

[kodiak 5]

I have never been inside one of these engines is it hard to remove the balance gears and yes will I'm in there I thought about going ahead and replacing the bearings

[leeave96 490]

I have never been inside one of these engines is it hard to remove the balance gears and yes will I'm in there I thought about going ahead and replacing the bearings

 

Not hard to do - I took them out of an engine this past winter.

 

Here is a link to show you how:  http://cubfaq.com/balancegearremoval.html

 

Good luck,

Bill

[Fordiesel69 271]

I used this method before and it is not a good way to tell rod to crank clearance.

 

The only two ways is to use plastic guage and , or to have it mic'ed correctly.  The crank never wears round, a certain sport right after TDC usually wears more.    The bore will also cause a knock if out of round.  Style D mahle pistons are better for keeping the bore in spec longer......if going that route you will need a different "narrow" rod to accomdate this.

 

Toss the balance gears if they have play in them. 

[rmaynard 16,363]

I have never been inside one of these engines is it hard to remove the balance gears and yes will I'm in there I thought about going ahead and replacing the bearings

There are no replaceable bearings in the connecting rod/crankshaft journal. The connecting rod inner surface is the bearing, so if the rod is worn, it needs to be replaced. Likewise, if the crankshaft journal is worn, it will have to be reground, and a matching rod will have to be purchased to match. Typically the crank is ground .010, and .020 undersize, and rods are available in the same sizes. The only other bearings are the ones at either end of the crankshaft, but they rarely go bad.

[SousaKerry 503]

Pop the oil pan off remove the rod cap and mic the journal if it is not out of round and still within spec put it back together and run it.  Some of these engines just like to knock and no much you can do about it. 

 

Make sure and download the Kohler service manual in the files section and read it before getting too far if you have never done this before.

[kodiak 5]

Thanks for all the input. I thought these engines would have bearings like a car engine but I may be wrong. Ill have the engine checked out cause it was knocking bad when I shut it down. Sounded like someone was inside with a sledge hammer. That's why I was thinking it was the rod. And I still have a bad suspension it is.