K301 Gaskets

[rustykan 140]

What is everyone's thought about the Sten's aftermarket gaskets & seals for Kohler engines?

[WH nut 553]

Not a thing wrong with them.

[rmaynard 14,945]

I have used Stens, Prime Line, and Kohler, and find them all to be good.

[squonk 39,124]

Napa is another source. Their small engine line is the same as Prime Line

[Fordiesel69 232]

Perfect.

[rustykan 140]

How far should the seal be seated on the bearing plate? Should it be flush with the outside edge of the plate or set in a certain distance?

 

Also, is there a certain number of gaskets that should be used between the bearing plate and the engine block?

Edited May 2, 2014 by rustykan

[rmaynard 14,945]

The depth is shown in the Kohler manual, as is the explanation of how to install gaskets and shims to set the correct crankshaft end play.

[Fordiesel69 232]

I put the depth where the old one was. 

[MalMac 1,328]

As rmaynard said, get a manual. There on here for download or the Kohler engine website. If your in to a rebuild or repair far enough you need the specs for main seal setting and bearing plate crank end play you need a manual.

[Fordiesel69 232]

http://www.kohlerengines.com/onlinecatalog/serieslanding.htm?series=K-Series

 

Click "Service" on any of the engines.  The manual covers ALL K series except the K361 18HP, which is covered by a different manual. 

[rustykan 140]

I found the information in the manual but I'm still a little confused, as usual. The photo showing the seal depth that matches mine says it is for a breakerless ignition system. Mine has points and condenser so it is not breakerless, correct?

 

I am not rebuilding the engine, I had just removed the bearing plate so I could clean the engine more thoroughly before I paint. I figured while I had it off I would install a new seal.

[Fordiesel69 232]

Just put the seal in the same depth as the old one.  Don't overthink this procedure. 

 

Only when the crankshaft has an excess groove will you then try to move the seal to a different depth.