IndianaMatt 34 #1 Posted June 19, 2014 Thinking I have a bad head gasket on my 14 hp mag. It is low on power but always starts good, runs, but seems to have to work very hard when the deck is engaged. So I looked it over and I noticed a wet oil stained spot near the top of the cylinder. I cleaned it off and mowed for a little then the spot was back. Now my question is- Do you think it could be the gasket? Should I have the head checked out before changing it? Matt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim_M 179 #2 Posted June 19, 2014 It's the head gasket. You should check the head for flatness before you put a new gasket in. It's a very simple fix. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fordiesel69 271 #3 Posted June 19, 2014 Yes, sure sounds like it. Get a metal gasket and not the soft graphite kind. Retoruqe after a few heat / cool cycles. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IndianaMatt 34 #4 Posted June 20, 2014 I have no clue where to take the head to get it checked out... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldredrider 2,553 #5 Posted June 20, 2014 You can check the head yourself. Put it on a thick piece of glass (1/4") as mounted on engine and with a .003 feeler guage, check for "flatness". If you can't get the feeler guage between the head and glass, the head is fine. If not, use a fine grit sandpaper between the head and glass and using a swirling motion, grind until it's flat. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IndianaMatt 34 #6 Posted June 29, 2014 Well finally tore in to the 414 The head bolts were so loose I could have taken them out with my hands alone. Pulled the plug out, pulled the head off, thought what the heck and took the carb off to clean, cleaned up the valves piston and block, cleaned the head up good, check for flatness and then sanded just a little. Then after cleaning carb, I put it all back with new gasket, head bolts, plug, engine oil, and air filter I fired her up. thought to myself where I can find some tall grass... There is a foreclosure on my block so I headed that way roaring down the block at 10:00 PM. I pulled into the waist high grass kicked on the PTO and went to town grinning from ear to ear. Man its like a whole new machine. I brought her back home retorqued the head bolts and went back to the tall grass. Then something terrible happened.... My wife told me I was keeping the neighbors up and asked me to shut it down. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,976 #7 Posted June 29, 2014 Congragulations on your success! I know that is a good feeling. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jrblanke 918 #8 Posted June 30, 2014 Great story, the part about roaring down the street at 10:00 PM made me laugh out loud! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IndianaMatt 34 #9 Posted July 1, 2014 Great story, the part about roaring down the street at 10:00 PM made me laugh out loud! My wife was thinking I will just tell them I do not know who that man is... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
