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Kipling79

Reputable Rebuild Kit? - Magnum14

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Kipling79

Hello. I am new to this forum and new to Wheel Horse mowers as well, but I am in need of some expertise.

A few weeks ago I purchased an early 80's 314 Wheel Horse (non-hydro) for $160. It burned oil like a fog machine, but I figured it was worth it at that price even if I had to re-ring it. Well, after a couple mowings I had determined that the oil level wasn't dropping very quickly, and quit checking as often. I was wrong. I ran the poor girl out of oil and it appears that she threw a rod.

I really want to keep this mower. i purchased it over several newer mowers, due to extremely good workmanship and engineering that I saw in this beast. Plus, I really do need that low range for my steep hills.

I need to get the engine going quickly. I already have the block 50% stripped and will hopefully be taking it to get measured at a machine shop within a few days. All that I know for sure right now is that I threw a rod and the piston is stamped "STD", so I figure there should be enough metal for a rebore.

Question:

Can anyone tell me if this is a reputable source for rebuild kits? It seems like a good value and I have seen the same kit several places. http://www.manta.com/cp/mm3r5tn/50f83b42777f3b194500015a/engine-rebuild-kit-fits-kohler-k321-14hp

If not, where would you go to get the kit? I like this one because it includes new valves and "free" points at only $83.

If I need them, does anyone know of a source for valve seats?

Thank you for any help you can provide.

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Kipling79
Second question:

I see from the manual that the camshaft sits on a rod, held in by some sort of... freeze plug? I don't see that plug in the kit. Is it reusable or is it not required to remove the camshaft for a rebore? I would assume that it shouldn't be exposed to the debris from machining.

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Fordiesel69

I have used these on lots of rebuilds with great luck.  From time to time the rings take a lot longer than 5 hrs to seat, but they never smoke.

Once you remove the flywheel and side plate, you will drive the can pin out from the PTO side, the rod will start coming out the flywheel side.  There has never been a freeze plug in any I have rebuilt. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ENGINE-REBUILD-KIT-fits-14-hp-Kohler-K321-and-M14-FREE-TUNE-UP-/121052596621?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c2f4c098d

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Kipling79

Thank you for the response. I am glad these kits have been used by you guys.. the great value of the kit makes the rebuild more than worth the cost.

Interesting, I had looked at the manual, and it refers to driving the "camshaft pin and cup plug" out the bearing plate side. I had assumed it was some sort of "freeze-plug-like-thing" that retained the camshaft pin.

Again, thanks for the response. I am currently trying to get the last external piece (the starter) off of the block. Then, off to find a gear puller.

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Kipling79

One last question on this subject.

I am dropping the parts at the machine shop today, and I just noticed something about these rebuild kits, they are oversized in increments of hundredths, not tenths. For example: .01, .02, .03.  If my memory is correct, oversizes are usually in tenths, aren't they? (.10, .20, .30) Perhaps it is a typo?

Perhaps I remembering wrong, but 1/100th (or even 3/100th) doesn't seem like it would eliminate much cylinder wear.

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Fordiesel69

Its just a stupid way of stamping.  It is the correct sizes.  Keep in mind that the aftermarket parts are cast with good metal quality, however their sizes are a tad off.  Please instruct the machine shop to measure the part first then do the machining.  Often they get lazy and machine per the book and you get a loose engine.

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Kipling79

Thank you fro the replies.

Machine shop lingo always throws me off. As rarely as I rebuild motors I forget that "twenty over" means twenty thousandths or two hundredths (.020) and not what it sounds like to me, which is .20. 

Seth: I had been dealing with Kustom Lawn Garden over the phone, but couldn't get an answer the day I needed to order the parts. I found the same kits on ebay at the same prices, and also located in Ohio. I hope that this ebay store was his, because he helped me out a great deal over the phone.

Edited by Kipling79
Grammar correction and missing terms

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