Kipling79 1 #1 Posted June 8, 2015 (edited) I just rebuilt my Kohler M14 and am afraid that I may have not installed the thrust washer on the governor gear.I have the nylon governor gear, and when I removed that part I did not see the washer (I am guessing that it probably was stuck to the block, and fell out at a later time).I put everything back together as I had disassembled it, and actually ran the engine for a while today, obviously missing the washer because I do not recall seeing it. I only (and accidentally) ran across a reference to the washer just now while looking up governor adjustment procedures.My question: How soon do I need to install a new washer? It seems to me that the wearing of the nylon gear on the blcok would be a long-term problem, giving me time to continue mowing while waiting for the part to arrive. Is this a wrong assumption? Edited June 8, 2015 by Kipling79 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fordiesel69 271 #2 Posted June 9, 2015 If you look at my sig I have an 875 model that I rebuilt myself. It was my 2nd kohler ever. The gear was in pieces and I installed a new one WITHOUT a washer. It has been fine. If the block is smooth where it will put pressure on, you will be ok, if it is rough, you are in trouble. I will also say, most times a gov gear blows, it will snap the dipper off the rod. It will give you time to shut the engine down before it scores the cylinder. I have had lots of nylon gear failures in lots of different engines and the damage is usaully minimal. (usually not always) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kipling79 1 #3 Posted June 10, 2015 Excellent response. I had assumed that this problem wouldn't be immediate (if even a problem at all) but was really hoping one of you guys had experience with the situation. Thank you very much.I am considering installing a new washer after mowing season ends, for peace of mind, and will be paying close attention to the oil after the 5hr break in. If there are any particles or shavings of nylon, I will speed up the plan. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fordiesel69 271 #4 Posted June 10, 2015 I will also add, that with todays oils, (excluding flat tappet cam wear) the overall protection is much greater than when the M14 was built. If you hear a sound and the gov runs away, just turn her off and tow it back to the garage. I once held a briggs 11HP wide open for a quick second and the gear blew. Hunks of nylon all over, but nothing else get hit. My K181 was done in 1999 and the gear fell out and busted the dipper off. Put some nice scores in the new piston. Cylinder had to be re honed, and another new .003 piston. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tcw5speed 0 #5 Posted June 8, 2021 On 6/7/2015 at 9:09 PM, Kipling79 said: I just rebuilt my Kohler M14 and am afraid that I may have not installed the thrust washer on the governor gear. I have the nylon governor gear, and when I removed that part I did not see the washer (I am guessing that it probably was stuck to the block, and fell out at a later time). I put everything back together as I had disassembled it, and actually ran the engine for a while today, obviously missing the washer because I do not recall seeing it. I only (and accidentally) ran across a reference to the washer just now while looking up governor adjustment procedures. My question: How soon do I need to install a new washer? It seems to me that the wearing of the nylon gear on the blcok would be a long-term problem, giving me time to continue mowing while waiting for the part to arrive. Is this a wrong assumption? If the thrust washer / shim for the gov gear wasn't necessary Kohler wouldn't have installed . My advice it to locate this washer / shim and install it before the gov gear self destruct . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tcw5speed 0 #6 Posted June 8, 2021 If I were you and to have piece of mind , just install a new thrust washer. Plastic or Fiber doesn't stand a chance up against cast iron. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
