Installed New-to-Me Engine Mounts

[Tuneup 1,416]

Hi all,

Summary: Solid mounts a year ago were very nice. Removed balance gears last December. Unacceptable. Installed eBay originals in good condition. I can ride it again at full throttle AND keep my fillings.

 

Long story (I have the day off):

A thread inspired me last December to look and see if my balance gears were doing well and the rear one was a wobbler. Removed them. She was burning too much oil - original rebuild was just a stone hone and power was not as it should be - it took months to get it bored .020. Hard to find in GA. Installed everything and started her up. Solid mounts USED to be great! That old off-idle vibration that shook the hood was gone thanks to those mounts. A little more vibration was OK. After the removal of the balance gears - NOT! The thing makes my butt numb and I can't mow at higher than about 2500 RPM. The hood vibrates just too much.

Decided to shop Flea Bay for some used, but OK, mounts. Toro prices are . . . the usual Toro prices. Mine were shot and tossed in the bin. Easily installed, right?

 

I thought in my ignorance that I could just remove a solid mount one at a time and pop-in the originals. Heck, the mount rubber has to be pressed in! Who knew? My old ones weren't like this at the restoration years ago.

 

Delayed while I figured how to pull the engine on my own. I used to just throw it up on the bench but I've grown more cautious. No buds around in the AM for assistance. Tied some 10 gauge wire around a 2x3. Put one end on the table saw and lifting was easy. Still have to lift the weight but no bending and it was going on the floor. Dead lift at knee level. Pulled the 2x3 across the table to extend the engine to the side of the tractor and let her down slowly.

 

 

Engine bay still pretty clean and the engine oil was due for its 1 hour drop after the rebuild anyway. Looked fine.

 

 

How to get those mounts in? Tried a C clamp and a socket as a spacer - too clumsy. Greased them up nicely and got longer bolts - tightening them a bit at a time and nudging the mounts into the hole with a blunt object. Turned out not to be a bother!

 

 

 

I've learned not to throw things away. It always seems that you need something the day after it's in the garbage truck. I still had the grounding lead and the large mount washers.

 

The wife assisted in the re-installation. Kinda' freaked her out. Back in place, and I got to clean the lower engine area from that minor oil leak around the fuel pump. Attracted grass clippings like a magnet.

 

 

 

A few bulb squeezes to start her up and, glorious! No more teeth chattering and I can take her up to 3600 if I like - sounds wonderful and she tore through the deep, deep crab grass. Don't discount those mounts. Sure, that off idle vibration is back and stronger than before. Nothing like a fresh bore for power. Something to spend time on tomorrow.

 

Now, what to do with these?

 

 

 

[Racinbob 10,276]

With that much vibration something else is wrong. In all my decades of Wheel Horses I've never seen one that wasn't better off with the engine mounted solid. Every one with a wobble mount shook like a babies rattle. There's a reason why Wheel Horse quickly went back to bolting the engine directly to the frame. 

[Lee1977 6,214]

Not all Kohlers do well with out the balance gears, My 12 hp magum runs rough with out them doesn't like wide open but it not too bad if you back off a little. I don't hear well and I could hear the balance gears so I took them out.

[ri702bill 7,317]

So, are you looking to sell these?? PM me if so...

Bill

 

[Tuneup 1,416]

My 77 feels the same and it still has its gears. Nice butt massage. Maybe I'm just sensitive or have a bony butt. I'll take the old C120 out today. The engine and trans are both tight but the rest is a wreck. The 520H gets the TLC this winter. Bill - I'm thinking on it. Why do I need 'em? You know I will the day after I send them out. You're first in line.

[peter lena 8,050]

@Tuneup  https://www.amazon.com/EVIL-ENERGY-Return-Petrol-Aluminium/dp/B07ZB42CGT  have these on my  3 kohler magnum engines , noticed your vertical fuel line from pump to carb , this valve fits vertically right in that spot , used clear vinyl fuel line , dark green squeeze clamps , perfect fit . holds the fuel right up to carb , no problems ,  also use rislone , zinc  additive in my engines , noticeable  running ease , just passing it on , pete 

[Tuneup 1,416]

44 minutes ago, Racinbob said:

With that much vibration something else is wrong. In all my decades of Wheel Horses I've never seen one that wasn't better off with the engine mounted solid. Every one with a wobble mount shook like a babies rattle. There's a reason why Wheel Horse quickly went back to bolting the engine directly to the frame. 

 

I'd actually consider putting it all back in but, alas, they're in the dump. Maybe a 2023 project . . .

 

It always had a minor knock at certain RPMs and loads. Could never find it. Took every measure I could on the last rebuild. All was fine. The '77 had incorrect crank play and made a similar noise. This one is on the tighter side of spec. It is what it is. Smooth as silk above that vibration point.

[Tuneup 1,416]

6 minutes ago, peter lena said:

@Tuneup  https://www.amazon.com/EVIL-ENERGY-Return-Petrol-Aluminium/dp/B07ZB42CGT  have these on my  3 kohler magnum engines , noticed your vertical fuel line from pump to carb , this valve fits vertically right in that spot , used clear vinyl fuel line , dark green squeeze clamps , perfect fit . holds the fuel right up to carb , no problems ,  also use rislone , zinc  additive in my engines , noticeable  running ease , just passing it on , pete 

 

Yeah, Pete, you're living in my head to a degree. Added the green snot to the PTO. Too much sling in there. Always run the Rislone and the first time improvement was remarkable. Added that to the change yesterday. It is time for a fuel line update - soon.

[Tuneup 1,416]

I feel honored that my choice of forum resulted in a move to Engines. Not enough reference to the black hood shakers? It's all good. Getting on that 516H with that sweet Onan - ahhhhhh. Nothing like an opposed twin.

[peter lena 8,050]

@Tuneup  was the original pto grease slinging around ?  went lucas green on every related pto bearing , the ease of spin up and  running quiet is  what it should be . use the rislone  with my oil changes, oil is doing a terrific  cleaning / operational  job, pete   

[Tuneup 1,416]

I used a marine grease the last time around. Sling marks on the inside of the bell. Maybe I applied too much but tried the green snot this time. Use it also everywhere else.

[pfrederi 17,146]

I regret not replacing the balance gears  in my 16 hp K after overhaul... that is bolted direct to the frame....the vibration is tiring...