My Kohler K321 14HP rebuild thread

[RoamingGnome]

Thanks for the update @Eugen This looks like a really interesting thread - I'll have to go back and read through the whole thread...

[propane1]

Here’s the picture of the one I have with the hole right thru. Nice blue flame comes out of there.


Noel

[Eugen]

Noel, thanks for posting those pictures. Your hole is in the exact spot as mine! I wonder why.

[propane1]

Ya, like I said, I saw another one identical to mine on another site I’m on.
And the hole in his was exactly the same shape as mine is. Have no idea what causes it.
Maybe a lean hot spot, because of carburetor adjustment. Or maybe late timing.

Noel

[DavidBarkey]

Noel, thanks for posting those pictures. Your hole is in the exact spot as mine! I wonder why.

Weak spot in the design on the casting . The fins are not just for cooling , they provide structural strength . Note it is right where they stop before the head bolt boss where it become thicker again .

[Eugen]

This engine was working sooo nice that I though the story ended with .

But no... yesterday' me and the kids went mowing off road on a path in the woods with tall grass where we sometimes walk. Give a good workout to the 244 and do a little community service at the same time. All was good until we were almost home, when the the engine stopped. Towed it home and had a look at the carb and spark plug. Seemed to run a little hot, according to the spark plug. Put the spark plug back in and now it wouldn't start at all. I noticed that it strangely had very soft suction at the carb intake, measured with my hand on it.

Ok, off came the head. Diagnostic: spark plug thread insert screwed in low below the head, exhaust valve hit it and got bent.

[RoamingGnome]

Oh No!!!
Good thing you have some experience with those engines

Quick question for the you @Eugen and others of the collective knowledge bank... Do you use fresh head gaskets every time you pull a head? And where locally (in Ontario anyway) have you been getting engine parts like gaskets and stuff? Or just ordering online from our friendly dealers stateside ?

[Eugen]

For all kohler stuff I get it from enginebore.com he is Mike and lives in Toronto.

I do not always use a fresh gasket. This gasket was new for my rebuild. I did spray it with this for the two re-installs though.

Update: engine back together. A few heat cycling and the re-torque head.

[propane1]

Jumpins your having your trouble Eugen. Good ya got er goin again. What did you do with the bent valve, straight it out or put another one in ?


Noel

[Eugen]

Jumpins your having your trouble Eugen. Good ya got er goin again. What did you do with the bent valve, straight it out or put another one in ?


Noel

When I rebuilt the engine the kit came with new valves. This bent one was from the kit. But the old valves were still within spec. Re-faced the old one and used it. I would not trust myself to straighten it properly.