Kohler engine rebuilder ?

Mr Bob · #1 07-06-2017, 02:32 PM

Hi all,

My K321A engine needs a new cam shaft. Too much for me to try to do. Any one had a Kohler engine rebuilt in WV, or recommend some one from this forum? Any help will be appreciated.
Bob

J-Mech · #2 07-06-2017, 04:58 PM

What's wrong with the camshaft?

Mr Bob · #3 07-07-2017, 11:04 AM

Jon, The tab that slightly opens the exhaust valve has weakened and bent inwards so it will not open the exhaust valve. I straightened it to where I thought it should be and the engine started one time. After first start, it would not roll past the compression stroke. The tab has definitely weakened and will not remain in the proper position. I have almost every thing painted and ready to install, then the engine problem. Don't want to put the fender and front end pieces on until I get the engine fixed. Thanks for responding to my post. Have a great day.
Bob

dvogtvpe · #4 07-08-2017, 07:10 AM

The Kohler manual shows the procedure to check and adjust the compression release . not that hard to do. You do have to take the head and cam cover off.

john hall · #5 07-08-2017, 07:17 AM

If you guys straightned the tab on the ACR you had way better luck than me. I am pretty sure the service manual tells you that it was only very early engines that had a tab that could be bent. Then the part was hardened, it will break before it bends. Considering I had nothing to lose, I tried anyway--SNAP

I just wish someone offered a rebuilding service to replace the ACR on the camshafts with a new one.

dvogtvpe · #6 07-08-2017, 07:34 PM

I know I've bent the hardened ones. I check them when I do a rebuild, I always figure better safe than sorry. I must have good luck, I haven't broken one yet. but I usually figure like you did. if it snaps o well.

Mr Bob · #7 07-09-2017, 01:24 PM

My Tab easily bent back to it's original position, but the metal tab has weakened and will not hold it's correct position. My engine must be an early one because this tab is definitely not hardened. Thanks to all that responded and have a great day.
Bob

J-Mech · #8 07-09-2017, 01:52 PM

Maybe the valve is hanging up in the guide. Pretty hard to believe the tab lost its temper, or was accidentally not hardened. I would have thought if the tab missed getting hardened, the original owner would have had it in the shop under warranty. I'd pull the exhaust valve and clean it and guide, then bend the tab and try again.

Merk · #9 07-09-2017, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Mech

Maybe the valve is hanging up in the guide. Pretty hard to believe the tab lost its temper, or was accidentally not hardened. I would have thought if the tab missed getting hardened, the original owner would have had it in the shop under warranty. I'd pull the exhaust valve and clean it and guide, then bend the tab and try again.

Agree with J-Mech......
Check exhaust valve movement............sounds like it is sticking.

Mr Bob · #10 07-10-2017, 08:59 AM

J-Mech, Thanks for your input. When I first pulled the oil pan and checked the tab on the cam it was bent inward. This is an early engine and I don't believe the tab is hardened. I bent the tab back to specs. and as I rolled the engine over by hand,the exhaust valve opened slightly before firing mark. This was with the head off and no compression. After I put oil pan and head back on engine, it started right up and ran well. Shut it off to try it again and it would not roll past compression build up. I really believe that the tab has metal fatigue and when it hit compression the second start, the tab had bent back out of position. I guess a sticky valve is possible so I will remove the head and check the valve operation. I am not sure this would show anything but I don't have tools to remove the valve. Thanks again for your help and have a great day.
Bob