K-321 rebuild/reassembly help needed.
 

I've read on some posts that the governor gear should be replaced upon rebuilding a Kohler engine. Is this necessary? Unless I'm mistaken, the governor gear doesn't seem to be put under much stress during operation.

:Morning: No, if your feeling lucky. You have to remmeber that heat makes plastic/and all composites brittle and I am not a fan of having to tear down again to replace one. When I am rebuilding/re-freshing any engine regardless of the make, a new gov'r gear is the 1st thing on the parts list. :American Flag 1:

What he said! I'd like to add that sometimes when the gear fails parts of it try to fit in places that won't allow that to happen then you end up with a see through engine. The horizontal twins are notorious for that problem. Your engine and your wallet. :beerchug:

Sometimes the gear on the governor fails. But the "K"s aren't really known for it tearing anything up. Usually just strips teeth and quits working. Unless you have a steel one and it fails. If they look good, I usually use them over, but that's just me. The twins are the ones that it breaks and really tears stuff up, busts holes in the block. It's not a bad idea to replace though.

Thanks for the input, Guys! Not sure what I will do yet as costs are getting much higher than expected.

My block is at a machine shop and I've got my fingers crossed. I'm looking at the crank seals that came with the rebuild kit - not impressed! Must I buy OEM Kohler seals? NAPA doesn't seem to have them.
Also, Can I install the seals before I reassemble the engine. I don't want to make a special seal driving tool.
Thanks Guys,

I would replace the plastic governor gear if it was me.
Main reason as stated because plastic gear will go on the brittle side. The governor is close to the exhaust port. That area is one of the hotter places on the engine.

Napa rebuild kit?

I usually buy the Kohler seal(s) when I rebuild an engine.

If you look around you can find them...(cast gear) i got mine from a guy who has a "cub boneyard" , was 30bucks shipped to my door..i bought a cast pan too, same price...i recommend when you think of what it does/takes....

Thanks, Guys!
What about crank seal installation, can I install the seals before I install the crank?

I would put them in after or you will probably damage them .