K301 parts swap

[JOHN SCHUTTE]

Will K321AS sheet metal, flywheel, and bearing plate fit on a K301 without any problems? These parts are from a JD(they were FREE).

[cubs-n-bxrs]

John S I would see if they are the same physical size before using them. The 301 crank,piston and rod are considerably lighter so I would assume the flywheel will be balanced different. You might end up with a very violent shake that would not be good. I guess you could prolly try the flywheel for a short time to see what would happen. You will know right off the bat if it will work or not.

[young enthusiest]

I do beleive they will. I think the sane bearing plate was used for the 12-16, so it should bolt right on

[JOHN SCHUTTE]

Thanks guys for the info! Good point about the balance of the rotating assembly. I will check into getting it balanced.

[Battlewagon]

Originally Posted by cubs-n-bxrs

John S I would see if they are the same physical size before using them. The 301 crank,piston and rod are considerably lighter so I would assume the flywheel will be balanced different. You might end up with a very violent shake that would not be good. I guess you could prolly try the flywheel for a short time to see what would happen. You will know right off the bat if it will work or not.

This may be the case in some instances, but their are exceptions. Part number 47-142-44 , a crankshaft, comes to mind. Kohler used this crank in a K321 and as a replacement for crank 47-142-23 in the M12. 47-142-23 was also used in a K301 once upon a time. So it could be assumed that one could use the 47-142-44 as a replacement for some K301 engines. AS far as crank and rod being considerably lighter, better get a scale and check what you have. I found in my case that by swapping from bolts to studs and nuts my K321 piston and rod weighed a few grams LESS then an M12 (which is supposed to be the same as a K301 internally) rod and piston. In my quest to rebuild my K321 I have found that not all is black and white with these Kolhers.

[Yosemite Sam]

Can't speak to JD, but (in Cub Cadet) a 14 hp Kohler uses a big flywheel and a 12 hp uses a smaller one, hence the bearing plates and sheet metal will be the same way.

HOWEVER, it has been told many times, that by changing these same parts, one can put a 14 hp engine into a Narrow Frame tractor with no adverse affects and without having to cut the frame to accommodate the larger flywheel.

Depending on what JD the parts are from, they could have started life on a wide base engine, and now I've lost track of what the original question was...

It's very much like my wrist watch, "It don't say nuthin, ya gotta look at it".

[JOHN SCHUTTE]

Today, I contacted a well known pulling parts supplier about a 25 lbs "heavy stock" flywheel. I asked them if I needed to rebalance the rotating assembly if I purchased it. They said it was not needed. So, if I used this larger flywheel from a K321 and used a K301 rotating assembly, would it be the same as slapping on an aftermarket flywheel?

[young enthusiest]

Pretty Much. The crankshaft, piston and rod are supposed to balace themselves out. The flywheel should not do anything balancing wise. You will have increased airflow and a cooler running engine, as well as more lugging capabilities

[JOHN SCHUTTE]

Originally Posted by young enthusiest

Pretty Much. The crankshaft, piston and rod are supposed to balace themselves out. The flywheel should not do anything balancing wise. You will have increased airflow and a cooler running engine, as well as more lugging capabilities

Young enthusiest, Thanks for the info!!! You are right inline with my thinking on the increased air flow and lugging power.