Frequent stalling

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by jpianalto

Okay, so I have it running. I have a guy coming over to help me adjust the carb.

Is there a way to remove the carbon build up off the valves and probably the piston (P.O. says he replaced it) without removing the head? I'll probably remove the head later and clean it up right but I'm confused as to why the P.O. didn't do that when he had the head off to replace the piston and arm (he says he did this) I mean when you already go through the trouble to tear it down, why not go ahead and do a valve job and clean everything up. The guy that sold it to me is a very nice 80+ year old man but I'm beginning to question his judgment.

No, you can't clean up the combustion chamber without removing the head. If he replaced the piston, it shouldn't have carbon on it. If you haven't had the head off, what makes you think it needs cleaned?
One thing at a time bro. Get the carb adjusted and see what that does before doing anything else.

On that note.... you asked why not do a valve job while it's open... well, because that would involve complete disassembly and cleaning. All that you are saying he did was replace the piston. My question would be, why didn't he do a proper overhaul???? Replacing a piston is not an overhaul. But 80 year-olds think it is. "That's how we used to do it." they say.

[cooperino]

Originally Posted by jpianalto

Okay, so I have it running. I have a guy coming over to help me adjust the carb.

Is there a way to remove the carbon build up off the valves and probably the piston (P.O. says he replaced it) without removing the head? I'll probably remove the head later and clean it up right but I'm confused as to why the P.O. didn't do that when he had the head off to replace the piston and arm (he says he did this) I mean when you already go through the trouble to tear it down, why not go ahead and do a valve job and clean everything up. The guy that sold it to me is a very nice 80+ year old man but I'm beginning to question his judgment.

J-Mech said it best.. Thats the way the old timers did it... Ever hear of spraying water in a carb with engine running to clean dirty valves? They "the old timers" swear by it.. maybe it works...Hydrogen in water in combustion chambers cleaning system,, who knows? I don't think he was trying to mislead you in any way though. But sounds like the old "getter done" thinking of an older guy, And hey.. If ya gotta cut the grass sometimes ya just make due right?Little work should set her straight. Good luck with it!

BTW. I mentioned the spray of of water in carb while running because some old timers swore it would "clean carbon".. Google it if ya want but ask yourself . Why is the carbon build up there to begin with. Old timers had some pretty neat ways of doing things "laughin" but times have changed some

[jpianalto]

Have a hung about the carbon buikd up Because I looked into the plug hole and the valve is covered. My plug also fouls after just two hours work. Gotta clean it off or it won't start.

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by jpianalto

Have a gubch about the carbon buikd up Because I looked into the plug hole and the valve is covered. My plug also fouls after just two hours work. Gotta clean it off or it won't start.

You have other issues then. I wouldn't worry about the carbon at this point. I still don't think the engine sounds like it is any good, which I already stated in post #34.

As a note, I sell rebuilt Kohlers, and I'd be happy to take another order. I'm a bit behind right now, as I've had several orders....PM me if you are interested.

[Chad126]

My initial thought after I read about the PO overhauling it was "hmmm, then why is he so dedicated to coming out and trying to fix it?"

No offense, the PO might be a great guy, and obviously seems to want to make it right, but I would question whether his work was done right, or if it was done it all. If you have cracked open the top of the engine and it looks dirty, he probably didn't do anything to it. Any one who would have overhauled an engine would not have put dirty parts back on. After reading through about 5 of your comments, my money was on a valve issue. As J-Mech has stated probably 100 times here on OCC, the K-Series are not very difficult to overhaul, but that is assuming that you are capable of such a thing. Do that machine some justice and get it to a reputable repair shop.

[jpianalto]

I'm about to. I have other things taking my finances right now. Thank you!

Originally Posted by Chad126

My initial thought after I read about the PO overhauling it was "hmmm, then why is he so dedicated to coming out and trying to fix it?"

No offense, the PO might be a great guy, and obviously seems to want to make it right, but I would question whether his work was done right, or if it was done it all. If you have cracked open the top of the engine and it looks dirty, he probably didn't do anything to it. Any one who would have overhauled an engine would not have put dirty parts back on. After reading through about 5 of your comments, my money was on a valve issue. As J-Mech has stated probably 100 times here on OCC, the K-Series are not very difficult to overhaul, but that is assuming that you are capable of such a thing. Do that machine some justice and get it to a reputable repair shop.