Threw a rod!

Fred's 123 · #1 08-30-2012, 12:25 PM

"tick tick tick... bang!" That's all she did this morning, just a few minutes into my planned day of spraying 4 acres. Engine freewheeled to a stop. Turned by hand, felt no compression. Pulled the plug, and indeed the piston is not moving when I turn the crank. Looks like the connecting rod failed... which would explain the "ticking" I asked about a few days ago.

Trouble is, I'm swamped. Simply no time to pull and rebuild an engine. What are my options? I don't mind throwing money at this problem to get it done, but don't like throwing good money after bad. I'm tempted to run over to Home Depot and (gasp!) buy a new sheetmetal tractor. Problem is, I have a whole army of implements for this Cub, and I use all of them.

Crate motor? Hot rod motor? Send it somewhere to get rebuilt for me?

Thanks, guys!

samiam44 · #2 08-30-2012, 01:16 PM

Fred-

No idea on what model you experienced the failure. But maybe someone in your neck of the woods can sell you a decent used motor. Short block price is $$.

Michael

Fred's 123 · #3 08-30-2012, 01:19 PM

Sorry. Kohler K301AS (spec.4759B).

Already got a line on one rebuilt short block and one used long block. Don't mind spending the money, but need this thing running again ASAP! I'm on a tight schedule to get some chemical down, before re-seeding season. Also, had plans to move a lot of topsoil with my 42" plow blade, which are now on hold.

drglinski · #4 08-30-2012, 01:24 PM

It's too bad you need it done in a hurry. There are guys around that could rebuild it great but it takes time.

Sam Mac · #5 08-30-2012, 05:37 PM

Well at least you found out why it was ticking. I have a couple Cubs for sale but they are all wide frames.

TheSaturnV · #6 08-30-2012, 09:05 PM

Go for one of the rebuilt motors you've found. You should be able to change it in one evening. Then you can see how well it runs during all this work you have coming up. I would pass on the Lowe's Depot SheetRider, especially considering all your attachments.

mrcubcadet · #7 08-30-2012, 09:20 PM

Yeah, find another motor..And then try to get yours rebuilt.

There are many K-series Kohlers that have survived a rod failure.

Alvy · #8 08-30-2012, 09:27 PM

I would swap in another motor that you found and rebuild the one you have. Motor rebuild is not too bad and not that pricy. You'll probably need the crank ground and everything measured after tear down. I just saved my 301 before that happened but it looked like it happened in the past as well. I spent about 100$ for machine work and about the same for a rebuild kit which included piston, rings, rod, valves, gaskets, seals, points and a spark plug. Im sure you know this but Honestly if you take your time and do it by the book it's pretty straight forward, that is if you ever have time which we all know is very limited for some of us.Good luck

Fred's 123 · #9 08-31-2012, 06:47 AM

Thanks, guys! I had been debating a few options, and you guys helped me decide. I'll pick up a second hand motor (already found a few) and do the swap. I'll rebuild mine after I get my new shop built, as we just moved, and that's the project du joir.

Fred's 123 · #10 09-01-2012, 08:56 PM

So, I got a replacement engine on the way:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/150886445998

Two questions:

1. What should I plan to do before install. Pull the head and check for / scrape carbon deposits? Pull the oil pan and wipe out any sludge? Rebuild the PTO?

2. What should I have on-hand for the install? I figure a carb gasket and fuel pump cover gasket, at a minimum. What else?

I also have an exhaust leak between the elbow (KH-235692) and the muffler (IH-393840-R91). I see there's a sleeve wrapped around the elbow under the muffler clamp, and had ordered KH-25-112-15-S thinking it was the correct replacement part, but I got some small sleeve bushing which was much, much smaller than the muffler elbow OD.

Thanks!