Crank Turning

[cadetfarmer]

Hi Everybody;

I recently bought a used crankshaft off of epay, k241A kohler. Upon receipt of said crankshaft, I realize, this crank came from an engine that had a serious problem.

I miked this crank and found it was about .006 out of round, 1.499-1.493. I was wondering how far these kohler cranks can be turned and still be servicable.
I believe this one might be savable at .010 under, and since I got it for $25 including shipping, I believe I can afford to have it turned.

All input will be appreciated

Cadet Farmer

[Matt G.]

The only standard undersize rod is 0.010". You could probably have it turned 0.020" under and have the connecting rod machined for a bearing insert. I have heard of that being done, too.

[5 Cub Cadets]

Had a crankshaft/rod problem on a K301, out of round (had been turned .010 by PO), took to a local machine shop and they said to get a new crankshaft, $$$. Looking at e-pay, I bid/won a crankshaft regrind job ($30-35?)from a shop in MD. So for around $100, I got it reground .020 under, including .020 rod and shipping both ways. Solved the knock problem, worth it to me. FWIW.

Dick

[Rhoderman]

On my K301, it was able to be reground at .020 under, but I wish he had offset it so as to give it a good clean grind all the way around. I believe the wear happens at the top of the compression stroke. I hardly see where .005 less compression would have hurt me, and I would much rather have all fresh ground material in that area/side of the crank. I could see a faint pattern of where it was barely ground, if ground at all.
20 under rods are becoming more available. I found a place that ordered blanks and made their own 20 under. Do NOT use some guy in Missouri as he will NOT do good work and screw you over in the process. Been there, did that, regretted it immensely.

[cadetfarmer]

Thanks Everybody;

I think there is a local shop that will turn it for me, the guy use to work at another shop here that close down,(owner died), this man then went out on his own, anyway he has done good in the past.

I hope he can get it straight at 0.010.
However I will need a place to get an undersize rod.

I am not concerned about a drop in compression, as this will be mostly a mowing tractor.

I will have to wait for now. I am stuck in the house right now recovering from surgery,(groan) again.

I can't wait for spring when the smell of Cub Cadet exhaust will again be in the air.

Have some Happy Holidays;
Cadet Farmer

[bruce s]

Cadet farmer I machined an old kohler rod out to fit an incert for my son's 16hp stock alterd motor . The crank was .010 under size . We used the same rod for years , just changed the incert during refreshings. I did mine in a mill . But any automotive machine shop that has a rod hone to resize rods can do the same thing. The incerts come in .010 and .020 I think they are for the 4v continental motor . The 4 cylinder air cooled motor . Done properly this will end your rod problems. Federal mogul 9885 CPA .010 or .020 If you need more info I can lookup the specs on it for you. Hope this helps Bruce S.

[Matt G.]

I would strongly advise against putting a bearing insert in a USED rod and re-using it. Aluminum is not particularly fatigue-resistant, and therefore aluminum connecting rods have a finite life span...who knows how long it will last. The last thing you want is to put all the time and money into an engine and then have it throw that used rod through the side of the block. If you go the route of the bearing insert, do so with a NEW rod.

[jgehl]

most machine shops should be able to turn and rebuild back to stock! or i'm just really lucky to have someone thats got the machines to do it so close to home.