149 blow by

cub149 · #1 06-08-2009, 10:05 PM

Hi all, I have come here from the another CC site. I was a reader with a few questions now and then. BTW, I really like this site!
My question today is about my 149. I have owned it for two years now and it has never let me down but it has always had blow by from the dipstick. Now it has some smoke from the exhaust, not terrible mostly when starting or under load and it's not a heavy smoke. It runs good with no knocks, pings, etc.... Would this be valves, worn rings or both? It also uses about a 1/4 qt or so of oil after mowing 3 hours with it. What will it eventually do, just quit or will it slowly start loosing power and compression? As you have figured out by now I don't know to much about working on the engines. I have just never took the time to tear into one.

I am just trying to get by with it until I find one of two tractors to replace it with. One is a CC and I can't mention the other on on here. I will be keeping this one and probably take a shot at a rebuild once another is secured and in service.
This is not my first CC, I had a 1650 that broke a rod and I sold and then regretted it and found this 149. I can't decide which I like the best. I am a little tough on them but do keep up the maintenance.

I know it's hard to make a diagnosis without seeing and hearing it but take a shot. Tell me what to look for or at.

Thanks

Matt G. · #2 06-08-2009, 10:10 PM

It's probably mostly worn rings and piston/bore, but bad valve guides will also let some oil past. Some oil consumption is normal, but that's pretty excessive. I think it's time for a rebuild...

67hydro · #3 06-08-2009, 10:17 PM

This is just a guess!!!!!!! I also am weak on motor diagnosis!!! BUT there will be others who come along that have a ton of experience with the engine.Ill soon be digging into my first engine.

Maybe the rings,this is just a guess but you say its blowing out the dipstick so the crankcase is pressureized,and its using oil and smoking.
Like I said a guess!!!
WELCOME!!!!!

under edit, Oh man Matts A faster typer!!!! Hes one of the experts though!!!

cub149 · #4 06-08-2009, 10:53 PM

Can I expect it to last a while yet? As I said, it runs great. How will it die, slowly or unexpectedly/suddenly?

Matt G. · #5 06-08-2009, 10:57 PM

Hard to say. Eventually, it'll get harder and harder to start to the point where you won't be able to start it because it either doesn't have enough compression or because it oil fouls the plug instantly. However, I'd still take it apart and rebuild it rather than wait for it to die, as metal fatigue has taken its toll on the piston and rod by this point as well...you don't want the piston or rod to break and put a window in the block. Then you're really in trouble. If it starts knocking, then it's definitely time for a rebuild. Connecting rod failure isn't far away at that point.

RPalmer · #6 06-09-2009, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cub149

Can I expect it to last a while yet? As I said, it runs great. How will it die, slowly or unexpectedly/suddenly?

"A stitch in time saves nine" In this case the sooner you act the more money you will save. Don't let her die and then fix her. Give her a rest and a new life. I also favor the rings/cylinder needing attention.

weaverama · #7 06-09-2009, 08:52 AM

Guys,

I also have a K241 in a 108 that is blowing a little blue smoke, especially when putting a load on the engine. Not excessive smoke, but noticeable at all times even after warm up. I planned on pulling the head anyway to check out the carbon build up and valve seats but I remembered that I have a drill-operated honing gizmo. So, is it advisable to go ahead and hone the cylinder and install new rings? And can anyone direct me as to how to hone the cylinder walls and get that nice cross-hatched look or does that kind of happen naturally? Sorry for the hijack but it might help Cub 149 too. Thanks.

Rich

RPalmer · #8 06-09-2009, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weaverama

So, is it advisable to go ahead and hone the cylinder and install new rings? And can anyone direct me as to how to hone the cylinder walls and get that nice cross-hatched look or does that kind of happen naturally?Rich

On one hand you should have someone with experience do this. On the other hand you want the experience. Before you go any further you will need some cylinder gages. And know how to read them. And I'm stopping here because I could go on about the process.

Merk · #9 06-09-2009, 06:16 PM

Quote:

by weaverama

I remembered that I have a drill-operated honing gizmo. So, is it advisable to go ahead and hone the cylinder and install new rings? And can anyone direct me as to how to hone the cylinder walls and get that nice cross-hatched look or does that kind of happen naturally? Sorry for the hijack but it might help Cub 149 too. Thanks.

Best thing yo can do is take your motor to a automotive machine shop and let them do the work. They have the proper equipment and know how to do the job right. I will rebuild 4 to 8 motors a year and let my local automotive machine shop do the machine work.

You can use your drill-operated honing gizmo and hone the cylinder wall. Odds are the cylinder wall will be out of spec per a Kohler manual. The rings, piston, connecting rod and governor are replaced everytime I rebuild a motor.

You can do cheap way and "just replace the rings".....Two to three years later the motor will be smoking again. Spend the money upfront and your motor will last for 10 to 20 years.

RPalmer · #10 06-09-2009, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merk

I will rebuild 4 to 8 motors a year.

So I could slip one in and no one would notice? :biggrin2.gif: