K301 internal squealing and vibrations
 

Good afternoon all,

Noticed yesterday that my K301 makes a very 'un-normal' sound when the rpms drop to a certain low point. The sound goes away when the rpms are again raised to a certain point . I can share that whatever is causing this, when placing my hand on the engine, I can feel the whole engine vibrating/resonating - again above the 'normal' .

I captured on video - please give it a review : https://youtu.be/cSRL_z9-FTY


I may speculate a bearing is seizing up or maybe the balance gears?? Engine has never been apart and tractor has been in family since new.

Thanks in advance!
Jim

Maybe you will get lucky and it be only the s/g.

I had a similar problem on a K321 and it turned out to be the front crank bearing. Well, 98% sure it was the bearing because it was bad, but the balance gears had bad needle bearings too. They still have bad bearings, but they are resting on a shelf on the advice of many Kohler savvy folks on here.

That sounds like a bearing to me. Sounds like some investigation is needed.

Thanks all for the replys.

I apologise for my ignorance but I assume i gotta the motor and tear it apart for a proper diagnosis? I.E. if it's a crank bearing, that has to be replaced internally?

You have bearings in the PTO clutch and drive clutch that could be failing.

And I'm betting it is them rather than something internal in the engine.
I can almost see the balls growling from long time lack of lube.
first check that the flywheel fan is not rubbing on the cover, you should be able to feel that.

Flywheel fan was just replaced - had to take the engine out. Hope i don't have to take it back out again lol.

Growling balls from lack of lube - oh my ! LoL.

I will investigate

don't get hung up on growling balls :biggrin2:
Do investigate the flywheel area, as low rpm's cause harmonics/vibrations that cause things to rub that normally do not.
I have seen something as simple too long an attachment bolt cause an unusual noise. :bigthink:

Did we figure out what was the problem?Does a K-301 even have balance gears?