K341 Question
 

I have a Quietline 1000 with the K241 AQS engine that I would like to replace with a K341 AQS. Basically, what I want, is a K341 with a gear driven starter.
I am not going to use the side panels, so I am wondering if the Quietline ducting is necessary, since the engine will not be enclosed and should cool sufficently. The stock muffler will be replaced with a stack, and I intend on using a 169 style air cleaner, so I will block of the hole in the flywheel shroud
used by the Quietline air cleaner.
Am I overlooking something?
What are your thoughts?
GEL

I have set up several of those that way. Haven't done any testing to prove if things run hotter, but I have not experienced any problems.

Not an issue if your running a stack, but I used QL mufflers and was concerned muffler heat would damage the electric PTO. Then I have noticed other model tractors have unshielded mufflers close to their electric PTOs from the factory. I got a 129 with a QL muffler (no shielding) and an electric PTO with close to 10 years of mowing, no problem.