[Cub Cadet 123]

Saturday, I removed my 14hp engine from my 149 for a possible rebuild--lots of oil in the head. I took it to a small engine repair shop and it's due for a new piston and rings, but the bore measures good. Well, after removing the oil pan he found that the the teeth off of the balance gears lie in the oil pan. When I took the tractor to him, it ran fine for me--except it was difficult to start and that is why I took it to him.

So he said he could strip the engine down and thoroughly clean everything to make sure that no small pieces have made their way to other places, but it would be pricey (shop rate is $48/hr.) or he could clean it out with parts washing and hope that no pieces made their way into other places. So, please advise on what I should do? I have had the tractor for about 3 years and never had a problem with it other than sluggish starting--and I know that is due to an excessive amount of oil in the head.

Should I replace the balance gears (it has apparently ran fine for the 3 years that I have had it without them) and have it thoroughly cleaned or replace that balance gears and clean it out to the best we can without taking everything apart and run it that way.

Thanks for your advice!!

Cub Cadet 123