Operation "Redemption" KT17 rebuild

[Matt G.]

Originally Posted by MWShaw

In my defense, the tip of the sand blaster never came within 18" of the heads, I was just trying to remove the carbon. I could have sworn I read that in the service manual, where it was a recomended proceedure. But after I read you comment I went back and rechecked it, and it is not there. I must have seeing things. I have not fired the engine up yet, so I think it will be fine.

[snip]

I am working out the location of the remote filter head, most likely I'll put it below the gas tank. I am a little bummed about the oil pressure gauge. The only spot on the dash board where It will fit is rigth where it say "Cub Cadet" embossed in the plastic dash. But oh well. Such is life I guess.

You could use glass beads, walnut shells, etc, but not sand. It doesn't matter how close you got, It's very clear in the picture that the surface is very rough and pitted. Even if you cleaned up the gasket surface, new carbon would stick readily to the rough surface of the combustion chamber and be nearly impossible to remove in the future.

Here's a suggestion: There's no need to see the hourmeter while the tractor is in use, so stick that under the hood somewhere and put the oil pressure gauge in its place.