Questions on a 14hp rebuild for a 149

[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

[cubby102]

A lot of people take the balance gears out all together they are just a ticking timebomb I would do that and new piston, rod, and rings call it good. As well as clean it out real good

[zippy1]

Originally Posted by cubby102

A lot of people take the balance gears out all together they are just a ticking timebomb I would do that and new piston, rod, and rings call it good. As well as clean it out real good

X-2, because if you're looking for a rebuild, and the wrench is going to be doing all the work, it's not cheap.
Been there, done that. Not that I regret it by no means, but it's pricey. And I'm keeping the tractor, and wanted it done right.
I just finished the engine in my original today. Didn't want to go nuts on it, just make it reliable so to speak. Piston, rod, rings, ground the valves, flattend the head and installed new gaskets. This tractor though isn't going to see alot of work, just something for the wife to use to pull around her garden trailer.
Good luck

[Quagmire]

A new piston but no new bore ? I'd get another opinion. If it's going to be done right with a good Sunnen fixed hone you can figure on at least .003 to get it round and straight again, add that to the origional clearance then it's easy to see that you more than likely will be over the limit.

[Justin Witt]

Ya I'm with Quagmire. I'd get another second opinion especially before spending all that money, unless you know the person well. 99.9999 percent of kohler engines have to be bored and journal ground when ever you rebuild it. And you can leave the balance gears out. There more of a headache then anything.

[J-Mech]

Justin..... you realize don't you that this thread is 3 years old?

Secondly, what do you know about what Kohlers generally need? The last one you took apart, you checked the crank with calipers and said it was fine..... then it locked up.

[Shotgun Wedding]

Now that's funny stuff right there!

[Cub Cadet 123]

Thanks guys for the renewed interest in my 149! The 149 has since been rebuilt and balance gears removed. It purrs like a kitten and growls like a tiger when revved up. The only thing I notice since I had the balance gears removed is that I get a little dizzy and wobbly whenever I drive it.

Here's to more cubbin'

Cub Cadet 123

[ol'George]

Originally Posted by Cub Cadet 123

Thanks guys for the renewed interest in my 149! The 149 has since been rebuilt and balance gears removed. It purrs like a kitten and growls like a tiger when revved up. The only thing I notice since I had the balance gears removed is that I get a little dizzy and wobbly whenever I drive it.

Here's to more cubbin'

Cub Cadet 123

I've known more than a few guys that were "dizzy/wobbly" and should of not been driving ha,LOL!
ok, I know, "off topic"