Too much compression

[ms fowler]

Kohler K301, 12 HP in my Cub 127 has too much compression to start.
I found the ACR spring was not on the weight, and reset it. After that it cranked over real well, just like it should. I put some gas in it and it started and ran well, but would not re-start. Too much compression, again. I removed the cam/gear cover and saw that the ACR spring was present, and installed, but lacked the strength to push the weights back to the "start" position.
Battery is new and freshly charged. Electrical leads from the battery to SG and ground were cleaned and tightened. Still, no joy. It cranks until the top of the compression stroke and stalls.
That ACR spring is NLA, and the one Kohler now sells is too short and the hole for the pin is much larger than the original.

What are my options?
Is it possible/likely that my SG is just old and weak? I have another off my Cub Original, and it performs the same way on the 127. It works well on the Original, but that is a smaller engine, so less compression pressure.

Are the Chinese (new) SG stronger than oem, or the same?

Has anyone tried using 2 head gaskets? I know this would lower the compression a little. I wonder if it would help enough, if it would dramatically lower power, and if 2 gaskets will be reliable over the long haul.

Anyone near Gettysburg have a good ACR spring and be willing to install it if I bring you the engine? (I got the old (weak) sping off, but do not have the dexterity to put it back on the pin.)

What can I expect to pay for a good,running, used K301?

[olds45512]

Sounds like you have it pretty well narrowed down, if its doing the same thing with 2 different s/g then I doubt a new one would solve the issue. Expect to pay $250 to $350 for a good running k301, you might be better off to buy a used camshaft and rebuild the engine instead of spending that money on a used engine. If you can do everything except the machine work yourself you can rebuild these engines for under $500.

[athomas]

I definitely would not think about 2 head gaskets but rather would concentrate on getting the ACR working properly I've seen the tang on the acr worn enough where it doesn't lift the valve to relieve compression and have had to bend it slightly to make it work right, someone should have the proper spring for you, good luck

[dvogtvpe]

I've run into the weights sticking outward twice in the past, I replaced the cam both times after messing around trying to get them to work while in the engine in the tractor. you can get used cams pretty reasonable . unfortunately you have to take the crank out and if I remember correctly the crank won't clear the rod so that takes you to a rebuild since once you've gone that far you might was well do it correctly

don't even try 2 head gaskets , I doubt its the spring. If it like what I've had in the past the weights just get stuck when they fly out

[ms fowler]

OK, thanks.
I may have a lead on a 108 that was re-powered with a reman Kohler 12HP.
If I did that, it might allow some time to get the cam and do the job right.
According to my wife, I have too many Cubs--an Original that runs and is the default mower, a 782 with a severe oil leak on the driveshaft side of the engine, and the 127.
I may have to thin the herd to get the 108/128. Must try to maintain domestic tranquility.( its in the preamble to the US Constitution)

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by ms fowler

According to my wife, I have too many Cubs--

That's what a lot of guys say their wives say.

Do you tell her that she has too many shoes/clothes/make-up..... then she shouldn't tell you that you have too many cubs.

I swear I just don't understand these comments... your not the only one who says their wife limits their collection.

[gsomersjr]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

That's what a lot of guys say their wives say.

Do you tell her that she has too many shoes/clothes/make-up..... then she shouldn't tell you that you have too many cubs.

I swear I just don't understand these comments... your not the only one who says their wife limits their collection.

My wife never says a word about my Cubs but I keep them all inside out of sight of my wife, the neighbors, and guests. Not everyone looks at them like we do...and ,quite honestly, I don't want my home to look like a junkyard either.

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by gsomersjr

My wife never says a word about my Cubs but I keep them all inside out of sight of my wife, the neighbors, and guests. Not everyone looks at them like we do...and ,quite honestly, I don't want my home to look like a junkyard either.

Now I do agree with that! All of mine are inside as well.

[J-Mech]

Hey, on another note that is relevant to the topic; how cold is it where you are at? What oil are you running? I've seen heavy oil in the cold make the weights stick before. Otherwise I'm with dvogtvpe on his suggestions.

[darkminion_17]

I was having the same problem with the 1210,even when it was warm out,hard to start,chuffing out the carb,pulled the breather and checked for movement on the exh. valve,nothing.I changed the spring and all is well. No more potty mouth...