To rebuild or not to rebuild? That is the K301 question

jimbob200521 · #1 06-30-2013, 12:34 PM

Well as some of you have seen in my other thread, I have picked up a non-running 127 is good physical condition. The only problem: it doesn't start and the spark plug hole is stripped. If I take the plug out and ground it, I get spark. If I crank and look into the spark plug hole while it's cranking, there is a good amount of air moving in and out but I don't see the piston moving. I don't hear anything unusual when cranking like a broken rod or anything. So I'm left with the option of taking the head off and seeing what's wrong. My instincts tell me I'm going to need to rebuild. I've spotted this kit for a decent price

http://shop.kustomlawnandgarden.com/...hip-b12s1f.htm

But I've never rebuilt an engine before and am a little nervous about doing it. I'm pretty sure it's not a simple open it and unbolt/replace the parts and put it back together.

So that leads me to my issue: should I attempt a rebuild and hope for the best or try to find a running k301 or k321 to swap in? My other option is sell it as it sits to try and recover my investment. Thing is, it's a beautiful tractor and I hate to see it go but I'm just worried that I won't be able to do the rebuild right and it'll run for 10 minutes and then go boom. So, what do you guys think, what would you do?

mmzullo · #2 06-30-2013, 12:41 PM

Run a compression test. You wont get a high # because of the ARC but you should get between 50 and 75 for start. If the piston is not moving you should get 0

Sam Mac · #3 06-30-2013, 03:08 PM

If you have air moving in and out my guess is that the piston is just fine. Spark plug is probably not located over the piston so you can't see it.

J-Mech · #4 06-30-2013, 03:29 PM

Run a compression test. Like mmzullo said, should get around 50-60. The piston IS moving our you wouldn't have air moving. If it checks good, get it running. At this point I see no reason to tear it open, sounds ok so far.

If you have never rebuild a motor before, then a small engine is a good place to start, but I strongly suggest you either read up on engine rebuilding, or get someone to help you. If you have no guidance and no experience, then your probably going to miss something important.

austin8214 · #5 06-30-2013, 03:36 PM

Put a helicoil in the spark plug hole. Clean up the carb and let it rip. You can find instructions for repairing the stripped hole on Brian Millers pulling tips website. Good luck!

jimbob200521 · #6 06-30-2013, 03:56 PM

Alright, so I've been convinced: a will repair the spark plug hole and hope for the best as it seems that everything else internal is working ok.

That being the case, I plan on attempting this with the head still on the motor. Is this a smart thing to do? In reading, some people say take it off, other say grease the tap well and that will collect the shavings. Anyone here have any experience with this?

And to make sure I got the right kit ordered, I need a kit for M14x1.25?

BTW, thanks to everyone who has helped me so far, I was almost regretting my purchase and about to just sell it but y'all have given me hope. Thank you!

J-Mech · #7 06-30-2013, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbob200521

Alright, so I've been convinced: a will repair the spark plug hole and hope for the best as it seems that everything else internal is working ok.

That being the case, I plan on attempting this with the head still on the motor. Is this a smart thing to do? In reading, some people say take it off, other say grease the tap well and that will collect the shavings. Anyone here have any experience with this?

And to make sure I got the right kit ordered, I need a kit for M14x1.25?

BTW, thanks to everyone who has helped me so far, I was almost regretting my purchase and about to just sell it but y'all have given me hope. Thank you!

Ok, there are only two sizes of spark plugs, I'm sure that's right. Yes, I have greased the tap and fixed without pulling the head. Just be careful. Stop, clean the flutes, reinstall more grease and go at it again. Crank the motor with the plug still out before installing, just to be sure. It'll be ok.

cubby102 · #8 06-30-2013, 04:02 PM

I would pull the head. That way NO shavings get down in there. And you can decarbon while your in there. For as cheap as a headgasket is I usualy pull the head on every tractor I get. How far are you from kewanne illinois? I may have a good head for that thing

austin8214 · #9 06-30-2013, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cubby102

I would pull the head. That way NO shavings get down in there. And you can decarbon while your in there. For as cheap as a headgasket is I usualy pull the head on every tractor I get. How far are you from kewanne illinois? I may have a good head for that thing

I agree with this. A head gasket is cheap insurance. Decarbon the piston and valves while you are in there too.

jimbob200521 · #10 06-30-2013, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cubby102

I would pull the head. That way NO shavings get down in there. And you can decarbon while your in there. For as cheap as a headgasket is I usualy pull the head on every tractor I get. How far are you from kewanne illinois? I may have a good head for that thing

I just checked, I'm about 50 miles from Kewanee. What's it take to decarbon?