2084 Kohler CH20 head gaskets - Can I do this?

[105_Tom]

Hey crew-

picked up my first Super on Saturday. It's a 2084 with 564 advertised hours on it. I basically saved it from the scrap man as it had been sitting outside for over 2 years unused. I paid market rate for the 54GT deck which was stored inside and is in great condition, and there was a pair of wheel weights to cement the deal. The PO more or less threw in the tractor at that point and said 'have fun with it'. I told him I'd be mowing with it on Sunday and he looked at me like I had 3 heads... After freeing everything up (and I mean everything, except for the motor) and rebuilding the carb, I got it running, but it's one-lunging it. Unless its WOT under load, I get nothing off the right side cylinder (when sitting on the tractor). It also hisses on that side during compression, which is what leads me to believe it could be the head gasket. I do have good spark on the right side, and it doesn't do bad when wide open, but I don't think I'm helping it by running it this way. I see that these CH20s are blowing head gaskets all over the place on other forums and help sites, so I thought I would ask here just what's involved to do the job right. These Kohlers are a little more advanced than I'm used to vs the older Cubs, and I have no experience with an OHV engine. I see the head gaskets kits for sale ad figure I might as well do both sides while it's apart. Can it be done in the tractor, or does the motor have to be moved or removed?

I'm gonna post this on the other Cub forums as well to try and get as much input as possible. The goal is to try and decide to fix it or part it. The tractor is complete but pretty rotted in the usual spots from exposure, but the plastic is good!. Still, its a Super!

[PurplDodge]

I'd say that you could do it with the motor in the tractor. I have worked on the Briggs in my 1440 with the hood, grille, and side panels off before. But I'd think it would be more comfortable re-building the motor on a bench.

Download the Kohler service manual off the Kohler website, read it and draw your own conclusions!

[ACecil]

Congrats on your 2084, and good luck with it!

[ccpullin]

Before you go too far, pull the valve cover on that side and check for a bent push rod. If they are both ok, them pull a compression check on it. Usually if the head gasket blows there is a sign of oil blowing out around it. It's an out of the frame repair as it is hard to pull the intake manifold off the heads in the frame. Not too bad of job, get a manual and follow instructions. Most of the ones that blew head gaskets are the early ones with head bolts. They changed to studs later.

[hillbilly]

I would think you could do that head gasket in frame preaty easily. If you have the capability I would do a leakdown test to see where the leak is at before tearing it apart.