K341 ?

[georgia-boy]

I have a K341 in need of a rebuild. I took the engine down this past week, the cylinder wall is scratched on the PTO side. I found five needle bearings and two small ball bearings in the oil pan. The needle bearings are the same as the ones used in the balance gears, but none are missing from the gears. It’s the same with the ball bearings they are the same as the ones used in the value spring retainer, and again none were missing from the retainers. Is there any other place inside the engine I should look for the bearings I found in the oil pan? One other thing, the oil that remained in the oil pan had a high copper metallic tent to it, what caused this? Thanks Charles

[FrankieC]

Interesting. I hope you get some good answers. The best I can do right now is to say that according to the Kohler service manual, there's supposed to be "27 individual bearings in each gear." Is it possible that the engine has been apart before and those little buggers hid and didn't get removed? :)

[georgia-boy]

Thanks for the reply. Left from a previous job is what I was thinking, but I’m new to this stuff. Hearing from more experienced people is a good thing. Any ideas on the cooper in the oil? Thanks Charles

[FrankieC]

So many minds...so few ideas. Sombody's on vacation??

[comet66]

I think most everybody is out playing in the snow, or watching Football.

[B.Ikard]

Charles, I am up I-75 from you near Cartersville-lived in Warner Robins a few yrs ago... Anyway, I have a 341 down now and the only needle bearings in that engine are for the balance gears. I have been advised from many people I respect to get rid of the balance gears when going back together as they are a ticking time bomb when worn and about $80.00 worth of parts to replace all the bearings,pins,etc. to do it right and sleep nights.... Most say there is little difference in vibration. The only ball bearings I can think of are the crankshaft main bearings too....valve spring retainers are split collars. Not sure about the copper in the oil-no copper or babbit bearings in a Kohler I can think of Ike

[FrankieC]

I think the bearings in the valve system would be in the valve rotator, and would be really small. When I did a little looking to make this post I noticed that it says to install valve springs with "close coils to top". Guess who's got to remove his valve springs to check them? :) Yep, Murphy was here. Both valve springs "upside down". Suppose it really makes a difference? :)

[georgia-boy]

Frankie, that’s what I was trying to say (valve rotator) I did not know what it was called. When I was cleaning parts I could see small ball bearings and springs in the valve rotator. The bearings look to the same as in the rotator, but nine were missing. Looks like left over from a prier engine job. Thanks Charles

[maxtorman1234]

Just some advice, I would take the balance gears out instead of working on them. THey do work, and vibration is noticable, but is easy to get used to.