Simplicity 7012H

[Slick 0]

Hello to all, I am the owner of a Simplicity 7012H Tractor in need of some engine work as compression is down to 25 psi. Power is way down, fuel consumption up, and starting is difficult at best. Visual inspection with the head removed shows valves and valve seat areas to be OK and I suspect worn rings as the problem. I would like to do the repair work myself and although I have experience with motor repair on autos and motorcycles, I have never worked on this type of motor. Can anyone shed some light on general engine tear-down and repair or recommend a source for the information needed to rebuild these motors, either online sources or printed materials? Motor is a Kohler 12HP K301S.

[gregc 3]

You can find the service manual here: http://www.kohlerplus.com/login.asp Click on Enter as a Guest.

[goatfarmer 817]

Welcome! I'm surprised it even runs at 25 PSI compression....

[IronPony 3]

It is a Kohler engine. How did you check the compression? The K301, in fact the entire K series, has a compression release to allow for easy starting so just putting a gauge in the plug hole does not give you an accurate compression reading. I am sorry, but, I don't know how to do an accurate compression check. Dan aka IronPony

[HubbardRA 19]

Is the engine smoking? If it is a Kohler, and is not smoking, then it probably does not really need a rebuild. I have two Kohlers that both smoke some, yet they still run good. It sounds to me like you may have some carburetor or ignition problems if it is down on power, but is not smoking.

[Slick 0]

An accurate method for checking compression on a Kohler K301 seems to be a mystery. Anyone know the procedure?