TerryD 1 #1 Posted January 8, 2024 I really like my Wheel Horse 310-8. I've had it since new but now it's using over halve a quart of oil per hour. Think I need my Kohler M10 engine rebuilt or need to buy an already rebuilt one. I'm near Indianapolis and was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for me. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,962 #2 Posted January 8, 2024 Terry - Welcome. Sounds like a cylinder leakdown test is in order. Could be needing rings, valves, or both. A worn or tapered cylinder bore will not give good service on a discount rebuild... A clogged or improperly installed breather will result in excessive crankcase pressure that results in excessive oil consumption. Same for overfilling the crankcase..... Bill 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TerryD 1 #3 Posted January 8, 2024 Thanks for the reply, Bill. A leakdown test is beyond my capability. I will check the breather is installed properly. I did have the carb off this summer. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jon Paulsen 291 #4 Posted January 8, 2024 Welcome here Terry If you can get the spark plug out, get your finger covering the hole, then get someone to try and start it, you should not be able hold back the pressure. Poor man's compression check. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TerryD 1 #5 Posted January 8, 2024 I do have a cylinder pressure gauge I can use to check compression. I'm not sure what the reading should be. Anyone know? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 17,485 #6 Posted January 8, 2024 Over 1/2 a qt of oil an hour is A LOT of oil and it would be surprising if that thing can burn that much and still be able to start. Are you sure it's not leaking out somewhere too? Pushing out of the case breather? Are there signs of oil on the tractor and the ground after it's parked? Look for the wet spots. Is there lots of smoke out of the exhaust? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,962 #7 Posted January 8, 2024 2 hours ago, TerryD said: I do have a cylinder pressure gauge I can use to check compression. I'm not sure what the reading should be. Anyone know? And that is a swing and a miss if your motor has an ACR (Automatic Compression Release). It Keeps the exhaust valve partially open until the engine is above 700 RPM or so..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 57,854 #8 Posted January 9, 2024 After you have checked the breather to see if it is clogged you could remove the cylinder head and post some pictures of the condition of your cylinder. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,962 #9 Posted January 9, 2024 10 minutes ago, 953 nut said: After you have checked the breather to see if it is clogged you could remove the cylinder head and post some pictures of the condition of your cylinder. Because - excessive blow by of the rings leaves a telltale clean "trace" where the oil gets by and is removing carbon on the piston. - COULD point to a taper issue or a broken ring... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 40,458 #10 Posted January 9, 2024 to the Terry. These guys will offer plenty of good advice. Don't be afraid to ask questions and expand your abilities. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 42,513 #11 Posted January 9, 2024 Cylinder leak down test is easy. I have the tool for sale in the classifieds. All you need is an air compressor. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TerryD 1 #12 Posted January 9, 2024 Thanks for all of the input. Heading for a cold spell here in Indiana so I don't think I'll be doing anything with the engine for a while. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
