RED-Z06 2,221 #1 Posted March 15 I knew my 8hp used oil 20 years ago, i had it torn apart to rebuild when Ivan hit and i tossed it together because I needed it for storm cleanup...shortly after, it was parked. Last week while pulling an aerator it started using a bit more oil, power dropped off and cold starts were difficult...then I found the oil on top of the engine and under the hood. Knew the head gasket had let go...the head checks flat on a piece of glass, 0.002 feeler wont slip under anywhere at all and no light shown through a flat-edge. 3 head bolts moved a bit when i retorqued them after a heat cycle..very possible the gasket had already blown. I ordered a new STD piston and rings, its ready now to lift off the oil pan and swap the rod/piston/rings. I dropped a ring into the bore and the STD bore looks good on size. Checked top, middle and as far down as it would go, i like what i see. Im not going to hone it, im going to lift the engine up loosen the rod bolts...slip it out, slide the new piston and rod in, torque the rod bolts down and replace the pan gasket. Im aware not honing it will absolutely set the purists on fire, but...ive always wondered on an iron bore with iron rings, how they would seat on a "field overhaul". I have a strong suspicion the engine overheated in 2003, and the rings lost tension. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clueless 2,987 #2 Posted March 16 Tom, what tractor is the 8hp on? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RED-Z06 2,221 #3 Posted March 16 24 minutes ago, clueless said: Tom, what tractor is the 8hp on? 702. Its a 64 model K181S. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RED-Z06 2,221 #4 Posted March 16 Pistons out, Compression ring, 0.038" Scraper ring 0.082 Oil Control ring...its wide, couldnt really get a good read on it but if its on the piston and i push the ends as close as I can its like .125". Skirts show signs of dusting. Rod really looks good, crank looks perfect, as expected, there was no bottom end concerns. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RED-Z06 2,221 #5 Posted March 16 (edited) Definitely got dusted at some point, im amazed the new rings fit so snugly. Oil control ring is about as gone as gone gets, thats as close as i can get the ends on the bottom ring and its quite a bit wider in the hole. Last 2 are old oil ring and new oil ring. Edited March 16 by RED-Z06 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RED-Z06 2,221 #6 Posted March 16 (edited) Wasnt able to use the new rod, it didn't have enough thust clearance nor oil clearance, old rod went back in, new piston, pin, rings went in fine. Getting it buttoned back up but it fired right up and no smoke I could detect. Know more once its warmed up for break-in Edit: 30 minutes in at varying speeds, no visible smoke, plug was clean...going to rip it wide open for about 30 minutes, just let it eat. Edited March 16 by RED-Z06 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clueless 2,987 #7 Posted March 16 21 hours ago, RED-Z06 said: 702. Its a 64 model K181S. does the 8hp fit okay or did you have to use the 7hp air filter box? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RED-Z06 2,221 #8 Posted March 16 1 hour ago, clueless said: does the 8hp fit okay or did you have to use the 7hp air filter box? Originally it had the thin filter cover, over 20 some odd years i lost it, i picked up a deeper filter cover and it fits fine with the smaller filter about 3/4 inch up front. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
