Kohler K-321 Head Gasket Leak

[Kody Bob 17]

Took the blade off of the C-145 the other day and got the mower deck put back on. First time out cutting the grass this season I was able to make about 5 or 6 passes and then the motor quit very suddenly. Not like the kind of peter out if you run it out of gas, but also I did not hear a distinct change in the sound of the engine either. 

 

Anyway, I noticed a spot of oil on the side of the block that looks to be just below the head gasket. Is this a blatant head gasket failure? Any ideas as to why it would fail so suddenly? Like i said, I did not notice any issues until the motor cut out. No smoke, no harsh noises. Engine still turns over, but will not start. Not 100% sure, it may be in my head, but it does seem to sound a little different when cranking, and I did see a puff or two of white smoke when I did crank it over.

 

Thanks in advance for any help guys, I really appreciate it.

[ebinmaine 69,601]

Certainly looks like a head gasket is needed.

My C160 had that same stain when I got it and I ran fine.

 

Have you done any diagnostics on the electrical system?

Spark quit?

 

[Kody Bob 17]

12 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

Certainly looks like a head gasket is needed.

My C160 had that same stain when I got it and I ran fine.

 

Have you done any diagnostics on the electrical system?

Spark quit?

 

Spark is an issue i have not eliminated yet. I did pull the plug and try to get it to arc on the block but was not able to see a spark. The plug looked bad so I replaced it, and it still wouldn't start. It was getting late and I didn't think to test it to see if i could get it to arc to the block. Ill check that out tonight If I get a chance. 

 

I did check continuity in a few other parts of the system and didn't find any issues.

[pacer 3,174]

The head gasket will need to be replaced, but its very doubtful it caused your problem. My first thought on this type of 'sudden death' is ignition -- points, condenser, coil, switch, etc. Do go ahead and verify whether you are getting spark.

 

Was doing my first grass cutting couple days ago and a similar failure occurred. I raised the hood and almost immediately spotted the coil wire was off at the coil. On examination, over the years the wire/boot cover had became soft and would not grip the coil. Stuck it back in and made it back to shop, made up a new wire and --- its a go!

[Kody Bob 17]

5 minutes ago, pacer said:

The head gasket will need to be replaced, but its very doubtful it caused your problem. My first thought on this type of 'sudden death' is ignition -- points, condenser, coil, switch, etc. Do go ahead and verify whether you are getting spark.

 

Was doing my first grass cutting couple days ago and a similar failure occurred. I raised the hood and almost immediately spotted the coil wire was off at the coil. On examination, over the years the wire/boot cover had became soft and would not grip the coil. Stuck it back in and made it back to shop, made up a new wire and --- its a go!

Will definitely dive into the ignition tonight hopefully. I was thinking the same thing, that the head gasket wouldn't have gone in a fashion that would have suddenly killed the motor. Will get a new head gasket ordered. I have not opened up this engine so it will be good to see the condition of the valves as well.

[953 nut 56,657]

8 hours ago, Kody Bob said:

Will get a new head gasket ordered.

When you replace the head gasket be sure to torque it and then after it has been up to operating temperature re-torque ti.

[oldredrider 2,553]

A "sudden death" situation points to wiring. Specifically, ammeter connection(s). Lots of vibration loosens, breaks the wires at the connector. 

[Kody Bob 17]

Hey guys, I may need some additional help in testing the coil, points, and condenser. I did go ahead and check the connections at the ammeter as oldredrider suggested but everything seemed tight. I've kind of been fumbling around with my multi-meter. Anybody have a good step by step on testing these parts of the ignition while they are on the tractor?

[953 nut 56,657]

First, be sure that you have 12 volts on the "+" side of your ignition coil with the key on. If you have the 12 volts there move on to the points, remove the cover and see if they spark when they are opened and closed using a screw driver. If not, remove the condenser lead from the coil "-" terminal.