Bill D 2,036 #1 Posted December 5, 2021 I picked up a free Exmark Viking from a neighbor. It has a 15 HP Kawasaki FH430 on it. The top sleeve bearing is shot. This allows the crankshaft to move side to side causing a major leak. Is there a way to remove and replace the bearing without tearing the engine down? It runs great otherwise. Thanks. Bill 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Howie 899 #2 Posted December 6, 2021 I'm going to say no. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 2,036 #3 Posted December 6, 2021 My thought too. I was hoping someone had another option. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fordiesel69 263 #4 Posted December 6, 2021 replace just the seal and it will last for the short term 1-3 yrs maybe? The upper flywheel crank journal is most likely machined into the block so you have to line bore and add in a new sleeve bearing. This happens to many brands of engines, not just kawasaki. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 2,036 #5 Posted December 7, 2021 7 hours ago, Fordiesel69 said: replace just the seal and it will last for the short term 1-3 yrs maybe? The upper flywheel crank journal is most likely machined into the block so you have to line bore and add in a new sleeve bearing. This happens to many brands of engines, not just kawasaki. I replaced the seal already and it's still leaking badly. You can feel the play in the upper bearing by moving the flywheel. The sleeve bearing is available for about $13. I wish there was a way to replace it without tearing down the engine. From what I've found online this is a common problem on these engines. This one's had a rough life and may not be worth repairing. Probably easier to find a replacement. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snoopy11 5,717 #6 Posted December 10, 2021 On 12/7/2021 at 12:02 AM, Bill D said: I wish there was a way to replace it without tearing down the engine. I just saw this... yes with my Kawasaki FC420V... you have to tear it down. It really isn't that bad though... and gives you the opportunity to check parts for wear. Don Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snoopy11 5,717 #7 Posted December 10, 2021 On 12/7/2021 at 12:02 AM, Bill D said: Probably easier to find a replacement Not really...considering the cost of a replacement... Don Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 2,036 #8 Posted December 11, 2021 Does anyone have a service manual for the FH430V that I can download? @gwest_ca? Thanks. Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
