Crankshaft seals. To change or not to change. That is the question.

[ebinmaine 67,494]

This particular instance is on my k582 but I suppose it applies to many other engines.

 

This engine has been sitting for at least 20 years. Quite possibly 30, given where it was sitting when I found it.

 

Over the last three or so years I've had it running a few times but never more than 3 to 5 minutes each.

The crankshaft seals do not appear to be leaking much, if any at all.

 

I do have the flywheel off because I needed to glue the magnets back in place so if I'm going to replace the seals, now is obviously the time.

 

But.....

Is this one of those things that you "don't fix because it isn't broken?"

Or is this one of those things that you replace while you're in there because eventually you're going to need to?

 

 

What say you, fine Redsquare folk?

[Achto 27,571]

I think that I would just replace them.

[lynnmor 7,306]

If you have new seals, and not old stock that was stored in a questionable manner, I would replace them.

[Pullstart 62,867]

A well greased new seal will likely be better than a 30 year old seal, hands down.  And tools up!

[Maxwell-8 4,275]

 Those are the kind of "since you are there" items

[peter lena 8,627]

@Maxwell-8   not only do i agree with others above , use a packing puller like , https://www.amazon.com/Palmetto-1101-Extractor-flexible-removeable/d this for very easy seal extraction, does not have to be exact brand , but its the type of screw in puller you want . simply , drill a tiny hole in side of seal , or needle punch , screw in extractor , pull out . use  dielectric grease , on installation and seal to shaft face , made for rubber to metal fitting , pete

[Snoopy11 5,714]

What everyone else has said here is on the money.

 

If you are inside the engine... replace them.

 

@peter lena... @Maxwell-8  and @Pullstart you guys are on the money.

 

Don

[peter lena 8,627]

@Maxwell-8   not only do i agree with others above , use a packing puller like , https://www.amazon.com/Palmetto-1101-Extractor-flexible-removeable/d this for very easy seal extraction, does not have to be exact brand , but its the type of screw in puller you want . simply , drill a tiny hole in side of seal , or needle punch , screw in extractor , pull out . use  dielectric grease , on installation and seal to shaft face , made for rubber to metal fitting , pete

[peter lena 8,627]

@Snoopy11  more often than not , I use opportunity  to solve multiple problems , go into an area for a fix , there is opportunity to correct another one. think that back of dash area , is the mega spot , to correct and improve a lot. go from a functional spot , and make it better / improve it , wiring , typically terrible , went after each area , reroute , upgrade every connection , cable wrap / support everything. top ground source spot , battery ground bolt point , build off that , problems solved . pto lever start point , add 3/8 " + washers and lube , solid / smooth . doing carb work ?  add a fuel check valve , VERTICALLY  just under carb , from fuel pump , instant starts . also important to be fed up with a problem, that will inspire you to make it work like it should , (    only if you want to )  look at the function of  anything thats giving you issues , detail the hell out of it , works consistently  , thats what I want , pete  

[ebinmaine 67,494]

4 hours ago, lynnmor said:

If you have new seals, and not old stock that was stored in a questionable manner, I would replace them.

Yessir they'll be new. Haven't even ordered them yet. 

 

Anyone want to recommend a brand or supplier?

 

[Snoopy11 5,714]

24 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

Anyone want to recommend a brand or supplier?

The jungle...

 

I buy mine at ARC... but that's a totally different application...

 

Don

[RED-Z06 2,221]

I usually try to do stuff like this while im there and usually it bites me in the rear...🥲

[Snoopy11 5,714]

On 1/18/2022 at 1:50 PM, ebinmaine said:

Anyone want to recommend a brand or supplier?

Did you ever order some, Eric?

 

Let us know how they work out, won't you?

 

Don

[Handy Don 12,222]

On 1/19/2022 at 2:30 AM, RED-Z06 said:

I usually try to do stuff like this while im there and usually it bites me in the rear...🥲

This might make an interesting thread topic. "Things I probably should't have touched..." or "Seemed like a good idea at the time..." 

[RED-Z06 2,221]

6 minutes ago, Handy Don said:

This might make an interesting thread topic. "Things I probably should't have touched..." or "Seemed like a good idea at the time..." 

It happens, you go in with the best intentions of doing the right thing...ends up costing you big in the end.

[Handy Don 12,222]

2 minutes ago, RED-Z06 said:

It happens, you go in with the best intentions of doing the right thing...ends up costing you big in the end.

Oh yeah. It's happed to all of us at one time or another. And that's why I think it'd be a fun thread! 

[ebinmaine 67,494]

34 minutes ago, Snoopy11 said:

Did you ever order some, Eric?

 

Let us know how they work out, won't you?

 

Don

I ordered a complete engine gasket set. 

First time I've ordered from isavetractors. 

His kit has head gaskets with a fire ring and his price given that info was good.  

 

I'll absolutely keep you posted. 

 

I was in fact thinking of doing an unboxing review when I get the package.  

[ebinmaine 67,494]

7 hours ago, Snoopy11 said:

Let us know how they work out, won't you?

Got em here today. All looks good.  I'll get some pics up at some point. 

[kpinnc 12,028]

2 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

Got em here today. All looks good.  I'll get some pics up at some point. 

 

Thinking of doing the same on a M18 I recently picked up. 

 

Last check he wasn't carrying those yet though. Keep us posted!

[ebinmaine 67,494]

8 hours ago, kpinnc said:

 

Thinking of doing the same on a M18 I recently picked up. 

 

Last check he wasn't carrying those yet though. Keep us posted!

He's got em listed now. 

I'll PM you the link.  

 

[wallfish 16,999]

6 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

I'll PM you the link.  

It's OK to post helpful links to stuff. Like parts on Epay or Isavetractors you refer to on here and such.

The links you don't want to post are for other people's tractor ads and stuff like that.

[ebinmaine 67,494]

59 minutes ago, wallfish said:

It's OK to post helpful links to stuff. Like parts on Epay or Isavetractors you refer to on here and such.

The links you don't want to post are for other people's tractor ads and stuff like that.

Thanks John. 

 

Here's the link if anyone else wants it:

 

https://isavetractors.com/complete-gasket-set-for-kohler-mv16-mv18-m18-mv20-m20-kt17-kt19/

[JimSraj 429]

The k301 I rebuilt was done with a total rebuild kit from Isavetractors.  It’s my first rebuild and only a few hours on it just now but so far so good. 

[lynnmor 7,306]

On 1/22/2022 at 3:11 PM, ebinmaine said:

Thanks John. 

 

Here's the link if anyone else wants it:

 

https://isavetractors.com/complete-gasket-set-for-kohler-mv16-mv18-m18-mv20-m20-kt17-kt19/

 

I'm not seeing the fire ring on the head gaskets in the photo.

[ebinmaine 67,494]

9 minutes ago, lynnmor said:

 

I'm not seeing the fire ring on the head gaskets in the photo.

Agreed. 

 

I'm not sure if there's one on the M series set. Definitely is on the K set.  

I'll ask him later.