Should I Test My Engines?

[Al C. 1,428]

I have two Wheel Horse tractors with Koehler K-Series engines.  The 1067 with a K-241 (55 years old) and the SK-486 with a K-341 engine (40 years old).  Both engines have about 1300 hours on them.  Both engines have been well maintained, start on first crank, do not smoke or knock, and have good power.  The tractors have been used exclusively for mowing lawns with 42 inch decks.  My question is, should I perform a compression test on the engines to verify their health and do these engines have automatic compression release.  Any thoughts?  Thanks!

[ebinmaine 67,484]

They do have ACR so a compression test is not possible.  

 

You could purchase or build a Leak Down Tester instead.  

 

 

 

 

When Trina and I are doing a restoration I always remove the cylinder head(s) and hand plane it to be sure they're true flat. 

At that point I check the play in the piston to cylinder.   

 

 

If your engines really are not smoking or making noises it shouldn't be much concern.  

[Jeff-C175 7,202]

12 minutes ago, Al C. said:

should I perform a compression test

 

If they don't smoke or knock and have good power, what's the point really?  Leave well enough alone!

 

By the way... the ear protection is great, but it's remotely possible for the youngster to get her foot caught in the tire and dragged in... maybe install a foot rest to keep curious feet out of the way?

 

 

Edited August 28, 2022 by Jeff-C175

[ri702bill 8,319]

6 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

At that point I check the play in the piston to cylinder.   

 

Yeah, that....

[953 nut 55,222]

I would have to agree with @Jeff-C175 except it may be a good idea to pull the pan on the K-341 to get rid of the Balance Gears.

Your K-241 may not have the ACR cam, the K-341 will have it.

There are a couple ways to determine what camshaft you have. Presuming the camshaft in your engine is the one it was born with the data plate on the engine has a suffix that can tell you what camshaft was used. The table below will tell you the suffix applicable to your engine. The other way to determine what camshaft you have is to remove the cam gear cover and take a look. If you see a mechanism attached to the cam gear it is the ACR cam.

 

 

The following engines have the spark advance camshaft;

K-141, Suffix prior to “C”

K-161, Suffix prior to “J”

K-181, Suffix prior to “D”

K-241, Suffix prior to “D”

 

[squonk 41,104]

If they run and don't smoke or rattle, the most I would do is pull the head de-carbon and plane it.

[Al C. 1,428]

Thanks everyone for you ideas.  My interest is in pampering the engines and getting ahead of any future problems.  On the other hand, I am reluctant to pull the engines if the value is questionable because I’m not a highly skilled mechanic.   Three years ago I pulled the heads, de-carb them, and replaced the head gaskets.  So, based on my skill level and questionable value of a compression test, I’m going to leave well enough alone. I change the oil and air filters once a year (less than 20 hours).  I’ve removed the tins and cleaned the blocks of dust and debris, so the engines run as cool as possible.  It sounds like this is about the best I can do.