Kohler ags counterweight

[BigBill]

When we rebuild both 12 & 14 hp kohler do you remove the extra counter balance weights?
I read they can break and cause problems? Any thoughts?

[T-Mo]

I rebuilt a 14 hp Kohler and I removed the balance gears. If not install properly and if not with new parts, it can and will explode making a big hole in your engine. Without them, you will notice more vibration, especially at low idle, which seems to quieten down at higher rpms. Some of the lower hp engines didn't have those gears, I know the 14 hp did, and I believe the 12 hp did also. As for rather or not you should leave them in or remove them can cause some debate among garden tractor owners. As I mentioned, if you put them in, be sure they're installed properly and be sure all the parts are in good working order or new parts.

[sdurnal]

When it became time to replace the K301 in my 680, I purposely looked for a balanced engine, as all the sheet metal is cracked, as well at the exhaust/cooling ductwork. The dash is worn through, replaced the pilot bushing at least a half a dozen times.. (driveshaft once) Nothing I did helped except the balanced K321 from a Wheel Horse.. So, there's my 2 cents worth. (the extra HP helped it handle the 50" deck better as well)
P.S. several motor mounts too!

[BigBill]

When I upgraded my cc1000 to a cc1200 the whole machine needed fixing. The motor mounts were all shot what rubber was left, new clutch disc, new throwout brg. I added the 1” front spindles that take the 154 front wheel bearings with rims, disc brakes on the rear.

This cc was beat up bad the c rod broke so the engine was done. We been mowing over a decade with a used 12 hp I picked up.