K301 crank questions

[dhermesc]

Well I finally got my son's 4H project (K301) to the machine shop. The crank journal is undersized by .015 to .025, the bore is exactly .020 oversized. The machine shop does not build up journals and turn them down. Anyone have an extra crank laying around or has anyone used these guys to install inserts?


http://gardentractorpullingtips.com/engine.htm

[gitractorman]

Sorry, I can't help with a crank. However, I've heard good things about that site that you have posted. They really know their stuff! I know a guy down the street that tractor pulls with Wheel Horse tractors, and has had them build a few engines. He has several 14-hp Kohlers that they are supposedly getting 30-hp out of on gasoline. He has one on alcohol that gets something like 45-hp.

[dhermesc]

It sounds like the way to go. For $55 you get your old rod machined and the inserts. You don't have to buy a new rod (about $40) and you save on the cost of replacing the crank - but I'll still need to get the journal ground to a true .030 under.

As long as you don't run it out of oil it looks like they should last alot longer than the aluminum on steel factory set up.