Does this look like a blown head gasket. It started using a lot of oil. Did a compression check what I would call #2 cyl had 160 psi #1 only had 90 psi squirted some oil in #1 and got the to 160 psi figured it was rings might still be but I took the number #1 head off and the bolts weren’t very tight and this is what I found
Slomo, where do you think that carbon and oil came from? The OP stated the bolts weren’t very tight and with the visual evidence I’m saying I don’t think the head gasket was sealing the cylinder.
I went ahead and tore it down. Will replace the rings but did not see anything wrong with the originals. I have already ground the valves and cut the seats. Parts will be here Tuesday or Wednesday.
Was the exhaust valve black? Lapping Valves NOTE: Exhaust valves that are black in color cannot be ground and do not require lapping. Right out of the Kohler service manual. If it was black and you ground it you will have to replace the valve. From the looks of the top of the block the head gasket is blown to the outside. Could you hear a whistling sound when starting or shutting the engine down. If so it is a sure sign you have a blown head gasket to the outside of the cylinder. Always around the exhaust port. Don't work on many CH Kohlers but lots of CV Kohlers. It is a really good engine. Once they fixed the head gasket problem. After over 20 years they finally put a fire ring around the cylinder. I have seen these engines with thousands of hours on them and they still do not use oil. Have a friend with one with 8,000 hours on it and still runs good and uses no oil. I would check the head to see if it is flat. .003 According to Kohler is the limit. I use a granite block and emery cloth sheets in a figure 8 pattern so you will not lap it wedge shaped. I have seen these engines with 220 psi compression. They do not have a compression release.
Ok an update it isn’t a ch25 it is a ch22 use type A rings 1.5mm top ring no longer available from Kohler. Some after market available. Like red barn. I ordered a set through Amazon so far they haven’t sent the right size twice. Keep send me 77.5 mm which is basically .020 over. I found Hasting piston ring company has rings for it 2M4765 they are now on the way, I hope.
Slomo, where do you think that carbon and oil came from? The OP stated the bolts weren’t very tight and with the visual evidence I’m saying I don’t think the head gasket was sealing the cylinder.
Need to lap the head and head mount surfaces. Some plate glass and wet/dry paper. Go with 220, 400 then 800 grit. Let the paper and water do ALL the work. Final clean the bore and valves with window cleaner. Leaves nothing behind and cheaper slash healthier than brake cleaner.
No they can not
A ring is precision ground to an exact circumference
If you chop a chunk out of it and try to join them together it will no longer be a circle .
In use it will work as an emergency get me home proceedure but in the long term the ring will wear very rapidly on the ends then one pops out in operation and it is good by engine.
A horrid bodge that down here earned quite a few used car yard owners a long chat with a magistrate and more than one a stay in a government facility
