Craftsman Kohler engine stuck both intake valves in the guides

Hello MParr,

Inside the crank case unknown but there is no unusual noise when cranking and both pistons move in the cylinders.

I do not think the owner has done any adjustments or service except change the oil and filter and refuel. The oil appears to be way overdue because it is very black.
 
Auto Doc's said:
Hello MParr,

Inside the crank case unknown but there is no unusual noise when cranking and both pistons move in the cylinders.

I do not think the owner has done any adjustments or service except change the oil and filter and refuel. The oil appears to be way overdue because it is very black.
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Do you have a extending magnet that will fit in the dipstick hole? If you do, stick it in there and see if anything comes with it. I would also cut open the oil filter and look for any unusual debris.
I wouldn't think it would be to your advantage of going any further if you find unusual debris in the engine.
 
I tried heating the intake valves with a propane torch after I tapped them open with a hammer and they stuck that way. With heat, the right side would slowly come back to closed. The left side stayed open after heating for a solid 5 minutes.

When I pulled the intake, I can see the valve stems are "tar oil" coated

The further I dig in to remove the heads, the more I don't like what I am seeing. The rain has been off and on, so I stopped and covered it up for now.

This job is for a good friend, and we served together in the USAF. He knows I do honest work and that's why he hauled it over 100 miles (each way) to bring it to me.

I don't ever want to do patch up work for anyone. I only make exceptions for ones that I know I will be keeping if the customer walks away from them. As I add up the cost of a replacement engine and modest labor, it's looking pretty grim to economically save this one when comparing the cost of a new zero turn.

Of course, if I do get this back together and running with new heads, there is the lingering question of what will fail next.
 
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