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KAWA FR541V - top end bobbins (rocker assembly)
#1
KrashnKraka
KrashnKraka
Hello fellow small engine enthusiasts.
My query seeks more of opinion or feedback on similar experience.
I am full bottle on how to go about repairs if necessary.
This engine has better than 200 hours up with regular general
servicing and cleaning of airways, stator face and engine body.
As noisy in the top end as these alloy V-Twins are the change
in rattle vocals was noticable recently when the machine
running at walk speed (travelling, deck disengaged) gave a jerk
as the engine dropped a cylinder off.
Investigation shows one fixing bolt for one rocker set lying
in the tappet cover, in company with the rocker arm.
The arm was twisted out of shape with the adjustment collet
displaced.
Both pushrods remained in their relative engine cathedrals,
one dislocated from it's rocker and slightly bent, the other
bent twice, each bend at the extents of the rod.
Workshop repairs were made with that cylinder made functional.
The motor now runs fine, power wise and vibration free, however
considerable amounts of burnt oil are apparent from time to
time and there is a discernable small end rattle on idle speeds.
In making good the cylinder operation the other rocker fixing
bolt was checked for tight and reseated anyway.
My question is... is it an expected general service item to remove
covers and valve assembly in checking this bolt for tight?
And, if not... then how is it this fixing design is used in expectation
the bolt will remain as it was fitted at factory?
Is this a Kawasaki thing or is the design widely used in the
newer small engine?
.... apologies for the detail
KK
My query seeks more of opinion or feedback on similar experience.
I am full bottle on how to go about repairs if necessary.
This engine has better than 200 hours up with regular general
servicing and cleaning of airways, stator face and engine body.
As noisy in the top end as these alloy V-Twins are the change
in rattle vocals was noticable recently when the machine
running at walk speed (travelling, deck disengaged) gave a jerk
as the engine dropped a cylinder off.
Investigation shows one fixing bolt for one rocker set lying
in the tappet cover, in company with the rocker arm.
The arm was twisted out of shape with the adjustment collet
displaced.
Both pushrods remained in their relative engine cathedrals,
one dislocated from it's rocker and slightly bent, the other
bent twice, each bend at the extents of the rod.
Workshop repairs were made with that cylinder made functional.
The motor now runs fine, power wise and vibration free, however
considerable amounts of burnt oil are apparent from time to
time and there is a discernable small end rattle on idle speeds.
In making good the cylinder operation the other rocker fixing
bolt was checked for tight and reseated anyway.
My question is... is it an expected general service item to remove
covers and valve assembly in checking this bolt for tight?
And, if not... then how is it this fixing design is used in expectation
the bolt will remain as it was fitted at factory?
Is this a Kawasaki thing or is the design widely used in the
newer small engine?
.... apologies for the detail
KK
#3
KrashnKraka
KrashnKraka
#4
KrashnKraka
KrashnKraka
Re: KAWA FR541V - top end bobbins (rocker assembly)--news today
In giving my post a bump I bring this news to the table.
In less than 5 engine hours maybe 3 mowing the other
cylinder lost power. Investigation shows the exhaust
valve rocker set to have repeated the fault detailed in my post.
The construction used is junk. Period.
I strongly advise those whose engines (any brand) use this construcrion:
http://tinypic.com/r/r1mrly/8
...to immmediately get that bolt locked down.
I used this method:
http://tinypic.com/r/zo6omg/8
http://tinypic.com/r/2gwho53/8
...however even a HT set screw and star washer is an improvement
over the manufactured design. Add threadlock(Locktite609).
And believe this... the bolts in place have a smear of what
appears to be silastic, yes SILASTIC(!!!!), on the last thread.
Now "planned plant obsolesence" allowed for there is "cheap", then
there is "cheap and nasty".
This construction surpasses all levels to reflect STUPIDITY!
According to the website these engines are USA built...another
reason I went with the purchase of the mower.
Now one has to wonder if the plant hires out of the simian enclosure
at the local (Maryland) zoo!
The engine is operational again, burning oil like the bejesus the
service life of this engine is done... well before due.
I am sure Kawasaki and their 'agents' are well aware of the problem.
I am also sure I am not the only one Ripped Off!
Wright walked away from Kawasaki. Time to join the stampede?
KK
Hello fellow small engine enthusiasts.
My query seeks more of opinion or feedback on similar experience.
I am full bottle on how to go about repairs if necessary.
This engine has better than 200 hours up with regular general
servicing and cleaning of airways, stator face and engine body.
As noisy in the top end as these alloy V-Twins are the change
in rattle vocals was noticable recently when the machine
running at walk speed (travelling, deck disengaged) gave a jerk
as the engine dropped a cylinder off.
Investigation shows one fixing bolt for one rocker set lying
in the tappet cover, in company with the rocker arm.
The arm was twisted out of shape with the adjustment collet
displaced.
Both pushrods remained in their relative engine cathedrals,
one dislocated from it's rocker and slightly bent, the other
bent twice, each bend at the extents of the rod.
Workshop repairs were made with that cylinder made functional.
The motor now runs fine, power wise and vibration free, however
considerable amounts of burnt oil are apparent from time to
time and there is a discernable small end rattle on idle speeds.
In making good the cylinder operation the other rocker fixing
bolt was checked for tight and reseated anyway.
My question is... is it an expected general service item to remove
covers and valve assembly in checking this bolt for tight?
And, if not... then how is it this fixing design is used in expectation
the bolt will remain as it was fitted at factory?
Is this a Kawasaki thing or is the design widely used in the
newer small engine?
.... apologies for the detail
KK
In giving my post a bump I bring this news to the table.
In less than 5 engine hours maybe 3 mowing the other
cylinder lost power. Investigation shows the exhaust
valve rocker set to have repeated the fault detailed in my post.
The construction used is junk. Period.
I strongly advise those whose engines (any brand) use this construcrion:
http://tinypic.com/r/r1mrly/8
...to immmediately get that bolt locked down.
I used this method:
http://tinypic.com/r/zo6omg/8
http://tinypic.com/r/2gwho53/8
...however even a HT set screw and star washer is an improvement
over the manufactured design. Add threadlock(Locktite609).
And believe this... the bolts in place have a smear of what
appears to be silastic, yes SILASTIC(!!!!), on the last thread.
Now "planned plant obsolesence" allowed for there is "cheap", then
there is "cheap and nasty".
This construction surpasses all levels to reflect STUPIDITY!
According to the website these engines are USA built...another
reason I went with the purchase of the mower.
Now one has to wonder if the plant hires out of the simian enclosure
at the local (Maryland) zoo!
The engine is operational again, burning oil like the bejesus the
service life of this engine is done... well before due.
I am sure Kawasaki and their 'agents' are well aware of the problem.
I am also sure I am not the only one Ripped Off!
Wright walked away from Kawasaki. Time to join the stampede?
KK
#6
KrashnKraka
KrashnKraka