Hello, I know that this isn't recommended but I am curious. Finding another block for this engine would be difficult and a short block is almost what the mower is worth. I have a Kohler CV15S-41594 that was given to me after the connecting rod broke and did some damage. The only damage I can see is obviously the connecting rod itself, it broke the camshaft in half, and took a chip out of the bottom of the cylinder skirt (see pictures).
Althoug the skirt is damaged, I'm wondering why I cannot reuse this block? The chip seems to be below the oil ring at the bottom of the revolution. What can happen if I do this?
Also, I have a block from a CV15S-41515 coming. I have some doubts about being able to use it since buying it. If anyone can give me a difinitive I would really appreciate it..
Kohler makes a tough engine. Use your best judgment, if the rings don't come below the chip sand the edges of the chip smooth and let her go. I've done this on several engines and it always worked out fine. Just decide ahead of time if the cost is worth the risk. I might shorten the life of the engine somewhat by wearing the piston unevenly but as I said it has worked for me several times.
Thanks for the info and it's encouraging. If I move the piston up and down the cylinder I can feel the slightest drag at the bottom of the stroke. I think if I can sand it like you say it will go away. If it does, I can't imagine any damage happening to the piston (I hope). I think I may go for it, it was free, what do I have to lose... Well, maybe the cost of a new camshaft and connecting rod. :smile:
#4
reynoldston
If it was mine I would use it. I have put car engines together like this and never had a problem. When you get the piston in and hooked up before putting the head on move the piston up and down make sure you get no bind.
You said you feel some resistance or drag at the bottom? I take it there are no obvious signs of damage to the bore. Have you honed the cylinder? Structurally speaking, I don't think that chip will effect the engine's performance or durability. If you are worried about it, clean it up and JB Weld it. I don't know if there is more than one variety of the stuff, but what I have has a 60,000psi shear strength to it.
I did feel a slight drag at the bottom but I took some sandpaper to it and it seems to be gone. I considered honing but the cylinder walls look great. I can clearly see the "cross hatch" from a previous hone.
When you say to use some JB weld, are you saying to apply it to the exposed areas at the chip? Not to the cylinder surface area itself right?
I would have done just what it looks like you did... Grind it smooth, radius out any sharp angles an go with it...
The bind you are feeling is likely a bit of out of round that happened to the bottom when it tweaked it... if it is bad you could releave it a bit, but it sounds like it is not that bad...
I would not try to build a hi performance engine with that block... but for what your doing it should be GREAT... :smile:KennyV
For those that may be interested. I finished putting this engine together today and just finished mowing with it tonight. Runs GREAT, I really appreciate everyones input. I'm glad I joined this forum, you guys know your stuff!! :thumbsup:
I cant believe I found this forum post on a google search for "kohler cylder bore chippedat bottom"... I have the exact same issue on a Kohler V-twin 22hp. I didnt notice the chipped cylinder skirt right way and had bought a cylinder/head rebuild kit last Fall. When I got around to the final teardown steps prior to starting rebuild today, I noticed the half-moon chip in the skirt and thought I was SOL. After reading this thread I'm instead going to go for the rebuild with this block. Thanks!
