[mikeduwe]

On a fully assembled engine (minus the oil pan of course)

I got the bottom one out by removing the snap ring. I think I have read to use a chisel on the top one since the crankshaft is in the way.

What position do I want the crankshaft in? Should it only take one hard rap with a steel hammer and sharp chisel? Where on the gear do I hit?

Thanks

 

[knottyrope]

not sure where but was mentioned they break easy with a chisel

http://www.wfmachines.com/discus/messages/335/162081.html

 

[mikeduwe]

There out, and the engine/tractor does vibrate more.

 

[bcuster]

Mike, did you remember to remove the chisel?

 

[cubby]

Mike, A little vibration doesn't even compare to when those gears decide to remove themselves. Not a pretty sight.

 

[verd]

My experience when I removed the balance gears is that the additional vibe is sufficient in magnitude and frequency that I find a lot of fasteners on the tractor loosen up much more often. In retrospect, I'm sorry I took them out. Next time I'll rebuild the assemblies and reinstall.

I know that's against popular wisdom, and I'll probably be voted off the island here, but I find the vibes and the loosening to be troubling for both the tractor and the operator.

 

[knottyrope]

Kirk Engines has a Kohler Balance plate which they advertise will allow you to remove the balance gears. This plate is on their web site about 3/4 of the way down the main page.

http://www.kirkengines.com/

 

[trav1s]

I am going to go with the balance plate from Kirk when I rebuild the k301 in my 312.