Kawasaki 23 hp fh-680 v problem

[EARTH5]

I gave my laser z hp engine to a friend to rebuild. It's a Kawasaki fh680 v 23 hp. Well he is a professional motorcycle mechanic and took the entire engine apart and started making a parts list which I ordered all except what he called crank or main bearings.
I looked online and figured out that they don't have a main bearing on crankshaft instead a sleeve that fits in the cases and the crank rides on that.
So my problem remains he removed only one of these ( thank god) and Kawasaki doesn't offer it as a separate part. They want you to buy the entire case for $450.
Does anyone know where I can find that sleeve/ bearing or any other help or solutions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[pugs]

There was a post on this a while back. I forget what the outcome ended up being but try doing a search in this particular forum(Mechanic and Repair).

Honestly if those are in need of replacing its time for a new engine.

[laman]

how many hours on this engine?

[ricky86]

Did he remove it, or did it fall out during teardown? If it fell out, I'm with Pugs. New engine.

[D C]

Originally Posted by ricky86

Did he remove it, or did it fall out during teardown? If it fell out, I'm with Pugs. New engine.

If you're doing a rebuild and can replace the worn bushing, what is gained by spending a LOT more on a new engine?

[D C]

Here's a past thread with good info on the topic: http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=231911

[pugs]

Originally Posted by D C

If you're doing a rebuild and can replace the worn bushing, what is gained by spending a LOT more on a new engine?

A 3 year warranty. A new starter motor. A new carb with all new linkages and no wear on the shafts or body. I would hope the engine rebuilder would be installing new valves and cutting the seats but who knows...so a new engine would have all of that new.

Also the newer engines have a better system of oiling that upper bushing that seems to be a problem in the older ones where they oiled it through the crankshaft instead of through the block as on the newer versions.

[D C]

Originally Posted by pugs

A 3 year warranty. A new starter motor. A new carb with all new linkages and no wear on the shafts or body. I would hope the engine rebuilder would be installing new valves and cutting the seats but who knows...so a new engine would have all of that new.

Also the newer engines have a better system of oiling that upper bushing that seems to be a problem in the older ones where they oiled it through the crankshaft instead of through the block as on the newer versions.

Not sure what an engine builder would get for a rebuild, but as a DIYer, the difference in cost between a rebuild and a new FH680V is enormous. Looks like a rebuild should be able to be done for <$300 parts & labor for a moderate amount of machining, if required. Of course, if the crank or rods are toast, that goes up quickly and changes the cost/benefit ratio. If it came to that, and as bad as the Kaws are, I think I'd buy 2 lesser-model Kohler or Briggs engines for the same $$ and call myself ahead in the long run.

[piston slapper]

Originally Posted by D C

Not sure what an engine builder would get for a rebuild, but as a DIYer, the difference in cost between a rebuild and a new FH680V is enormous. Looks like a rebuild should be able to be done for <$300 parts & labor for a moderate amount of machining, if required. Of course, if the crank or rods are toast, that goes up quickly and changes the cost/benefit ratio. If it came to that, and as bad as the Kaws are, I think I'd buy 2 lesser-model Kohler or Briggs engines for the same $$ and call myself ahead in the long run.

The going rate for rebuilding a Kawasaki twin cyl is 8 to 10 hours at shop labor rate ...plus parts..
That includes machine work and a 90 day warranty on parts and labor...
Oversizing the cylinders or grinding the crank are generally not worth doing...by the time you add the extra parts and labor involved...
Don't forget about the sales taxes. They add up quick when you get near $1000...

[piston slapper]

Originally Posted by ricky86

Did he remove it, or did it fall out during teardown? If it fell out, I'm with Pugs. New engine.

I'm with you guys on this one....
If the bushing fell out of the block during disassembly....its junk...
The gearset would have wear issues ..and the rods would be sloppy..
A Boomerang engine...any re used parts would come back on you...