Exmark Kohler CH25 bent pushrods...twice??

[Patriot Services]

Originally Posted by piston slapper

I will give you this advice...but don't hold it against me if it doesn't work...
If there is not a crack between the valve seats..you MIGHT be able to clean and peen the casting and JB weld the seat back in...I've seen it done..and done it myself...but I was never very confident in it...sometimes you have to do what you have to do...
The valveseats live in a harsh enviroment...heat and about 3600 explosions a minute...on the day it fails again...you'll know what you have to do...
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I've replaced valve seats numerous times over the years in various engines. Got to be mandatory when leaded fuel went away. Usually had to chill the seat and heat the head to get them together. Never had a failure knock on wood.

[FlLiving]

New head acquired, new spring compressor also (old one was useless). Plan on swapping the valves tonight and mounting everything up if all goes well (read no afternoon rain). Exmark is not under a covered area at present

[FlLiving]

Houston, we have lift off.

I swapped over the rockers and such, new exhaust valve and valve seal. Took about 2 hours to get it all on. Had a fun time with those long screws on the big metal screen at the front of the engine (keeps the grass off the flywheel). They did not want to catch and start.

I will admit my mistake for a laugh. I got it all together, cranked her up and she started.. then ran worse and worse and stopped. I am thinking, oh not again. Pulled the #1 valve cover, everything's ok. Hmmm. Pulled the #2 calve cover. I forgot to torque the rocker bolts, thankfully no damage. Torqued and she runs excellent.

I swear it idles better than before, not sure if it is the carb rebuild or the new head. Either way I am so relieved, I mowed for 20 minutes in the dark (little light from house floods).

I cannot thank you all enough, sure I could have paid someone, or poured through books for days but you all made it much simpler.

I think I will start a new thread or two with some other questions, like how to convert this mulching deck to non mulching, and some other questions.

[piston slapper]

Roger That....FlLiving...Throttle Up and enjoy the ride...