QuestionHi,
I have a JD RX73 rider that has a Kawaski 9 hp engine on it. The smokes and has low power. Reading past posts on this site regarding similar situations the common answer is clean/rebuild the carb and possibly the engine. I have decided to put a new needle vale and float on the carb (seat is not replaceable) and do some work on the engine. The compression is around 53 psi so I figure rings are in order.
I am planning on putting a gasket kit on it, new rings and the parts for the carb. When I open the engine up I will check for obvious wear and replace parts that appear to need it. My question is if there are other things I should be doing as a matter of normal course for a basic rebuild. Should the cylinder walls be honed or just new rings? I am wanting to do this right so the engine lasts for a while longer.
The engine is a Kawaski FC290V-CS01 (code FC290V151290).
Any recommendations or suggestions is greatly appreciated.
Answer Likely all that it needs is a new head gasket, as that would cause the smoking and low compression.
As a general rule, I do not "rebuild" engines like that, for with the expense of parts and labor , the customer would be better
off with a shortblock or new engine.
But, like I said , look at the head gasket, it is likely blown.
You can look at the cylinder wear while you have the head off.
