Couple questions re. my Deere 214 with 14hp K321 Kohler:

1. The other day I was checking the oil in my 214 and started the motor for a few min. for heat up. My screen over the flywheel was off and wouldn't you know a paper napkin I was using got sucked in, through the duct to the air cleaner, and into the carb. I removed everything through to the carb - it was gas-soaked when I removed the pc. from the carb. (see #2 below now)

2. Changed the oil to the recommended SAE30. Old oil was dark in color and ready to be changed. Noticed a pc. of the paper towel had worked its way through to the muffler and was sticking out the muffler holes. Pulled it out also.

SUMMARY: The motor leaked NO oil prior to the paper towl incident and the oil change. Now when running I am seeing oil leaking, drop by drop. I haven't had a chance yet to go over the motor and try to trace, but wonder if the paper towel incident could have been more fatal than I thought, or if the leak that developed could even be related; the old oil was definately thicker than the new. Should I drop the oil pan (does that require removal of the motor?) and check it out cold, and also can I use high-temp RTV to re-gasket or do I need a special gasket?

ANY HELP GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

Tnx, Jim

I doubt if the paper napkin has anything to do with your leaking. A 214 has a few years on it and probably has a leaky seal or gasket. The repeated cycles of heating on cooling can make the seal and gaskets pretty brittle. First try and trace where the oil is coming from. Could it be as simple as having too much oil in the crankcase. Its happened before. Check around the dipstick, that seal could be bad. The cap could be loose enough to allow oil to be splashed out. Not likely but possible.
As for dropping the oil pan, yes the engine has to be removed. Before doing that wipe down everything very carefully and you probably find the leak.
Take care of that kohler 321, it can last a lot of years with proper maintenance.
If you need to replace any gasket or seal, try and get OEM parts. Any shop that handles Kohler can get you what you need. I would not use the high temp rtv for a gasket replacement. Good luck in your search
Jim.

Thanks for your comments! I am finally gettingback to this projectand will bring my findings here to share with everyone (hopefully I will have findings!!)

Jim

Jim, once you get the thing cleaned up to see where the oil is coming from, one of the common leaks is the crank seal on the PTO side. Sometimes it's even a "come and go" situation, others let it pour out. That seal gets loose in it's bore due to age and shrinkage, I suppose. Many times removal of this seal is as easy as cranking the engine with the PTO and traction drive pulley removed- she'll blow right out.
Usually the flywheel side will send the oil up and thru the head cooling fins. Sometimes the crankcase breather will get dirty enough to let crankcase pressure push oil past an otherwise good seal.
Of course, the oil pan gasket may be the problem, if so, then the engine will have to come out.
Good luck with your search.

tommyhawk

I am having the same problem. I think that it is coming from the governor shaft, but I am not sure. Did you find anything out?

A leak at the governor shaft may be caused by a worn shaft and/or bushing. The bronze nut is the bushing and can be replaced by removing the gov. arm and unscrew the nut, replace with a new one. If the shaft has a lot of wear, the engine must be partially disassembled to replace it. Governor must be reset after replacing bushing.
Also inspect the rubber hose from the crankcase breather to the air filter housing. If it is mushy, collapsed, or kinked, it will cause excess pressure in the crankcase causing such leaks.
For a free download service manual for your "K" series, check www.kohlerengines.com . Look for "Classic Engines" to find the "K" series.
Good luck.

tommyhawk