|
If you miked the bore, it is straight, and you have the proper size new piston and rings for it (meaning the ring end gap is within specs), and you honed the cylinder at the specified angle in the Kohler Service Manual, the rings will seat themselves almost immediately after startup. If you are experiencing blue smoke after a rebuild, it is likely that: A.) The cylinder was not honed.
B.) It was honed, but at too shallow an agle, causing the rings to "skip" inside it, creating a very light blue smoking condition, usually heaviest on power-up. This condition often corrects itself after less than 10 hours of operation. Otherwise it will be necessary to open it up and do it right, with new rings.
C.) The ring end gap is too wide (rings too small for cylinder). Open it up and do it right.
D.) You improperly installed the oil ring expander, and it has overlapped itself and is not supporting the two oil rings against the cylinder. The ends of the expander must meet end-to-end, it is a @#$%^&* to get it right and hold it right until both oil rings are on it to keep it in place. Open it up and do it right.
E.) You reused a worn piston that does not support the rings properly cuz the lands and skirt are shot, causing skipping. Open it up and do it right. The Kohler Service Manual that covers your K161 and many other models is at your dealer for around $9. It is well worth the investment. I've rebuilt quite a few, and they always turn out right when done to the specs. BTW, if you do have to open it up again, coat the piston, rings, cylinder, rod bearing and crank with straight STP on reinstall. It is super-slick and stays there until startup. Helps with the skipping ring problem. Use plain oil in the crankcase, no STP. I just use it for rebuilding lube. Works wonders. And change your oil after the first 5 hours to get ride of metal flakes from the rebuild and seating.
|
